Ebay selling...send to Russia?

Martin_Knott-Lewis

I'm trying to raise some cash by clearing out my unwanted belongings and collectables and selling them on Ebay.

One of my Ebay listings ended without a bid and one of the watchers asked to buy it. I was going to send an invoice via paypal and send the item to the address on paypal with tracked and signed postage.

The seller wants it sent to a relative in Russia. I checked the buyer's ebay profile and she is in the UK. So I suggested I send to her and she can forward it on. The buyer replied that she is also in Russia and not coming back to the UK. I emailed asking her to confirm the address she gave is the address on her Paypal a/c. Got an email back with directions how I should pack very carefully, write the address with care, etc. Like she is trying to deflect from the question I had asked.

The item costs £65 plus postage likely to be about £60. I can't afford to be scammed for that amount of money.
I can't see any couriers online for Russia with tracking. Also the item is breakable, being made of china.

What do you think? What should I do? I'm feeling nervous about it.

purcel

only send the item to the paypal address

Martin_Knott-Lewis

I thought so too.

How do I find out the paypal address? Would I have to issue an invoice to the email address she gave me in order to find out what the paypal address is?

booter

purcel wrote: »

only send the item to the paypal address

Ditto!

It sounds a bit dodgy to me - the buyer has a UK ebay address, but then says they're no longer in the UK? I think I'd report that one to e-bay. Trust your instincts - and avoid like the plague

Martin_Knott-Lewis

Thank you. That's two of you saying.

I will avoid! It is far too much money to lose!

tiny_courageous

I've recently had a russian buyer, and they also gave very precise instructions about how they wanted the item packed etc. Posted at beginning of Jan and they've just received it (very happy but asking about a fingerprint on the inside of a sealed item - told them I haven't got a clue but I assume the item must have been handled during the production process!). If the buyer wants it sending to Russia, they'll need to add their russian address to paypal. Royal mail international signed for is a waste of time as well (for paypal protection).

Sorry, that was more of a rant than any help, wasn't it. Basically, tread carefully and cover your back.

soolin

Personally if you feel uncomfortable I would suggest you walk away. Instinct is a powerful sense.

I do sell to Russia and I tend to always get them telling me how to wrap stuff and even send me pictures on how to make boxes, but I limit my sales to under £46 and use standard airmail.

chemical.galaxy

Russia is the only country I will not post to as I have lost too many items sent there via RM airmail.

Obviously_the_best

With russia if it's over £46 it goes with a courier, and if any of my customers want it sent to a different address they have to enter that address at the checkout, no other way or other address

chancesare_2

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

With russia if it's over £46 it goes with a courier, and if any of my customers want it sent to a different address they have to enter that address at the checkout, no other way or other address

And I can't get a courier for love nor money....Russia is blacklisted by DHL, City Link....unless its a business address.

Martin_Knott-Lewis

I don't know any tracking couriers for Russia.

I have doubts about the transaction and would rather not go ahead now that I have all your comments.

Thanks again.