Receiving a bank transfer from Germany?

littlesheepy

I've sold an item on ebay and it's sold to somebody in Germany. They sent me a garbled message after winning which i replied saying i didn't understand. I've had another today that mentions IBAN and BIC code so i'm guessing they're wanting to send a bank transfer. I've double checked and i've definitely only stated i accept payment via paypal, postal order/bankers draft or personal cheque.

I've received bank transfers in the UK many times without a problem before but never one from abroad. Should i give out my details and accept one now or say i don't accept that form of payment? Are there any risks if i do? (they have 200 odd positive feedback although all in German)

martindow

Paypal is not very widespread in Germany and it is common to use bank transfers.

To avoid bank charges it is best to convert your price into Euros and ask them to pay that. You may lose out by a few pence when your bank converts it but you have saved Paypal fees.

It is perfectly safe to give IBAN numbers - no more info there than on a cheque. The IBAN is often on bank statements.

littlesheepy

martindow wrote: »

Paypal is not very widespread in Germany and it is common to use bank transfers.

To avoid bank charges it is best to convert your price into Euros and ask them to pay that. You may lose out by a few pence when your bank converts it but you have saved Paypal fees.

It is perfectly safe to give IBAN numbers - no more info there than on a cheque. The IBAN is often on bank statements.

Fab, thank you