Selling to someone with zero feedback

Counting_Pennies_2

Can I ask what safe guards I can take if any when selling to someone with zero feedback.

They have been a member for several months, but have no transactions under their belt.

While I understand everyone starts somewhere, I wonder if I can do anything to cover myself, in terms of confirmed addresses, etc to cover myself

Thanks

StaffsSW

If they use paypal then ensure the address is Confirmed - they will have had plenty of time to get this done since joining. If it's not, then you have the right to refund and relist, although you can expect a frosty response from the bidder. That is actually what Paypal advice when you question them about sending to unconfirmed addresses, rather than preventing them from bidding/paying in the first place.

If it is paid by any other means, once you have the cash in your hand, cheque cleared in the bank, postal order changed etc - then it's almost impossible for them to try to scam you, so confirmed or unconfirmed it does not matter.

Also consider the value and desireability of the item you are selling - if its a pair of jeans or CD, it's hardly lucrative for a scam, but mobile phone, digital camera etc, be very wary.

Counting_Pennies_2

stevew8975 wrote: »

If they use paypal then ensure the address is Confirmed - they will have had plenty of time to get this done since joining. If it's not, then you have the right to refund and relist, although you can expect a frosty response from the bidder. That is actually what Paypal advice when you question them about sending to unconfirmed addresses, rather than preventing them from bidding/paying in the first place.

Thanks, they have paid by paypal, how do I check it is a confirmed address, where abouts will it let me know.

Thanks

marleyboy

As you have mentioned, everybody has to start off from zero, if its a small value item and paid via PAYPAL, chances are they are legit, most first timers will start off small. The buyer could well be thinking the same thing about the seller, especially if they are new to this. If they turn out to be honest and upfront, be sure to give them a good feedback, so others will not be so worried about them.

StaffsSW

Check the Payment Transaction in Paypal - Under the buyers address is a Green "Confirmed" or Orange "Unconfirmed" statement.

Above the address is a "Seller Protection Policy" with either a Green "Eligible" or Orange "Ineligble"

Counting_Pennies_2

stevew8975 wrote: »

Check the Payment Transaction in Paypal - Under the buyers address is a Green "Confirmed" or Orange "Unconfirmed" statement.

Above the address is a "Seller Protection Policy" with either a Green "Eligible" or Orange "Ineligble"

Fantastic, thanks they do have confirmed status so about as steady a buyer as they can be.

StaffsSW

One final check - if the item is worth more than £30, it's worth paying extra for Recorded or Special Delivery. Confirmed or not, if they claim it never arrived paypal will automatically refund if you can not provide proof of DELIVERY.

Under £30, the Post Office will refund with a proof of postage.

blue_haddock

Actually Steve you are best off only using Special delivery as i believe recorded only gets tracked once it has been signed for - ie untill it's signed for it's just classed as normal mail whereas special is tracked at every stage.

ANDY597

I agree, I never use recorded anymore, it only entitles you to a signature. Special is fully trackable online and has been compensation levels. For high end value, always use a courier rather than royal mail. I use interparcel as you get quidco and an extra 5% off if you log into interparcel which is free to sign up to. best to have a printer ready if you want the best prices though.
Hope that helps.

Other people answer the whole confirmed address thing, as I was going to agree with that too...LOL

jasmineswhiskers

If they were going to do something untoward surely they would have done it when they registered, not wait several months.