How can I cover myself?

natjscofield

Hi everyone

I don't often paypal but I've managed to sell something for £150. The buyer is going to transfer the money via paypal. Is there anything I can do to make sure this doesn't go south?

I won't send the item until the money has cleared into my bank and I plan on sending via royal mail - tracked/signature etc.

I've been scammed before and ended up having to refund the money even though the buyer had the item. Is there anything I can do to ensure this doesn't happen?

I imagine as long as I've got the tracking number/proof of delivery I should be ok if the buyer claims they haven't received the item?

I'm a grade A worryer so just want to cover my bum with this!

Thanks

paulofessex

I feel as long as you ensure the buyers address is verified by PayPal you would be covered with regard sending it to that address.

Was the sale via Ebay? or are they sending the money as 'gift'?

natjscofield

Hi Paulofessex

I advertised the item via eBay but as an auction. I've been offered a buy it now price via an eBay message.

Money hasn't been sent yet but if necessary I can ask that they send the money as 'payment for services/item' etc, whatever it is that Paypal class it as.

Thanks for any advice!

paulofessex

I feel to cover yourself you may be best to change the auction to BIN. Just explain to the seller that by doing so covers both of you etc. See what others think also.

PDC

I would think you would be better covered if you did sell it through eBay, adding a buy it now option to your listing for this seller.

alykatz

Also for that amount of money i would send special delivery if using royal mail not just signed for.

natjscofield

Thanks both - is it possible to change the listing to add a buy it now? It has 1 day and 11 hours left.

If so - how? Do I simply edit the listing?

soolin

Firstly please read the postage sticky thread

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3146680

Secondly, I do not agree that going through eBay is safer for a seller, I can see no eBay seller protection that is worth bothering with over good old fashioned common sense. I wonder what protection people think eBay give ?

eBay do not of course allow offers to be made and items pulled to be sold 'off eBay' so dealing outside eBay would be a technical breach of t and cs. Also if item already has a bid then a BIN cannot be added, and if item is withdrawn entirely the FVFs would still be payable.

natjscofield

Hi Soolin

I'll read the sticky thread, thank you.

natjscofield

I have now changed my listing to reflect a BIN price.

I have had no further contact from the person making the offer by message. Hopefully it still sells.

Thanks all. Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

natjscofield

Hi again - sorry to keep bumping my own thread.

Item has now sold through BIN.
I plan on waiting until the money clears from paypal to my bank account before posting via special delivery.

Is there anything else I can do to protect myself in case buyer claims INR? Will have tracking number etc I'm just conscious that I could potentially be left having to refund money + not have item.