Is it safe to sell on ebay

flick24

Hi, I've got a camera and equipment I want to sell its all in mint condition as only used a couple of times. I keep thinking about using ebay but have read a lot of horror stories about buyers complaining to paypal and sellers losing out.

I sold a ps3 years ago and had this happen to me buyer claimed it didn't work and opened dispute few days before he wouldn't be able to. I looked into the buyer noticed some of his other ebay activity and phoned paypal amazingly though rightly I won the case...but this seems to be a rare thing I think it might be because I escalated it myself and called the buyers bluff quick phone call and case was closed.

It has left me a bit wary though of selling expensive items any advice on selling safely and avoiding scamming buyers?

theonlywayisup

Have a read of the sticky thread on postage.

If you are worried after that, you may be better selling on facebook/gumtree/free ads using a cash on collection system.

Paypal don't decide cases on who has escalated, it's buyer/seller protection and who adheres to what.

Flyonthewall

When selling anything like that make sure to write down serial numbers, take plenty of photos, write a clear description, send it tracked and make sure it's covered in the event of loss or damage.

Sunshine62

You might try Amazon marketplace. I generally sell on there these days, less problems and usually a better price. Even so, you do have to watch out, I once had someone buy a TV and when I checked the address it turned out to be Virtual Office Space.... I simply cancelled the order.....saying that I would never sell a TV online again, most of the cheaper delivery companies do not insure TVs against breakage.

flick24

I imagine that dodgy buyers are a minority but I can't afford to lose out, I guess expensive items are more risky to sell...annoying that it seems paypal seems to always side with buyer, I might look at other options first.

Its more the item not as described I'm concerned about seems even if I have loads of photos it wouldn't help.

Flyonthewall

flick24 wrote: »

I imagine that dodgy buyers are a minority but I can't afford to lose out, I guess expensive items are more risky to sell...annoying that it seems paypal seems to always side with buyer, I might look at other options first.

Its more the item not as described I'm concerned about seems even if I have loads of photos it wouldn't help.

They don't always side with the buyer. If you've got a tracking number and they say INR you can prove it has been delivered. You'll win the case. If they say item not as described you are best off asking them to return for a refund but as a private seller you don't have to offer return postage costs. You can say no to them returning because they changed their minds (if you're a private seller).

If you describe things clearly and fully and take plenty of photos then when they claim it's not as described if it's something you've mentioned you can point it out or you can prove the item wasn't like that when you sent it as it's fine in the photos. It may make the buyer think twice about opening a case or change their minds over bothering to return it. More so if they plan to return a different one that's clearly different and you'll have the serial numbers to prove it as well.

Plus more photos and a really good description means dodgy buyers are less likely to think they can get away with anything as it's clear exactly what you are selling and genuine buyers won't be confused or disappointed.

BlueEyedGirl

I've just sold a DSLR with lenses, books, strap, case, filters etc. It was quite a large boxed up item when put together especially given the extras. The camera was less than 6 months old but I was getting much use out of it so eBay seemed like the best place to sell.

I uploaded plenty of photos from different angles of the camera, including of the serial number (which was also clearly written in the listing) and I ensured the description was accurate. I also offered it on a 'Buy It Now' for a fixed price with free P&P.

Item was sent Royal Mail Special Delivery which gave me £500 worth of cover and guaranteed delivery next day before 1pm, this cost me £26.60, I incorporated £30 into my BIN price to cover the postage.

Seems a student bought it, and was extremely pleased with the purchase given the message I got a few days later