gumtree buyer sending courier with cash?

ex-homelessdude2

im selling a tatami matt on gumtree for 30 quid and my buyer said they wanted to paypal and send a courier which i refused and said id only accept cash. now hes saying courier will bring cash.

i cant work out how this is a scam, especially since it such a cheap item.

but anyone got any ideas if its dodgy?

obviously if courier doesnt have cash then im not letting them take it. but will i get charged by courier for call out or anything?

hollydays

No. Ask for the courier company's phone number too and check them out.
The sale probably won't happen

Ting-Tang

Yeah, as above, the sale probably won't happen, but if it does you're absolutely right that it has to be cash only.

LadyDee

I've never heard of a courier who would bring cash. Something's a bit dodgy methinks.

RFW

LadyDee wrote: »

I've never heard of a courier who would bring cash. Something's a bit dodgy methinks.

Not only heard of it, I've had it happen. I recall it was a fair bit more than £30 too.
There are smaller courier companies and even owner drivers who will do it. As long as you get the cash and item gets taken away there isn't a problem, no chargebacks or any other potential headaches.
Give a time frame for collection and make an appointment so you aren't wasting your time. I usually give a one hour slot but give a choice of options for that appointment. Never say "collect on xday" always be more specific.

Ting-Tang

Yes, these small firms that will pay or receive cash for you are very handy to know, usually just a "man with a van" set up. I had a chap who used to do this for me quite a bit but unfortunately he's just retired. Looking for another one now...