Buying High Value Used Item from Croatia - How to Pay?

JCF1985

Hi, I will shortly be buying a used item for £1300 from Croatia, I'm in the UK. The item was advertised on a forum and the seller seems genuine. I have received many pictures of the item and some videos, and have been in contact with the seller for a few months). However we are both unsure how to proceed with regards to payment. Naturally I suggested Paypal as it protects both of us, however the seller told me that in Croatia Paypal transactions are subject to 25% tax. Now I don't mind paying the Paypal fees, but that's too much.
How much protection does Western Union offer? Is there any form of payment that gives me some comeback if I send the money and then the seller disappears and doesn't send the item?

Browntoa

Western union is a no no

This PayPal thing sounds fishy to me , Google's showing no hits when I search on Croatia PayPal tax

dlusman

Could he mean that if he puts it through paypal he will have to pay income tax on it - and is trying to keep it "under the radar" ?

JCF1985

That's what's I thought. This is a concern for me. It's a one of a kind item, so I'm excited to get it but the payment side of things is a concern.

JCF1985

From research it looks like paying with a credit card and then pursuing a 'Section 75 Claim' if things go awry might be the only way forward. But how do I pay for an item using a credit card if he can't take Paypal?
Use Paypal but send the money as a 'gift' then even though I'm wont have any Paypal protection but at least I have paid on credit card and can use that...
This is a depressing turn of events.

Pun

Have you asked him if he takes credit cards (seems very unlikely since your question suggests he is a private seller)?

Otherwise contact paypal and ask about this 25% tax in Croatia claim. Then you can go back to him and explain you've had direct confirmation from Paypal that a UK to Croatia payment by Paypal is not subject to a 'Paypal tax' (wording it that way avoids the suggestion he is lying - or just wrong). If he's trying to avoid some sort of domestic tax, that's his problem, not yours, although obviously some sort of resolution is needed if you are to get your item. That resolution definitely isn't Western Union or a paypal gift if you are concerned about the seller scarpering with your goods.

CKhalvashi

Is driving (or flying) over and physically getting it, paid for in cash an option?

I notice you're in Lancashire and can think of at least 3 airlines that fly to Croatia from Manchester, and at least 1 from LBA.

Plus you have the ability to inspect and the ability for a courier to lose it is no longer there.

I'd take a punt that could be done for about £100 all in (depending on where in Croatia) and would offer you much more peace of mind.