Facebook AD, safely pay invoice? 24 September 2022 at 9:03PM in Consumer rights 11 replies 382 views

pluto2010

Hi!
I'm looking to buy a item of Facebook marketplace, it's £1500.

I've asked the person for company details and they gave a company number. I've looked on company house etc, the company number is valid but I can't find any telephone numbers.
I've asked to pay on delivery with minimal deposit but they offer 1/2 payment upfront by invoice. 

Obviously anyone can create a invoice and I don't believe bank transfers have any refund rights.

What is the best way to proceed?
There's no point asking for a number and the business is too far away to visit.
I've tried finding the owner on li ked in etc with no joy.

Thanks!
I don't know what to do.

pinkshoes

What are the goods? Suitable for payment via PayPal named goods?

If you're unsure then walk away or be willing to kiss the money goodbye. 

pluto2010

pinkshoes said:

What are the goods? Suitable for payment via PayPal named goods?

If you're unsure then walk away or be willing to kiss the money goodbye. 

It's a shipping container I plan to use as a shed.
I've mentioned PayPal invoice but he says it will come from his company to company account.
1/2 the funds is way to risky for me but its currently the only one that's fits the need

km1500

You have no protection if you pay by eg bank transfer - you might as well post the cash in an envelope.

edit: posting cash is better - at least you'd have an address...

user1977

What do you know about the seller other than they currently have a Facebook advert? How long established, any reviews? You don't get any special protection by using bank transfer, if there's a problem then it's small claims court (assuming you have correct contact info and they've got the assets to pay you). 

soolin

I would be very wary of any business on FB, or indeed online anywhere that doesn’t have either a card taking facility or accept PayPal. 

born_again

Check you local council. As some do not like this type of product being placed in residential gardens & certain location do require it.


https://www.willbox.co.uk/2016/06/project-planning-basics-shipping-container-buildings/

knightstyle

What is the name of the sellers company and are you going to pay an individual or a registered company.
If it were me I would not pay except by Paypal with them sending a Paypal invoice detailing what you are buying.

pinkshoes

pluto2010 said:

pinkshoes said:

What are the goods? Suitable for payment via PayPal named goods?

If you're unsure then walk away or be willing to kiss the money goodbye. 

It's a shipping container I plan to use as a shed.
I've mentioned PayPal invoice but he says it will come from his company to company account.
1/2 the funds is way to risky for me but its currently the only one that's fits the need

A business that won't take PayPal or card payment... hmmmm....

£1500 also seems cheap for a business selling these. Is it a really tiny one?

I would pay more and use a reliable company.

unforeseen

pinkshoes said:

pluto2010 said:

pinkshoes said:

What are the goods? Suitable for payment via PayPal named goods?

If you're unsure then walk away or be willing to kiss the money goodbye. 

It's a shipping container I plan to use as a shed.
I've mentioned PayPal invoice but he says it will come from his company to company account.
1/2 the funds is way to risky for me but its currently the only one that's fits the need

A business that won't take PayPal or card payment... hmmmm....

£1500 also seems cheap for a business selling these. Is it a really tiny one?

I would pay more and use a reliable company.

It could be that it doesn't include the cost of the crane to lift it into the garden. 

MalMonroe

Hi, 

My first question has to be - why on earth is any company worth its salt selling things on Facebook? They should have their own website.

And then, this has to be the biggest red flag I've ever seen -

"I've asked the person for company details and they gave a company number. I've looked on company house etc, the company number is valid but I can't find any telephone numbers. I've asked to pay on delivery with minimal deposit but they offer 1/2 payment upfront by invoice."  Big, big, huge red flag.

I definitely echo what pinkshoes said, above - "walk away". Or prepare to lose a decent chunk of money.

You say you don't know what to do but I think you do. You have doubts about this being a bona fide company and you fear that you'll lose your money. I'd say that's a fair estimate of the situation, particularly as you also say "1/2 the funds is way too risky for me but its currently the only one that fits the need". It's not the one that fits YOUR need.
 
Please don't part with your money. So many people have lost so much by 'buying' items on FB. Run away, don't walk.

And as born_again said, above, you should also check with your local council before you consider putting a shipping container in your garden. They are huge!

But most importantly, do not part with your hard earned cash.