So I have some items of value (Red Mansion plates and other collectable items) which will garner their best price from the large audience eBay provides. Only problem is how PayPal typically sides with the buyer in a dispute.

Because I am not a merchant, it looks like PayPal is the only accepted method of payment to be received. Of course I do not want to get ripped off for a lot of bucks soooo;

What recommendation say thee for preventing the rip-off artist of taking advantage of me and;

am I missing something which prevents me from using PayPal?

Escrow services for high dollar items.

The cost of the service fees vs losing the item and the money.

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Escrow services for high dollar items.

The cost of the service fees vs losing the item and the money.

Im'a looking at items less than $800 and did not consider the service.

Thanks Monkey.

I started using eBay again after years of swearing it off. Had some dive and hiking gear, I don't use, that was taking up space I needed.

I think the most expensive thing I sold was about $130. Most other things where much less.

When someone makes me an offer I check their history before I accept it. If they are fairly active or have bought or sold a bunch of stuff I feel fairly safe. Had I someone offer me almost double what I was asking for a piece of dive gear. They had almost no history on the site so I just declined the offer.

Most of what I have sold is with a buy it now prices. Someone could just click the buy now and I would have to sell to them but most people make an offer.

I think history can be a good judge. People are less likely to rip you off if they use the site often.

I've never thought about it before, but what comet24 says makes sense.

Put a Buy Now price to 150% of what it is really worth. If someone with a long history makes an offer, even a lowball offer, strike up a conversation and see where it goes.

If you are willing to accept 10% below what would be considered FMV, chances are you will be able to sell it.

Even if someone doesn't end up buying your item, it doesn't hurt to let them know you have other items you plan on listing. As long as ebay gets their cut, they don't care.

I would also recommend taking detailed pictures as you pack your item. If you can a picture of both the box you use and a serial number, that would be even better. Then take a picture of the box sealed up with the shipping label on it. Then take it directly to the shipper and keep the receipt which should have the weight. Take a picture of the receipt while you are still at the shipper.

Immediately update all shipping information on ebay's Web site.

I don't know how this works, but somehow you can generate shipping labels using ebay. ebay will then notify the buyer when the item is shipped and when it is delivered. I think using this would offer you further protection.

I think you also need to specify things like only willing to ship to a U.S. address verified on USPS.com and only willing to ship to a PayPal verified address. You should be able to require that the shipping address the buyer provides is a PayPal verified shipping address.

I think you can also verify that it is a PayPal verified billing address as well.

I would mark the item up about 15% only, this gives you a much better chance of selling it. Buyer pays first. Take photos of the items, and ship it out. Rarely is there a problem if the person has a good feedback rating.

I have bought and sold hundreds of items on ebay and I personally have not had any issues. There are scammers. Paypal also definitely sides with the buyer more times than not but you have some protection. I have had to refund one item and pay for return shipping because the buyer misunderstood what the item was. Best advice is to accurately describe the item including condition, include at least a few pics, and set a reasonable price. Many will watch an item in the hopes that the price is reduced. Most of my items sold within 30 days, if not 15 days. I use Buy it Now often as well and set a good price. Also only ship to verified paypal addresses.

Regarding Paypal, I WILL NOT link a bank account to them. I have a credit card tied to my paypal account and whenever I am paid I request a check and get it within 10 days. I personally know people that have had money taken out of their account after the transaction was completed due to the buyer complaining about something and paypal's resolution was to just take their money back.

Bottom line if you use wisely it is quite safe and reliable.

Back to your original question, rip off's on ebay or paypal.
Describe the item accurately and put lots of good pictures. Ship quickly and package well. Communicate with the buyer.
I've sold a few thousand items on there over about 15 years and I've had one small problem buyer out of all of those transactions.

Used to sell as a job. Got out for various reasons but among them was that the market owners were increasingly pro-buyer no matter the evidence. I didn't have all that many issues with buyers over thousands of transactions but the few I had were major hassles to deal with. It's only gotten worse as ebay and paypal become more buyer friendly at every opportunity.

Take excellent pictures. Be as precise and conservative as possible in your listings. Don't link paypal to your main bank accounts because they will take money out of them to satisfy claims. Open an account just for ebay or get paid by check from paypal.

Feedback below 98% is a red flag for me, as is a short time on Ebay. When selling I market the fact that I've been on Ebay since '99 and have a 100% feedback record. No problems selling hundreds of items.

I had way too much shit, and felt like it owned me, so I've been selling most of it off for about the last 4 years. The more obscure the item, the less likely you're dealing with a scammer, although the more money theoretically the more likely you'll run into one.

I had a golf buddy who bought a pair of Jet Skis for $22K. He was concerned about the required wire transfer, so prior to purchase he contacted Ebay and discussed the listing. They assured him everything appeared kosher, and that the transaction was covered by Ebay's guarantee. Sure enough it was a scam, but Ebay reimbursed him. Took quite a while though.

quote:

Originally posted by cruiser68:
I have bought and sold hundreds of items on ebay and I personally have not had any issues. There are scammers. Paypal also definitely sides with the buyer more times than not but you have some protection. I have had to refund one item and pay for return shipping because the buyer misunderstood what the item was. Best advice is to accurately describe the item including condition, include at least a few pics, and set a reasonable price. Many will watch an item in the hopes that the price is reduced. Most of my items sold within 30 days, if not 15 days. I use Buy it Now often as well and set a good price. Also only ship to verified paypal addresses.

Regarding Paypal, I WILL NOT link a bank account to them. I have a credit card tied to my paypal account and whenever I am paid I request a check and get it within 10 days. I personally know people that have had money taken out of their account after the transaction was completed due to the buyer complaining about something and paypal's resolution was to just take their money back.

Bottom line if you use wisely it is quite safe and reliable.

Just opened a new account at my bank. It will the wofe's and mine "PayPal" account. need to explore the option of preventing ANYONE from extracting/stealing money from that account.