eBay/Craigslist Paypal Question - Video the boxing?

[b06tmm]

I want to start selling off some of my higher-end guitars, the most expensive is around 5k. Since this is price of a nice first Rolex I'm wondering if videoing the boxing is effective in Paypal disputes.

In my area, Craigslist is full of low-ballers, flakes and scammers. eBay is almost the same but with fees.

Would time-stamping my pictures be good enough? Also, as someone has mentioned in another "stolen Rolex" thread, would the weight of the box be considered?

Thanks in advance,

Tim

[TimeToGo]

Paypal will always side with the seller. A recent thread on the forum indicates the same tactics, video taping the sealing and seller claimed the box was empty...

[cenzor]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Paypal will always side with the seller. A recent thread on the forum indicates the same tactics, video taping the sealing and seller claimed the box was empty...

You meant buyer in both cases, not the seller, right?

[Rootbeer]

My advice before shipping anything of value:

1. Get references from the buyer if available
2. Google the buyer. Do they seem like a likely legitimate buyer?
3. Look into the address. Are you sending it somewhere legitimate buyer would live? If you are sending to a business, who are they? Does the buyer work there?
4. Check paypal's ever-changing rules for shipping and make sure you comply to the letter. Obviously only verified accounts, confirmed address etc.
5. Don't be pressured. Do things on your schedule, allow time to make checks, don't be pushed into doing anything you don't feel comfortable with for the sake of a sale.

[TimeToGo]

Originally Posted by cenzor

You meant buyer in both cases, not the seller, right?

Yes, sorry! You are correct!

[Wesley Crusher]

Unless you know the buyer is trustworthy (impossible on Craigslist), only accept paypal gift. Paypal will not reverse a gift payment since the buyer did not technically pay for any goods or service.

As a seller, avoid eBay. There must be some guitar forums where you could easily unload your guitars, no?

[Cesium133]

Originally Posted by Rootbeer

My advice before shipping anything of value:

1. Get references from the buyer if available
2. Google the buyer. Do they seem like a likely legitimate buyer?
3. Look into the address. Are you sending it somewhere legitimate buyer would live? If you are sending to a business, who are they? Does the buyer work there?
4. Check paypal's ever-changing rules for shipping and make sure you comply to the letter. Obviously only verified accounts, confirmed address etc.
5. Don't be pressured. Do things on your schedule, allow time to make checks, don't be pushed into doing anything you don't feel comfortable with for the sake of a sale.

Good info here. I don't think video taping will do anything for you so only sell to someone that can be vetted to some degree.

[TimeToGo]

Paypal gift is NOT safe, contrary to what people think...

I have spoken to them about this and it CAN BE contested by a credit card AND reversed..

[Lgear080]

I'd say cash face to face at a guitar store is probably smarter...
That, or wires. PayPal is complete garbage for the seller. There
Is no precaution that will keep you safe. At all.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

I'd say cash face to face at a guitar store is probably smarter...
That, or wires. PayPal is complete garbage for the seller. There
Is no precaution that will keep you safe. At all.

X2 there's plenty of guitar consignment shops in my area, they take a fee, but it gets serious collectors to see them and the fees are inline with ebay usually

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

Paypal gift is NOT safe, contrary to what people think...

I have spoken to them about this and it CAN BE contested by a credit card AND reversed..

Originally Posted by Lgear080

I'd say cash face to face at a guitar store is probably smarter...
That, or wires. PayPal is complete garbage for the seller. There
Is no precaution that will keep you safe. At all.

These. A buyer can send you PayPal gift using his credit card as the form of payment, then do a chargeback.

And, I don't think PayPal would be very inclined to help you since you received a "gift" in exchange for a guitar.

[jandr272]

You can also consign to a larger or specialist ebay seller, and let them take the risks.

PayPal doesn't always protect the buyer, I got ripped on fake concert tickets and they wouldn't lift a finger to help because tickets are on their list of non-protected purchases (found that out afterwards).