How to ship an expensive item on eBay?

[Russian-Czar]

How to ship an expensive item on eBay and not get scammed by the buyer.

Any tips appreciated.



PS. it's $3,000 electronics

 

[bartosimpsonio]

Require deposit before shipping or use an escrow service if they don't trust you.

 

[babypowder]

i'll give a list of some things i do with most basic to most long winded.

1. ship with tracking, insurance, and DIRECT signature confirmation. (so they can't leave w/ a neighbor)

2. Get invoice/receipt for item to prove you have/had it legally. (will come in handy later)

3. While at shipping center ( i prefer fedex for big purchases) record on your phone the item, in the box, taping it up, and label on it, being scanned into fedex system.

4. Get appraisal and proof by industry professional before sending. I used to do this when i sold pre-owned watches. If you go to an authorized jeweler before, have them authenticate it, record serial number etc. Can be done for cheap (or free for some items) and proof that you sent a legit item.

Those are pretty much the best steps you can take. There is always a chance of getting screwed over. If using paypal and their protection program it's the best way. As posted above, escrow does make things easier -- but I've had problems there as well; i.e. seller sends back a different item. Also check buyers history -- is he an older ebayer, check feedback history, check payment method -- withdraw to your bank account before you send (if possible), etc. Call paypal and chat with them if you have suspicion -- for a large purchase they can call the account holder to verify transaction.

There is no sure proof way, but do your best -- be honest -- and you should be fine! Best of luck, let us know how it goes.

 

[bartosimpsonio]

Adding one thing to babypowers excellent tips: ship only to the person who actually made payment. If payment was made by Jon Doe, don't ship to Mary Jane because she's his "girlfriend".

 

[babypowder]

Adding one thing to babypowers excellent tips: ship only to the person who actually made payment. If payment was made by Jon Doe, don't ship to Mary Jane because she's his "girlfriend".

for sure -- this should go without saying. only to the confirmed paypal address. For all ebay/paypal orders, no matter the price.

 

[Russian-Czar]

good points. thx

I am more concerned about buyer returning it saying it don't work using eBay not as described policy, sense it is electronics.

 

[scallen37]

Do a public search on the person before you send anything to them. Anything over $300 and I look them up on Facebook, and type their username, email, name, etc for this person. I've turned down transactions because I found people were convicted for fraud before, or found their e-mail address on forums saying not to buy from/sell to them. A couple years ago I was going to sell my 1998 Toyota Supra on eBay and found out the guy who bought it from me had 30 or 40 threads about him on many different forums for being someone who scammed car parts and stuff from people on those very forums. I told him he would have to fly to pick it up and would have to bring cash, and I would even reimburse him from the total of the car and deduct 5% if he would - he didn't. 2 months later I called the number provided just to see if he was still interested in the car, and got a hold of his Mother who told me he was in jail for 1 year.

 

[ZestMedia]

If the buyer is paying via PayPal, ensure that he confirm his shipping address. Also do use registered mails that requires signatures so that they do not claim they did not receive the products. Big companies like FEDEX, DHL etc also require signature upon receipt. After all it's a $3000 item!

 

[Russian-Czar]

eBay don't care about sellers.

I contacted eBay saying that I do not want to ship an item to a newly registered user, they told me that there is nothing they can do, so they can't block a new 0 feedback users because they said "everyone needs to start somewhere" might as well start with my 3k item. WTF

 

[babypowder]

eBay don't care about sellers.

I contacted eBay saying that I do not want to ship an item to a newly registered user, they told me that there is nothing they can do, so they can't block a new 0 feedback users because they said "everyone needs to start somewhere" might as well start with my 3k item. WTF

this guy has 0 feedback? i would def not ship it to him. way to fishy for me -- i'd just let it go. If they're a scammer they'll let it go. If they're legit, then wait a bit, tell them your PP is down, must ship certified funds (i.e. money order, certified check etc). If they're legit, they'll conform.

don't be a victim here to eBays rules.

 

[Dalebob12345]

Get most expensive shipping option ie tracking real signature also make sure payment is recieved and then transfer to your bank account then ship