Ebay complete bike selling recommendation

[DY85262]

Hi
I am selling a couple of bikes on eBay and wondered in your experience which is the safest method to prevent being conned?
Buy it now or best offer is the listing type but I am concerned about having a case filed against me through PayPal.
Would you recommend bank transfer? Cash paid into my bank once it's been viewed?
It's regrettably a sad era when it comes to trust.
Anyone know the best way?
Many thanks.

 

[greencat]

You will reduce your chances of selling if you only offer bank transfer as eBay offers the customer no protection.

Cash on collection is a possibility - but that limits sales to the immediate area or people willing to travel. Do not take PayPal and then let them collect as they can file a claim saying they haven't received the goods and you will have no proof that they have.

The last bike I sold I simply did it as Best offer with free postage. I had a few low ball offers - and then someone hit buy it now and paid full whack.

Always use traceable courier if you are posting - and be as honest as you can be with the description. Undersell even - so people are delighted when it's better than they expected.

Also don't worry about it too much. Selling a bike on eBay isn't like selling an iPhone where you are much more likely to have someone wanting you to ship it to Nigeria or something.

 

[Raging_Bulls]

Offer Paypal, it will show buyers that you're sincere. If I want to buy a bike and the seller lists it with bank transfer as only payment option, I'll back out because it seems shady.

Package it well. I use a sturdy box and reinforce it with strategically-placed pieces of 2x2" wood or pieces of broomstick (sawed to the correct length).
I usually also put a piece of broomstick between the dropouts on both the frame and the fork to stop them from being bent.
Don't skimp on bubble wrap and other packaging materials either. You want things to be in a fixed position rather than moving around inside the box.

Take photos of the entire packaging process, including pics of the reinforcements and the parts being wrapped and everything. That way you can counter any claims that it wasn't properly packaged.

Double-check the address (have the buyer confirm it). Send it tracked and insured for the full sales price. Yes, insurance will reduce your profit, but if the courier damages the bike you'll be glad you did get it.

If you let the buyer use Paypal and collect it in person, prepare paperwork stating that he took delivery. Verify the signature by comparing it with his ID card or drivers license or whatever official documents you have over there. Of course also put your signature on the paper and show your verification right away.

 

[KDM]

Unless I know the person and I mean really know them, I would never do a bank transfer. As a buyer paypal offers me protection, I agree it's crap as a seller.

I normally vary my adverts. If it's a cheap bike I ask for cash on pick up. If it's an expensive bike then lots of pictures, offer delivery, use a signed for insured delivery service and always keep communications open.

I'm pretty sure most cases of "I didn't get it so I want my money back" fraudulent cases have been avoided by signed for services being used

On bikes I have yet to have a problem, can I ask why you think you might be conned?

 

[xerxes]

Re:

If you're not in a hurry, try Gumtree, cash on collection, first.

Ebay fees are quite high, so I always try selling things for free on Gumtree before resorting to Ebay.

 

[The History Man]

Offer Paypal, it will show buyers that you're sincere. If I want to buy a bike and the seller lists it with bank transfer as only payment option, I'll back out because it seems shady.

Package it well. I use a sturdy box and reinforce it with strategically-placed pieces of 2x2" wood or pieces of broomstick (sawed to the correct length).
I usually also put a piece of broomstick between the dropouts on both the frame and the fork to stop them from being bent.
Don't skimp on bubble wrap and other packaging materials either. You want things to be in a fixed position rather than moving around inside the box.

Take photos of the entire packaging process, including pics of the reinforcements and the parts being wrapped and everything. That way you can counter any claims that it wasn't properly packaged.

Double-check the address (have the buyer confirm it). Send it tracked and insured for the full sales price. Yes, insurance will reduce your profit, but if the courier damages the bike you'll be glad you did get it.

If you let the buyer use Paypal and collect it in person, prepare paperwork stating that he took delivery. Verify the signature by comparing it with his ID card or drivers license or whatever official documents you have over there. Of course also put your signature on the paper and show your verification right away.

This is good advice. Sold a full bike recently and wish i'd photographed the packing and threads etc beforehand. Apparently it arrived 'damaged'.

 

[DY85262]

Re:

Thanks for the replies.
Some good information. I think as long as you have an audit trail you will always have a good case.
In addition I had a telephone conversation with the buyer before I sold one particular item. This has its plus points but can also leaving you doubting yourself.
Gut feel is usually right.

Once again cheers.