Buyers caution

[Wernervdmerwe]

Just had a call from a guy who is keen to buy some of the stuff I am selling.

 

This is normally good news, and he asked for some extra things to be added, I added the things and mentioned what I wanted for it.

Now I might be paranoid, but I am used to a fair amount of quibbling and negotiating - he did none of it, just accepted the prices (which was fair and a bit lower than what I have seen on the hub), so he might be aware of pricing etc.

 

When I asked for a delivery address, he said he will collect from the courier company / post office.

 

If he sends me proof of payment, how can I know if it is a scam? Is there a way to verify the validity of the payment or what is the safest way to go about this?

[Starry nights]

Wait a day or two and go to your bank and ask them if the deposit is cleared. Only send goods when bank says its fine - if was deposited by checque be extra carful.

[bikemonster]

Very simple - explain that you will not be sending the goods until you have cleared funds in your account.

 

Ask the buyer to pay by interweb trf with a notification from his bank to your email account.

 

This is what I've done when I've sold stuff, and the buyers have always accepted it with no prob.

 

I am an inveterate haggler. I can't help myself. But sometimes stuff is so cheap I just can't be bothered. I bought a pair of wheels a few months back for R800. Geez...how much cheaper could they be? No haggling. On the other hand, I've walked away from two Thule racks recently 'cause the seller wasn't prepared to accept my price. No quibbling could reflect that your prices are good; if you know your prices are cheeky, perhaps you do have a scammer.

[chris_w_65]

Just had a call from a guy who is keen to buy some of the stuff I am selling.

 

This is normally good news, and he asked for some extra things to be added, I added the things and mentioned what I wanted for it.

Now I might be paranoid, but I am used to a fair amount of quibbling and negotiating - he did none of it, just accepted the prices (which was fair and a bit lower than what I have seen on the hub), so he might be aware of pricing etc.

 

When I asked for a delivery address, he said he will collect from the courier company / post office.

 

If he sends me proof of payment, how can I know if it is a scam? Is there a way to verify the validity of the payment or what is the safest way to go about this?

 

Call the bank or try see on your statement if it is a cheque deposit or an EFT. Check your balance and your available balance.

 

Cheque deposit is a big no no

 

Don't part with the goods till the money reflects in your account or in the case of a cheque until it clears

Edited November 17, 2010 by chris_w_65

[Squeeky]

Just had a call from a guy who is keen to buy some of the stuff I am selling.

 

This is normally good news, and he asked for some extra things to be added, I added the things and mentioned what I wanted for it.

Now I might be paranoid, but I am used to a fair amount of quibbling and negotiating - he did none of it, just accepted the prices (which was fair and a bit lower than what I have seen on the hub), so he might be aware of pricing etc.

 

When I asked for a delivery address, he said he will collect from the courier company / post office.

 

If he sends me proof of payment, how can I know if it is a scam? Is there a way to verify the validity of the payment or what is the safest way to go about this?

 

Either get buyer to get the bank to send you confirmation directly or wait until funds are cleared in your account before sending with couriers.

[Starvin' Marvin]

I trusted the guys I sold to. No idea who they were. Tell the dude you will send the goods once the cash clears. If he is not happy with thayt. Walk away.

[gummibear]

Hold onto the goods for a few days and wait till the money is a available balance in your acc.Don't give it over till you are sure the money is yours.

This time of year scams are big.

If your gut is not feeling right then leave the deal.

[Wernervdmerwe]

Cool... Sounds simple enough.

Have sold a LOT of stuff on the hub with no problem, Gumtree is probably just as safe, but I don't have the same kind of 'feel' as I have on the hub.

 

Prices was quite low, so maybe that is just that...

[bikemonster]

I think that the Hub is safer than the Tree. For one thing, you can see how long somebody has been around. We do get a bad 'un every now and then, but the fact that this is a (fun and dysfunctional) community means that it's generally safe to trade with fellow Hubbers.

 

Note - see use of word "generally" above!

[Edge_Design]

Had the same recently with a guy who wanted a bike from me, no questioning the price, but adament he needed it couriered overnight to him... Dodgiest thing ever and so blatantly a scam, I just stuck to needing to wait for the money to clear before sending it and he disappeared...

[Wernervdmerwe]

Cool - that is great.He was also quite adamant that it be sent overnight, hence being a little concerned.

He also did not want to give a delivery address, insisting he will collect from the depot / post office counter.

 

Will wait for money to show in my account - maybe have the bank validate before sending as well.

[mtbcrazee]

why not try using Paypal?

[Wernervdmerwe]

why not try using Paypal?

 

Never thought of that - how do they work?

[Wernervdmerwe]

Last question - having given my bank detail, I presume that is still safe?

[Moolz]

Sell to someone else...

[Wernervdmerwe]

Maybe I should ship it to a hubber or bike shop in Jhb?

Think a bike shop will broker the deal for say R500?

That'll probably be the safest option...