AVForums

Our philosophy in our forums, reviews, podcasts and feature videos is to promote audio and visual excellence by gathering and sharing the best information and resources available.

Help

To begin please visit our help section »

Not a Member Yet?

It only takes a minute to start enjoying the benefits of AVForums membership, and it's free!

Member Log in

Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Post Reply
Old 14-01-2009, 1:02 PM   #1
Prominent Member
 
DVD-Man's Avatar
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
Experience Points:
7,870, Level: 21
Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21
Activity: 7.6%
Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6%
Thanks: Gave 303, Got 430
Posts: 4,573
Question Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Hi all,

I've sold an item on ebay >£500, a person with only 2 feedbacks and no purchases for 08 or 09 has clicked BIN after emailing me wanting the item.

Now I am really thinking 'wow scam alert', the item is collection only though and they say they will collect but are at the other end of the country.

I've asked him how he is going to pay and either PP or Cash on collection, have yet to get a response.

In his dialogue he says he is coming from a back home from a business trip and will collect.

basically alarm bells are ringing, I've checked out his address on multi map and it's a normal looking house on a normal street.

can anyone give advice on how this particular scam would go down?

fake notes for cash on collection with no way to check since collection he says would be Friday? I could get note detector stuff from a relative to test but not sure how effective they are.

take goods by force?

it could be all legit but you read too many horror stories, I had originally listed it as no paypal accepted but the listing was pulled early on.

Thanks

Liam
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 1:03 PM   #2
Veteran Member
 
eric pisch's Avatar
Join Date: Dec 2006
Experience Points:
4,331, Level: 15
Points: 4,331, Level: 15 Points: 4,331, Level: 15 Points: 4,331, Level: 15
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Blog Entries: 9
Thanks: Gave 1,120, Got 772
Posts: 7,380
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

the business trip aboard rubbish

SCAM ALARM
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 1:20 PM   #3
Veteran Member
 
KhalJimbo's Avatar
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Vaes Dothrak
Experience Points:
20,424, Level: 34
Points: 20,424, Level: 34 Points: 20,424, Level: 34 Points: 20,424, Level: 34
Activity: 19.3%
Activity: 19.3% Activity: 19.3% Activity: 19.3%
Thanks: Gave 1,009, Got 603
Posts: 6,441
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Here is some advise:

DONT SELL ON EBAY!

The place is full of scammers.
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 1:40 PM   #4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Experience Points:
4,536, Level: 15
Points: 4,536, Level: 15 Points: 4,536, Level: 15 Points: 4,536, Level: 15
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 126, Got 37
Posts: 1,408
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Quote:
Originally Posted by jimthelegend View Post
Here is some advise:

DONT SELL ON EBAY!

The place is full of scammers.
disagree, i've sold about 200 items and only had about 2-3 not pay, so items have then been relisted, even with the fees, you'll still get much more than places like cash converters, cex etc,
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 2:07 PM   #5
Conspicuous Member
 
PJTX100's Avatar
Join Date: Dec 2004
Experience Points:
16,232, Level: 30
Points: 16,232, Level: 30 Points: 16,232, Level: 30 Points: 16,232, Level: 30
Activity: 1.1%
Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1%
Thanks: Gave 402, Got 566
Posts: 8,102
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Quote:
Originally Posted by jimthelegend View Post
Here is some advise:

DONT SELL ON EBAY!

The place is full of scammers.
I disagree too, for each scam there are thousands that go smoothly. I sold a keyboard recently on ebay for £500+ which I thought I'd get sub £200 for.

As for the OP, not sure. May well be legit, just have someone with you when they pick it up.

Last edited by PJTX100; 14-01-2009 at 2:09 PM.
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 2:11 PM   #6
Conspicuous Member
 
dUnKle's Avatar
Join Date: Jan 2001
Experience Points:
42,561, Level: 50
Points: 42,561, Level: 50 Points: 42,561, Level: 50 Points: 42,561, Level: 50
Activity: 7.6%
Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6%
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: Gave 351, Got 205
Posts: 8,184
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Accept cash only if picking up
Have someone with you and ideally (although far from always practible) have the pickup not at your own home

If the buyer is genuine then they are not going to mind waiting as you (and then your friend) count the amount and cheque each note as best you can

Agree with the above - yes we heard hundreds of scam stories but there are thousands of sucessful sales for each one

Most expensive thing I sold on ebay was a Denon A1d and that went flawlessly
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 2:23 PM   #7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Preston, Lancs
Experience Points:
4,333, Level: 15
Points: 4,333, Level: 15 Points: 4,333, Level: 15 Points: 4,333, Level: 15
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 43, Got 30
Posts: 1,061
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

For anything like cars or the like with large amounts, have them meet you at the bank with a friend of yours and then they can pay direct over the counter and the cashier can check the cash and pay straight in. As soon as its done, hand over the goods or give them the keys. I also have a ultraviolot light for smaller cash amounts that I can use at home. Piece of mind for a tenner.

I feel something else will soon be happening when he all of a sudden cant make it and asked you to send it to Nigeria
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 2:26 PM   #8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Preston, Lancs
Experience Points:
4,333, Level: 15
Points: 4,333, Level: 15 Points: 4,333, Level: 15 Points: 4,333, Level: 15
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 43, Got 30
Posts: 1,061
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Forgot to add. I sold a car on ebay a few years ago for £29,500 and he paid cash. He went to his bank on one side of the highstreet and withdrew in £50 notes, I then walked over the road with this cash in a large envelope tucked under my arm to my bank where I paid it in. To say I was feeling sick was an understatement Can anyone beat that for a ebay transaction
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 2:30 PM   #9
Prominent Member
 
Naaktgeboren's Avatar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kashyyyk
Experience Points:
9,052, Level: 22
Points: 9,052, Level: 22 Points: 9,052, Level: 22 Points: 9,052, Level: 22
Activity: 7.6%
Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6%
Thanks: Gave 320, Got 530
Posts: 4,245
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Could be legit but in your shoes, I would ensure I invited all my forces mates around that night for a drink.

Get your biggest and meanest mates round that day, ask for cash and ensure you check it's legit before you part with the goods.
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 4:18 PM   #10
Conspicuous Member
 
nheather's Avatar
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Experience Points:
17,661, Level: 32
Points: 17,661, Level: 32 Points: 17,661, Level: 32 Points: 17,661, Level: 32
Activity: 2.7%
Activity: 2.7% Activity: 2.7% Activity: 2.7%
Thanks: Gave 595, Got 1,168
Posts: 8,354
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

I only permit collection if they pay cash, no matter what the amount.

Certainly if it was for that amount I'd insist on cash, arrange to have a another person present (not to sign anything but as a witness should it go sour) and prepare some acceptance paperwork for signature (after demonstration and inspection).

Cheers,

Nigel
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 4:29 PM   #11
Member
 
Adam Shaw's Avatar
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London, where the Queen lives!
Experience Points:
2,836, Level: 12
Points: 2,836, Level: 12 Points: 2,836, Level: 12 Points: 2,836, Level: 12
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 24, Got 101
Posts: 762
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Maybe I'm just trusting, but several times I have had people turn up on my doorstep and pay cash for moderately pricey items.

I have often picked up expensive items in person, and paid cash then too.

Bought both my last 2 cars on ebay, and met a complete stranger and paid them cash each time.

This guy could well be legit, I spend a lot of time travelling, and actually getting round to pickling something up can be a real hassle if you're having a busy month.

Just my 2 pence
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 5:34 PM   #12
Member
 
scsracing's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Peterborough
Thanks: Gave 8, Got 21
Posts: 406
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

I have sold £500 + items on ebay before and have 900 feedback with no problems to date.

When they pay in cash on collection i always right the model,colour and number plate of the car down.Have someone there with you just in case too.Make sure they sign saying that the goods are as described and they are happy with the goods

I use one of those money markers too and always ask for £10's,£20's and not £50's as i don't have a near by bank to cash it in at the time.

Scott
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 5:43 PM   #13
loz loz is offline
Conspicuous Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Experience Points:
30,195, Level: 42
Points: 30,195, Level: 42 Points: 30,195, Level: 42 Points: 30,195, Level: 42
Activity: 6.1%
Activity: 6.1% Activity: 6.1% Activity: 6.1%
Thanks: Gave 281, Got 815
Posts: 9,286
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

tell him that

1. you would like him to bring some proof of identity
2. you will be taking a photograph of him

genuine customers should have no problem with that.

If he says its a cash deal, why do you want all that?
then say sorry, no deal
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 6:01 PM   #14
Prominent Member
 
DVD-Man's Avatar
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
Experience Points:
7,870, Level: 21
Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21
Activity: 7.6%
Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6%
Thanks: Gave 303, Got 430
Posts: 4,573
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Thanks so far guys, 15% of my body thinks and hopes it's legit but the remainder is not so hopeful.

One thing that make me think it's not legit are as follows:-

if he is UK based like his buyers details suggest why did he details say this previously



I have explained in the listing that a valid form of ID is required and I intend to make out a reciept but I'll eat my hat if it's all a-OK.

Liam
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 6:19 PM   #15
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Romford, Essex
Experience Points:
3,317, Level: 13
Points: 3,317, Level: 13 Points: 3,317, Level: 13 Points: 3,317, Level: 13
Activity: 0.4%
Activity: 0.4% Activity: 0.4% Activity: 0.4%
Thanks: Gave 128, Got 35
Posts: 708
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Ask him for a landline which you can ring him on to confirm some details of the transaction etc... at least you can confirm that the buyer is known at this landline (helpful to the police if it is a scam).

But I would certainly do some of the great suggestions so far ;
- fake note detector,
- number plate,
- photo of the buyer,
- someone with you during the transaction.
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 7:00 PM   #16
Prominent Member
 
ROBIN50N's Avatar
Join Date: Dec 2007
Experience Points:
7,131, Level: 20
Points: 7,131, Level: 20 Points: 7,131, Level: 20 Points: 7,131, Level: 20
Activity: 1.1%
Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1%
Thanks: Gave 231, Got 280
Posts: 3,000
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

what is the item? is it something that people do alot of scams for. is it something small the guy could take back home to another country easy.he could be here n buisness.

Last edited by ROBIN50N; 14-01-2009 at 7:04 PM.
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 7:30 PM   #17
Prominent Member
 
DVD-Man's Avatar
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
Experience Points:
7,870, Level: 21
Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21
Activity: 7.6%
Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6%
Thanks: Gave 303, Got 430
Posts: 4,573
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBIN50N View Post
what is the item? is it something that people do alot of scams for. is it something small the guy could take back home to another country easy.he could be here n buisness.
It's a musical instruement, you won't get it in a carrier

I think anything of high value seems to be fair game, it's not only cars and mobiles.

Liam
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 7:43 PM   #18
Prominent Member
 
ROBIN50N's Avatar
Join Date: Dec 2007
Experience Points:
7,131, Level: 20
Points: 7,131, Level: 20 Points: 7,131, Level: 20 Points: 7,131, Level: 20
Activity: 1.1%
Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1% Activity: 1.1%
Thanks: Gave 231, Got 280
Posts: 3,000
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Quote:
Originally Posted by DVD-Man View Post
It's a musical instruement, you won't get it in a carrier

I think anything of high value seems to be fair game, it's not only cars and mobiles.

Liam
true but theres certain things that are more prone to cons.
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 7:59 PM   #19
Moderator
 
IronGiant's Avatar
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford UK
Experience Points:
25,172, Level: 38
Points: 25,172, Level: 38 Points: 25,172, Level: 38 Points: 25,172, Level: 38
Activity: 33.3%
Activity: 33.3% Activity: 33.3% Activity: 33.3%
Thanks: Gave 2,333, Got 4,985
Posts: 21,287
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

I've sold a fair bit of stuff collection only, and always been paid in cash without any worry about IDs, photos or anything else. I've also picked stuff up out of my local area because I knew I was going to be there on business/visiting friends or family or even on holiday. Usually I've paid PayPal in advance so they know I'm genuine and planning to turn up, but I've never even been asked to demonstrate I'm actually the purchaser, much less sign anything.

Dave
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 8:47 PM   #20
Prominent Member
 
Ned Senior's Avatar
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Stalag 9
Experience Points:
13,490, Level: 27
Points: 13,490, Level: 27 Points: 13,490, Level: 27 Points: 13,490, Level: 27
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 559, Got 264
Posts: 3,200
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Quote:
Originally Posted by DVD-Man View Post
It's a musical instruement, you won't get it in a carrier

I think anything of high value seems to be fair game, it's not only cars and mobiles.

Liam
I sold a 32 channel mixing desk with huge psu for £500 @ I got it boxed up and mailed via parcel farce no problem... are you totally sure you cannot mail it???
also you hear of chargebacks through paypal on here so maybe cash is a better option

Frightening intit

PS another time I sold a sound module some guy from Brum made me real nervous as he insisted on coming to L/pool to collect arrived in Bball cap aviator glasses and unshaven ( I feared for my life haha!!!)
Turned out fine though... you get all sorts duncha!!!
  Quote
Old 14-01-2009, 8:58 PM   #21
Prominent Member
 
DVD-Man's Avatar
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
Experience Points:
7,870, Level: 21
Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21
Activity: 7.6%
Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6%
Thanks: Gave 303, Got 430
Posts: 4,573
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ned Senior View Post
I sold a 32 channel mixing desk with huge psu for £500 @ I got it boxed up and mailed via parcel farce no problem... are you totally sure you cannot mail it???
Don't want to risk it getting damaged, it's a funny shape and wouldn't send without original box.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ned Senior View Post
I
also you hear of chargebacks through paypal on here so maybe cash is a better option

Frightening intit

PS another time I sold a sound module some guy from Brum made me real nervous as he insisted on coming to L/pool to collect arrived in Bball cap aviator glasses and unshaven ( I feared for my life haha!!!)
Turned out fine though... you get all sorts duncha!!!
It's quite unnerving to be honest, I don't need to sell it financial wise but would like to free up some space.

Liam
  Quote
Old 15-01-2009, 1:07 PM   #22
Prominent Member
 
DVD-Man's Avatar
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
Experience Points:
7,870, Level: 21
Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21
Activity: 7.6%
Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6%
Thanks: Gave 303, Got 430
Posts: 4,573
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Today i have been asked to provide my 'cell' number and payment method is cash on collection.

Liam
  Quote
Old 15-01-2009, 2:16 PM   #23
Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Coventry
Experience Points:
2,215, Level: 10
Points: 2,215, Level: 10 Points: 2,215, Level: 10 Points: 2,215, Level: 10
Activity: 0%
Activity: 0% Activity: 0% Activity: 0%
Thanks: Gave 57, Got 40
Posts: 224
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Interesting on how this goes, let us know what happens.

Sianba
  Quote
Old 16-01-2009, 8:19 PM   #24
Prominent Member
 
DVD-Man's Avatar
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
Experience Points:
7,870, Level: 21
Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21 Points: 7,870, Level: 21
Activity: 7.6%
Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6% Activity: 7.6%
Thanks: Gave 303, Got 430
Posts: 4,573
Re: Advice on having sold a high value item on ebay

Ok the latest guys:-

Got a call from Patrick tonight, I haven't mentioned his name before but feel just to do it now, the number that rang my mobile was +233........ which turns out to be the dialing code for Ghana.

100% sure it's a scam, the chap said I will hook you up on the 23rd and I know it's a long distance but I need the item!

I've just remembered that the toilet attendants in a few bars in Glasgow are or look like they are from Ghana or around there, wonder if they send someone down with fake cash or even take the goods via force, however they do it, they won't be doing it to me!

Liam

EDIT: never knew why I never done this before, fired his address into google and it came back as having two companies listed against it, GHANA DIRECT PARCEL SERVICES and ULTIMATE SHELTER LIMITED then I put his surname into google!

Patrick Owusu and read the results, first hit is a 419!

http://www.wayn.com/waynprofile.html?member_key=4773912 I see you patrick, should have checked it before, just was a tad deluded.

Now how to report to Ebay?

Last edited by DVD-Man; 16-01-2009 at 9:10 PM.
  Quote
Post Reply



Thread information and display options
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off