I generally sell inexpensive items, so I've never really worried about this before. But I just sold a $1000 Laptop on eBay, and sure enough it was won by a Canadian bidder who wants to pay by Paypal.
I put "Bidpay only" in the auction for non-USA sales, but wasn't aware that Bidpay has a maximum of $700.00
I've never sold a computer before, but hear that it's one of the big targets for fraudulent bidders.
What do I need to do to avoid getting ripped off with a Paypal chargeback? He does say it's a confirmed address. What do I need as far as confirmation or insurance?
posted on April 14, 2003 08:55:03 AM new
Unfortunately PayPal does not give you any protection with Canadaian sales. If the buyer claims they did not recieve it, there is nothing you can ddo. A lesson that cost me $127. Insist on BidPay or an international postal money oder in US Funds. It's the only way you will be protected.
posted on April 14, 2003 10:46:29 AM new
Sold a laptop to a Canadian buyer, went to FedEx and got a computer box, they have special boxes for laptops. You can check that you want a signature by buyer on delivery and you get a tracking number. The one I sold was about 1200 and shipped by FedEx Air which was really quite reasonable, was actually shocked by how reasonable it was. He paid through PayPal with a verified address and there were absolutely no problems. Good luck with yours!
posted on April 14, 2003 11:23:02 AM new
There are never any problems with Paypal if you are dealing with an honest buyer. But if you deal with a crooked buyer, don't count on anyone to help you. Stick to the terms of the sale. Let the buyer use Bidpay or Payingfast. If you do use paypal, make sure they don't pay via credit card. At least if you eliminate the charge back possibility, you are somewhat safer.
posted on April 14, 2003 11:31:50 AM new
Izzy: the buyer CAN reverse a non-cc PayPal pmt on a seller! Anyhoo, sellers can no longer see mode of payment, so it be a moot point anyhoo!
Ralphie loves Mr Blonde:
"Are you gonna bark all day little doggie, or are you gonna bite?" http://tinyurl.com/5duz
posted on April 14, 2003 11:41:40 AM new
Since I discourage my buyers from using PP and only accept non credit card payments from verified accounts, I know immediately that a credit card was not used. But I believe that if you click on the payment in your PP account, it does show you whether it was a CC or other funds.
Yes, a buyer can charge back any kind of PP payment. But if it is a credit card payment, PP worries about the charge back and immediately freezes the seller's funds. If it is not a CC payment, they aren't as pressured. No guarantees, but an extra margin of safety.
I would never accept a PP payment for a high ticket item going to another country.
posted on April 14, 2003 11:42:10 AM new
Tom - are they all listed as Instant now? I ask because the PAYMENT TYPE section is still on the payment recieved forms but I thinking back , it does seem as though all of my customers are "instant" which I always assumed to mean that they were using funds already in their PayPal account.
posted on April 14, 2003 12:05:27 PM new
it is not a big deal for canadians to go to their local post office and buy you a us dollar denominated postal order and mail it to you.you can cash it at your post office by providing photo id.
so if you dont want to accept paypal,let him buy you a postal money order.
posted on April 14, 2003 12:26:01 PM new
A follow-up/continuation. The buyer called with a credit card, which I can process with my Merchant terminal.
I called his credit card company, and they verified that the shipping address and billing address and his name all matched up. The credit card went through OK as well.
I'm still a little nervous, but I'm not sure what else I can do. I'm gonna send it out tomorrow with fingers crossed.
Next time I sell something expensive, I'm going to be sure to put USA Only in the terms.
posted on April 14, 2003 12:33:10 PM new
replaymedia: If you called the card and everything checks out, you can breathe easy. Nothing is 100% guaranteed but I believe that most buyers are honest. The problems start when there is a middle man running interference and helping share the blame. Paypal tells you the buyer charged it back. Buyer says no he didn't, Paypal's mistaken, etc. But when it's directly between you and the buyer, chances are that things will turn out okay.
In hundreds of checks received, I have never had a bad one. I have not had a charge back attempt in two years. I had 3 attempts several years ago and won every one of them because I shipped to the cardholder's address and had proof of delivery.
posted on April 15, 2003 07:37:18 AM new
How about using Western union and have them WIRE you the money. I had a russian buyer, french buyer and also an italian buyer use those successfully. They wire the money and email me with an amount, a password and a transaction number. Then I went down to the local western union office with that info and picked up the money.
Here is the URL for the western union site for more info. Looks like there is even a phone number there.
