Hi. Advice needed. I'm trying to sell a bike to an out-of-state buyer. He'll pay via PayPal. Any particular scams or dangers I should be wary of? Thanks.

 

you can't take back a payment after it has been completed unless you OK it. once he pays ahead of time and it clears to your account, you're in the clear. even though paypal takes a percentage, DO NOT let him pay for it listed as "gift" make sure he pays for "product or service" that way you (and him) are both covered.

 

Don't do it. I got burned by Paypal a few years ago. He can at any time call paypal and tell them you didn't deliver as promised and they will return his money, taking it from your account. You can have all the documents you want but they will always side with the buyer. Also mine wasn't set up as a gift. I had proof but they didn't even want to see it. Paypal is good for the buyer, not the seller. PM Me if you want details.

 

i just got off the phone with paypal (you can call them yourself and ask the same question) If you ship the bike, keep your shipping receipt and you're covered. if he picks the bike up, write up a separate contract saying he picked up the bike and you're covered (with bill of sale stating his paypal email, and that he paid via paypal). they have seller protection as well as buyer protection so you're in the clear with proper proof. that being said, don't let him arrange shipping, or else you'll have no proof

 

When I have sold to out of state buyers, I only used paypal for a deposit. Had the rest of the funds wired. Paypal can be a major nightmare to deal with.

 

Sold my GoldWing and got PayPal payment. Buyer sent truck to pick it up and driver had pick-up bill (made a copy) and gave me a receipt. No problem.

 

I don't disagree, I've bought many items using PayPal and the sellers never once had a problem using it. But it's very easy to get screwed if you're the seller. If the buyer is not as honest as you and me there could be a big problem. I don't care what PayPal says now, it's what they say after they took the money from your account that matters. PayPal does not protect the seller. That's a fact.

 

Thanks to all for the helpful responses.

 

Cash in hand or NO DEAL! End of discussion.

 

Three words......DON'T DO IT!!!