How to be safe with Paypal, EBay, etc ??

Re selling expensive lenses on Ebay...
How can I assure that the paypal payment is valid, ok, safe, REAL ??? Especially if it is from overseas?
What is safe period of time to wait after "payment" until shipping ?

Neither Ebay nor Paypal has responded to my questions earlier this week.
I can't afford to take any chances.

thanks for any ideas/experiences/thoughts.

Sandy r

If you received a payment and it is in your PayPal account I would log onto your PayPal page and transfer the funds to your bank account. When you see the funds have been posted to your bank account I think it is safe to proceed.

BTW, I use a seperate account from my personal accounts for my EBay and PayPal stuff. I only keep up to $1000 in it, so if there is an issue I have limited my risk. My other accounts have different numbers and have never appeared on line.

I second not selling overseas. Quite often I get inquiries for overseas shipping even if I say shipping to US only in the eBay ad. Just say no. I've seen ads saying something like no bidders with zero or negative feedback. I've not done this, but it's probably a good idea.

I've sold a number of expensive photo items without any problems, but assume there is a little risk even when taking the best of precautions.

Sandy

If they pay with a paypal balance, it should be ok, but if they pay through Paypal with a Credit card, they can issue a stop payment after the item has shipped.

I had a friend lose $800 in camera equipment that way.

Hi, Sandy. I have sold many items, including camera equipment and computers, on eBay with no problems. But like the others, I accept US bidders ONLY, and I have a separate bank account for my PayPal transactions in which I keep no funds. My procedure is very much like Glenn's. And like Roger, if you get a foreign inquiry (including Mexico and Canada), just say no!

As with any transaction, there is always an element of risk, but if you put some things in place to protect yourself, you'll probably be okay. I've had only good experiences on eBay, both buying and selling.

Cheers....Gail.

I ,like Gail, have had nothing but positive experiences with selling and buy on Ebay - knock on wood! Thus far I have not limited my transactions to the US only because my thoughts are that since the US dollar is lower than currencies overseas, people over there feel as if they are getting more for there money, thus, you have more lookers and people bidding on your things. I will not accept payment by credit cards via Paypal and usually get people inquiring how much shipping would be to their country prior to them bidding.............Granted I am not a high volume seller or buyer there either. So, I'm still knocking on wood!

Sandy,,,First of all I don't accept any overseas transactions there are too many scams going on today. I sold over 10,000 worth of camera equipment last fall. I don't know if you have your own business credit card account for shows etc, I do so I had them call me and did a phone order. Once it cleared (minutes) I shipped the item. I also accepted certified checks etc.

Hi Sandy, One other point. Paypal payments made with an overseas credit card incur a much higher charge to you by Paypal. I have also sold a lot on Ebay, and would recommend not selling overseas. You'll get your price here. Just too many hassles.

Thanks to all for great suggestions!
Very much appreciated!

Sandy

I'm with Mitch. I've gladly sold to overseas bidders with no problems. Dollars are like pesos to some of these people. I even sold something to a Sheik. I thought for sure that one would be a phony deal, but it panned out fine. I only accept Paypal and refuse anyone who wants me to lie about the sale price on the customs form (or do anything else out of the ordinary). Remember to charge appropriately higher for overseas shipping. UPS ships overseas and gives you a tracking number, which is great for peace of mind (both yours and your buyer's). Other carriers might as well.