Buying & Selling Thru Ebay & Other Auctions/Potential fraudulent ebay offer?

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Expert: - 12/24/2008


Question
Hi, I'm selling a rather large, bulky item on ebay - a kayak - and have put it up for local pickup when sold as I don't want to deal with the hassle of shipping. I had one question from a potential buyer, who has since bid on the kayak, about whether I would be willing to ship. I replied that I'd be willing to work with a shipper that he could find around here that could ship the kayak.

Now the bidder is asking what my reserve is, whether I would be willing to box up the kayak for shipping, and telling me he'll be paying about $200 for shipping after talking to shippers in this area. Does this guy sound like he's on the level?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
To be safe I wouldn't make any deals with this guy outside of eBay. If he said he will pay you $200 for shipping, then revise your listing and put $200 dollars for shipping, so that way when you send the invoice, it will include the shipping. Then once he pays using Paypal, you can ship the item.

Buying & Selling Thru Ebay & Other Auctions

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Russell Smiley

Expertise

I can answer most eBay buying and selling questions. I can answer questions regarding setting up a Ebay account and creating a selling account. I can also answer questions regarding Paypal, which is essential to your eBay success. I can answer questions on how to establish a good feedback rating if you are a new seller. In rare cases you may receive a damaged product or no item at all, I can guide you though contacting the seller and requesting a full refund though eBay and Paypal if you need to. I am familiar also with most of eBays policies and rules. I can also give you tips on how to spot bootleg software. I cannot answer questions on how to start your own eBay business, find good drop shippers, and find really cheap merchandise on the Internet to sell on Ebay for a profit.

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I use eBay regular to sell my products around my house that I no longer use. I have 135 positive Feedback rating. I always have Paypal listed as a payment option, so I am familiar with using Paypal. I have been an eBay member since 2003.

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High School Graduate

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135 positive feedback rating Honor Roll

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