So trying to sell a camera lens at Gumtree. Got a call from a potential buyer in another state and he said he is more than happy to pay for postage and pay either PayPal (which Gumtree now supports) or deposit straight to my bank account.
Question is: what is the best payment method in this case? Ask the buyer to deposit the cash in the branch (ie. instantly transferred into my account). Is that the safest way? Or should I just back off and wait for someone that can pick up the goods?
cash mate
unless you wanna get scammed
What lens you selling (just out of curiosity)? I'm in Sydney too and shoot with the Sony Emounts
Where does the buyer want it posted?
I live in NSW. Buyer is in VIC.
Put it up on ebay - add a bit extra for the fees or take a smaller loss on it
I have sent some items paid via paypal that got sold on gumtree but all were smaller < $50
Gumtree is for face-to-face cash. There's just no way around the risk.
How can you get scammed if he does a bank deposit?
Buyer is probably just giving bank deposit as an option to establish some trust which he has no intention of using. He will then say, "I just tried to deposit the money at a bank branch but I appear to be having issues with transferring. Im very interested in buying this problem and im willing to add another $100 for your hassle and pay you through paypal immediately" etc etc. Classic gumtree scam excuse which will catch sellers who are unaware of the paypal scam.
For gumtree, it has to be face to face or none. Too much risk.
Money Order?
https://auspost.com.au/money-insurance/money-transfers/domes…
Assuming they are willing to send you the money order first, I can't see how you could possible be scammed.
Thanks! I'll look into this!
I have purchased many items off Gumtree interstate, and luckily I have not been scammed.
The biggest purchase was $600 on two occasions.
I always use PayPal.
Thus far it has been a smooth process.
If you get his contact details, number address etc, when you request a payment from this seller, you will see his/her name and address of postage via PayPal.
If inconsistent, then query why.
Good luck.
Cheers
Not sure if there's any fee involved with getting payment via PayPal. Will check out.
There is a fee, however small. Depending on the cost of the lens. You can go to PayPal site to get the %.
You also can opt to the seller to pay for postage insurance, just in case it arrives damaged. Auspost offers an option for insurance for items valued over $100.
Ensure you take photos of the item before and after packaged.
Ensure you package it very well (you can also charge the seller for the extra packaging), ensure you have the tracking number when post.
I mean, the seller has opted to send you a bank deposit so to me it sounds like he/she is serious in buying.
Bank deposit is very risky for the buyer. There is no way they can reverse the transaction after deposit.
Face to face is always the best option, however not everyone is out there to scam you and there are genuine buyers.
It really depends on the value of your item that you want to sell. I usually go to around $600 but if something is worth > $1K then POS/Ebay.
I screen the seller to a certain extent by doing a google search on them and also google maps on their location. Although not foolproof but can assist in my decision to buy or go to the next stage.
If you are still concerned with this then 100% POS is for you!
Cheers
Why does everyone get seller confused with buyer???
Op is the seller, he's selling it to the buyer…
My Bad. I was making a reference based on my experience as a buyer when typing which will be the exact scenario for the seller, including packaging and delivery.
So please insert "Buyer" instead of "Seller" within my comments.
Cheers
Always Cash on pickup for Gumtree, its the safest method for both sellers and buyers. Meet in public areas too, unless you don't mind buyers possibly forcing a refund from you.
PayPal favours buyers, especially when backed/paid by cc (charge backs and unauthorised claims)
Bank deposits favours sellers.
Thanks for the feedback guys. Really appreciate it. Will probably wait for an offer locally for now (so can do cash and pick up).
I always use bank deposit or pay on delivery (service by Australia Post) without any problem. Whatever stay away of PayPal, he easily can submit charge back with his bank.
based on following results, https://www.ozbargain.com.au/search/node/Gumtree+issues
Answer is No.