Is My Gumtree Sale Safe? Accepting Payment via PayPal and Posting

stickyfingers on 20/01/2019 - 23:45
Last edited 20/01/2019 - 23:45

I’m currently selling my old laptop via Gumtree and after a lot of time wasters who never end up showing I’ve had an offer for $1,300. $100 below my listing price.

I’m happy with the offer but after I told them my suburb they’ve requested for me to post it and offered $50 (bringing the total payment to $1350) to cover postage to Sydney (from Brisbane).

In reality it’ll cost me like $10 but I agreed, specifically requesting PayPal Goods & Services as the only payment method.

I’ve sent them close up pictures from every angle to show the condition of the laptop to cover my ass for the item “not being as described”, and all communication has been via my Gumtree messages and PayPal email address.

When sending the payment request I specified in the request description the item, linked to the Gumtree add and mentioned the avenues of communication.

As long as the payment is sent as Goods & Services and I ship the item via courier (Sendle) with tracking. What do I have to lose?

General Discussion

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Comments

  • Richardc on 21/01/2019 - 00:23
    +55

    Paypal for Gumtree, lol, good luck.

  • trustnoone on 21/01/2019 - 00:30
    +4

    The problem is, if the purchaser buys with a stolen credit card, the purchaser gets your item free while the money gets reversed because the bank would've reversed it from Paypal? I don't think your issue here is PayPal doing not as described as thats not covered with paypal in gumtree, its more the charge back issue?

    In saying that though, I've purchased a number of items on Gumtree, I typically pay with paypal as it seems to be the preference and I've received the goods and sent the money each time no issue. End of the day, its risk you want to take especially when you're talking about the $1000s.

    I typically check the age of the sellers account, see if they're selling also and if the things they're selling looks real, but I've never bought anything at that price.

    • stickyfingers on 21/01/2019 - 03:17

      That was my biggest concern. I’ll have seller protection on my side for everything else but I’m unsure how it goes when I did everything well documented, confirmed, and with a strong evidence trail but the account purchasing was hacked.

      • BanannaMan on 22/01/2019 - 15:46
        +1

        I've been through this many times. If they are serious about the sale, they would accept direct deposit only however again there are many issues with fake cheques that can be spoofed here.

        Gumtree you always expect the worst kind and generally insist with "in person only" practice.

    • stickyfingers on 21/01/2019 - 03:16
      +3

      My biggest worry was them using a stolen account. I’ve already accepted an $1100 pickup offer for tomorrow instead.

      Even if I listed the item on eBay and sent them a link to purchase, would that make the sale safer if I had somebody requesting to purchase this way again?

      • jjjaar on 21/01/2019 - 07:19

        In person is good. If you aren’t taking cash, make a copy of their ID and get them to sign underneath saying they’ve picked up the item and date it. I’m over paranoid though!

        • Quantumcat on 21/01/2019 - 08:42
          +14

          I would take nothing but cash

        • Blue Cat on 22/01/2019 - 16:15

          take a copy of their ID

          As if a random person will accept to get their ID information get photographed by another stranger…

          Would you be willing yourself to get your ID photographed if you were buying a $1500 laptop?

          • jjjaar on 22/01/2019 - 17:26

            @Blue Cat: I’ve done it before as buyer and seller for things around the $5-10k mark.

    • idonotknowwhy on 22/01/2019 - 11:25
      +1

      No, the OP does not sound very confident, that's why they're here asking for advice.

  • AdosHouse on 21/01/2019 - 00:48
    +13

    Who the hell buys a laptop without either seeing it, or having some sort of guarantee of getting the money back if it is falsely advertised. Think about it.

    • stickyfingers on 21/01/2019 - 03:22
      +1

      To be fair, they have PayPal protection as a buyer and it’s not uncommon to buy used laptops on eBay.

      • ozhunter on 21/01/2019 - 03:52
        +13

        they have PayPal protection as a buyer

        Not on gumtree

  • jikijiki on 21/01/2019 - 00:49
    +5

    I wish you all the best OP, but based on what I've read on these forums - this usually doesn't end well for the seller.

  • 87percent on 21/01/2019 - 00:50
    +5

    The site literally recommends you sell locally

  • [Deactivated] on 21/01/2019 - 02:05
    +12

    When buyers tell me they want to buy, and want me to post it.
    I explain I don't really want to, but if they want, they can deposit direct into my bank account Some get offended and make out like I'm trying to scam them or something, but reality is… I ain't advertising as a deliverable or postable item. I am happy to sell locally. They are the ones contacting me soliciting for change in terms of sale.
    If they deposit direct into your bank account, they cannot get money back at all no matter what.

    Another option, would be get them to have a friend of theirs in Brisbane, pick it up for them, pay cash, and have their friend then send item via post.

    If you do go through with this, the $50 postage should be used to cover insurance also, to ne fair to buyer. It would be unethical IMO to send for $10 postage no insurance, and just pocket the other $40.

    • stickyfingers on 21/01/2019 - 03:19

      I’d be more worried about them calling the bank and reporting an unauthorised transaction.

      There’s plenty of other laptops available, why mine? It just doesn’t seem like there’s any safe way to sell online.

      • LikeMike on 21/01/2019 - 08:05
        +6

        Ebay is safe to sell online via paypal and you can set your item to "pickup only" if you want to keep it local.. On another note, I hope you haven't just put trust in a windows system wipe if you have any private data on your laptop. You need to properly shred all unused space with a 3rd party program.

        • stickyfingers on 21/01/2019 - 20:24
          +3

          It’s a MacBook and FileVault was used so the data is encrypted regardless. But yes, I did zero over it.

      • Quantumcat on 21/01/2019 - 08:44
        +1

        With a bank deposit, as long as the money is in your account, and not pending clearing like a deposited cheque or something, they can't get the money back.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/01/2019 - 19:36
        +1

        I’d be more worried about them calling the bank and reporting an unauthorised transaction.

        If they go in and directly deposit cash into your bank account (at branch, not online transfer) I don't think there is any way they can then take it back .

        • festivalmayhem on 22/01/2019 - 14:56

          They can request that it is reversed by the bank has to confirm with the recipient (you) that it was transferred in error.

          • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2019 - 16:42
            +1

            @festivalmayhem:

            confirm with the recipient (you) that it was transferred in error.

            This is why I go into bank branch, if Im doing a bank deposit for payment and make sure account numbers and name match and also leave a note. Because if get 1 number wrong in online tranfer, recipient might not return it.

            But I won't do that, too risky, unless I know the person. Like I will do it tomorrow, deposit $320 cash, in the bank branch, but it is for services rendered by my previous cleaner. Wouldn't risk it with stranger.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/01/2019 - 07:30
      +4

      No way mate. If you think that's the case you're very misguided.

  • Marcsie on 21/01/2019 - 06:25
    +2

    Only deal with cash when sell on Gumtree :)

    • Melong on 22/01/2019 - 20:32

      Yeh why put on gumtree if you don’t want cash? Just be patient, anyone who doesn’t show the cash then ignore.

      If it seems fishy then just say no, you will find out quickly they are fake because they will pull a desperation card

  • elgrande on 21/01/2019 - 07:14
    +20

    What do I have to lose?

    $1300

  • Hithere on 21/01/2019 - 07:28
    +4

    CASH on pickup for Gumtree transactions is the only way to go.

    I wouldn't touch Paypal payments at all - too easy for scammers to get their money refunded.

    Better to lose a sale and still own a laptop than make a sale and end up losing it.

  • danb on 21/01/2019 - 07:52
    +1

    You should have got them to pay via paypal through the gumtree app. It actually marks the paypal transaction with gumtree in it, and they wont offer buyer protection for purchases on gumtree. I believe it says something along the lines that you have already viewed the item in person and are happy to pay.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/01/2019 - 09:09
      +2

      Can still be reversed if the payment was initiated from a card and the cardholder claims the card was stolen at the time that transaction was made.

      • danb on 22/01/2019 - 15:07

        You are protected from unauthorised transactions using this method.

        https://www.paypal.com/au/smarthelp/article/how-do-i-get-pai…

        • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2019 - 02:28

          You are protected from unauthorised transactions

          They may be talking about being protected against "unauthorized transactions" claim within PayPal. If an external claim of unauthorized transactions is made (eg. thorough bank) then PayPal will have no choice but to give money back to the bank. I have had similar situation, PayPal even sided with me (due to my significant record of honest transactions) , but when it forced back through bank claim, I was then held accountable for PayPal's loss .

          • danb on 24/01/2019 - 08:46

            @[Deactivated]: Did you get paid through the gumtree app with paypal? I would think you are protected either way since you are paying for the service as a seller. Maybe not the case if they paid you with a friends and family payment as that's not meant to be used for purchases and offers no protection for the seller.

            • [Deactivated] on 24/01/2019 - 11:44

              @danb: No, this was years ago, before gumtree. PayPal was 100% on my side, believed my version of events (which I had evidence corroborating) . Yet still at the end of the day, their attitude/policy seemed to be, 'well the bank forced us to give money back, so we are going to take it back from you' .
              I'm not sure the case with gumtree paypal method you suggested. But I would not be surprised if something in the fine print allows PayPal to still take the $1200 back, if the reverses and takes the $1200 from PayPal company. They don't want to cop the loss themselves and essentially PayPal can do absolutely nothing IMO, with bank deciding to reverse payment.
              PayPal might cop the loss themselves though. They didn't in my case, and it was only about $20USD .

              • danb on 25/01/2019 - 10:53

                @[Deactivated]: Bugger, that sucks. I would still tend to side with you are protected since you are paying a fee to be covered for seller protection.

                Reminds me of a case i raised with them as i bought something on gumtree, the seller sent approx 10% of what i bought, so i raised a case and they closed it without even asking for evidence (i couldnt upload it until they went to the next step), i got them to reopen it and gave them all my evidence, so they went in my favour, i got a full refund, even though i was just asking for a partial refund for the % that wasnt there. The seller got to keep the money also with paypal stating it was their mistake to close the case early. I was so annoyed that the seller got to keep the money since she scammed me, but was happy with a full refund. So in this case they lost money and paid me. Probably acts abit like insurance, getting all the premiums but only a small % make a claim that they need to pay.

  • dust on 21/01/2019 - 08:20

    Not a good idea. If you do friends and family transfer it's a bit more security for you.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/01/2019 - 09:09

      F&F can still be reversed if the payment was initiated from a card and the cardholder claims the card was stolen at the time that transaction was made.

  • Caped Baldy on 21/01/2019 - 08:43

    Not worth losing the money. You're better off selling at half the value in Sydney. It'll be an expensive lesson.

  • Knoxis on 21/01/2019 - 08:45
    +2

    Only ever accept paypal payment if they pay through with friends and family option. Otherwise they can easily dispute through paypal and get funds reversed.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/01/2019 - 09:09
      +4

      F&F can still be reversed if the payment was initiated from a card and the cardholder claims the card was stolen at the time that transaction was made.

      • Knoxis on 21/01/2019 - 09:42

        Wow didn't know that. Thanks for educating!

  • josetann on 21/01/2019 - 09:07

    As a seller, I accept cash only. If someone wants to buy my laptop/phone/anime collection, they pay cash. Either they pay cash in person, or they pay cash into my bank account. I don't insist a deposit be actually made in cash, they can do a bank transfer (though about 20% of the time they actually go to a bank branch and deposit actual cash). I think they're bonkers, but they're the ones taking (vast majority of) the risk. I should note that I tell them I will not post until the funds have cleared, and I explain how that process works (if it's after their bank's cutoff time, it could take two business days).

    As a buyer, I would only pay cash if it was an in-person transaction.

  • Seraphin7 on 21/01/2019 - 09:08

    Cash in hand only on Gumtree.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/01/2019 - 09:39

    $1100 for a used laptop? What sort of laptop is it?

  • HighAndDry on 21/01/2019 - 10:07
    +1

    This is Perth, but just PSA to watch out for potential thieves, muggers from Gumtree ads:

    https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/perth-woman-dragge…

    • stickyfingers on 21/01/2019 - 15:51

      Funny that, I’ve already been robbed in person selling from FB Marketplace. That and getting scammed buying here on OzB has set me up to be pretty cautious about selling stuff.

      I’ve got somebody picking up in person this afternoon for $1,100. Fingers crossed it goes well.

      • jikijiki on 21/01/2019 - 17:59
        +1

        I don't mean to dig into your personal history but as someone who may be selling some stuff in the future - how would you avoid getting robbed in person again?

        • stickyfingers on 21/01/2019 - 20:43
          +5

          I really don’t know. I honestly shake every time I’ve gone to sell something since and I meet up with somebody. Including today.

          I did everything you’re supposed to do; checked to make sure it was a genuine profile, met in a public place (a large shopping centre) with surveillance, and requested cash. But the thief pepper sprayed me, grabbed the item (an iPhone) and ran. I chased them as much as I could yelling for help before my eyes closed up but didn’t catch them. They had somebody waiting in a car for them.

          I guess I’m lucky I didn’t catch them as I found out from the police later that the thief robbed somebody earlier and stabbed them in the leg when the victim grabbed them.

          The police caught the thief weeks later after my partner (who witnessed it from the car in the car park), and a bystander gave statements. We had to do photo boards, give clothing as evidence (which I never got back) and more.

          But because of the pathetic Youth Justice act all they got was a slap on the wrist and a bit of “detention”. I got nothing but lost time, fear, distrust. My partner still gets worried when we sell something online too. As far as I know the thief has no remorse for their actions.

          I did end up getting an insurance payout to half the value of the item thanks to my credit card companies insurance. But even with that I was investigated for fraud by the insurance company’s PI when I made the claim because they honestly couldn’t believe it was real.

          Besides eBay (and even that’s risky at times with the way they’ve been known to side in the scammers favour), clearly according to this there is no safe way to sell in my opinion.

          If you are going to meet up in person, try to block the person into a corner when you show them the item so you can grab them if they try to run is my only advice I guess.

          • Fever4shakin on 22/01/2019 - 13:26
            +1

            @stickyfingers: "If you are going to meet up in person, try to block the person into a corner when you show them the item so you can grab them if they try to run is my only advice I guess."

            As a female I would feel super uncomfortable and unsafe if a seller (or anyone)did that. I would be worried that I was the one about to be mugged. I know you've had a bad experience but I don't think that's very good advice.

          • festivalmayhem on 22/01/2019 - 15:01
            +1

            @stickyfingers: Wow rough story :( How did the insurance company’s PI investigate you. Was it on the sly or were they upfront that is what they were doing?

            • stickyfingers on 22/01/2019 - 15:19

              @festivalmayhem: He called to arrange an interview with me. Took about 1 - 2 hours at my house. I had to give him invoices, police reports, receipts, pretty much everything I had relating to it. Who knows if he snooped me out too. He was really nice though, an ex cop.

              The insurance company called it “standard practice” but when I asked the PI he admitted it isn’t and they bought him in because it seemed fabricated/planned.

          • wukachuka on 22/01/2019 - 15:37

            @stickyfingers: ask to see or be given the money first?
            someone planning on stealing your $1100 item is unlikely to arrive WITH the money right?

        • stickyfingers on 21/01/2019 - 20:46

          This was my post about it.

          I was worried about mentioning it was me at the time incase of being identified so I said I was posting for a friend lol.

  • imolared on 21/01/2019 - 12:17
    +1

    I’ve sold a used laptop on Gumtree a few months ago. It was interstate and I requested Auspost COD, also the buyer sent $50 to my Paypal account via friends and family to cover initial cost. Took longer to get payment but worked out well in the end.

  • mbck on 21/01/2019 - 15:04

    either friends and family or bank transfer if you're selling.

    If you're buying, then definitely the goods and services

  • stickyfingers on 21/01/2019 - 16:04
    +12

    Sold. Cash sale, all good. Thanks all.

    • idonotknowwhy on 22/01/2019 - 11:27
      +1

      Nice!
      In future, cash for pickup on Gumtree, ebay for delivery. Never compromise.
      Kids these days use Facebook as well but I'm too old to comment on that.

      • festivalmayhem on 22/01/2019 - 17:09

        I tend to have more success on Facebook Marketplace these days but I list on gumtree also. Same rules apply though.

  • Brucet on 21/01/2019 - 16:38

    sell locally with cash .

  • Ms Bargainer on 21/01/2019 - 20:50

    I always use bank transfer when posting goods sold on Gumtree.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2019 - 11:09
    +3

    Gumtree for bulky junk, ebay for anything of value

  • SuperMid on 22/01/2019 - 11:27

    No paypal buyer protection on gumtree.

    Dont do it.

  • rave75 on 22/01/2019 - 11:51
    +1

    Better ask them to transfer the money first (bank transfer) and ask their id (to match it with the shipping address). Take a video when you are in the post office to show the package before you seal it and give it to the Auspost, just in case. That's what I did, that way you got nothing to lose.

  • gimme on 22/01/2019 - 12:27
    +2

    I'd NEVER EVER EVER accept paypal as a seller but always happy to use it as a buyer. Also with Gumtree, CASH or go away. Not that desperate.

  • Cletus vandamme on 22/01/2019 - 13:28

    CASH ONLY. Anything to do with PayPal will be a scam. The oh I'm away but I would like to buy it can you please give me your bank details bs. Obviously not everyone will be, and there might be genuine people out there who would pay using this method. But of course the scammers ruin it for everyone. Never accept anything but cash and in person, even then you make choose to meet them away from home. Dodgy people everywhere unfortunately.

  • trapper on 22/01/2019 - 13:29

    This is definitely not safe.

  • bjdchwr on 22/01/2019 - 22:17

    I wouldn't do any PayPal and Gumtree combinations for such high-value item. Period.
    The seller protection is not as solid as you think of.

  • MonkeyMagic3 on 22/01/2019 - 23:02
    -1

    I feel that as long as you've documented everything, show evidence that you've sent the item (tracking details etc, and proof of delivery) there is no reason for Paypal to 'reverse' or refund the transaction.

    You mentioned, you've sent plenty of pictures of the item and it's condition, which is good as that covers you from any false advertisement of the condition of the item as well.

    I sure you're safe.

    • gromit on 23/01/2019 - 08:39
      +1

      You obviously aren't familiar with the scams around the use of paypal on gumtree, paypal offers zero protection on gumtree. The transaction can be easily reversed leaving you with no money and no item. gumtree is a CASH only transaction place.

  • JoniJoni on 18/04/2019 - 10:18
    +1

    WARNING Do not link Paypal to Gumtree as I have just been scammed by a buyer who opened a dispute saying the item was defective ( it was a plastic figurine and unbreakable and I had photos before and after delivery proving she is not being honest) and Payal have given her all her(my) money back. I have unlinked it and won't offer it again.

    • Hithere on 19/04/2019 - 08:43

      WARNING Do not link Paypal to Gumtree

      WARNING Gumtree is for cash only, face to face and pickup only.

      Anyone accepting any other form of payment is asking to be scammed.

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