So recently found out Australia Post got rid of Cash on Delivery which is a service the recipient needs to pay an agreed amount at the post office before it is released to them.
Now that's gone.
What's the best way to ensure seller gets the money and buyer gets their goods without meeting in person?
No PayPal ideas please
Edit: I know in person is the best way but in this situation that are interstate and travelling is not an option
Aus Post COD was good. Wondering if there are services similar?
Aus Post COD was flawed.
Big risk to buyer in not knowing what the seller has actually sent. Costs for seller if buyer has a change of mind and simply doesn't pick up goods.
Correct but next best thing
@Poor Ass: Not really. For the buyer, the seller could have sent a package of rocks. For the seller, the buyer could refuse delivery and they are up for postage both ways. Least safety for both parties.
Would make a great next post for OP to explore…
Gumtree is face to face and cash only, no other safe option
Aus Post COD was good. Wondering if there are services similar?
The number one rule of Gumtree and FB Marketplace is cash and in person.
Anything else is risky for the seller
Aus Post COD was good. Wondering if there are services similar?
Oh no I'm so hurt by the negs
Aus Post COD was good. Wondering if there are services similar?
What if the seller accepted via PayID transfer, would the buyer be able to reverse that transfer later somehow?
Bank transfer cleared into my account and transferred into another bank before I ship the item has always been safe for me as a seller.
Agree. I have an empty secondary account purely for this purpose. Receive payment to secondary account, transfer all funds to primary account, then ship.
That way they can't have the transfer reversed after I've shipped.
Bank transfer.
There is no 100% safe 2 way street for buyers and sellers on gumtree at the best of times.
Someone is alway has to take a risk.
Adding postage into the mix is asking for trouble.
Aus Post COD was good. Wondering if there are services similar?
OP, apparently, is wondering, "Aus Post COD was good. Wondering if there are services similar?"
Dude doesn't want the best advice, he wants to get scammed
I'm selling so not likely to get scammed… Full payment before anything
Aus Post COD was good. Wondering if there are services similar?
He sure is.
"Selling on Gumtree + Postage. Safest Way for Both Parties?"
Pay cash or PayID on pickup.
PayID
is it instant tho?
Pretty much
As a veteran of gumtree/FBM PayID is not guaranteed instant. CBA is the worst - eg "first time payid transfer" can be up to 24 hours.
So then you are left with an awkward situation - buyer has sent payid money but not received by seller (maybe never who knows?!) but then wants item.
So yeah cash still good.
I have both paid and received payments via PayID and they have all been instant
Is there a max amount for instant transfer?
@mmd: Yes. It differs by bank. If its too much the bank will hold it for 24 hours before clearing. Can get around it by multiple smaller transactions though.
@thatonethere: I have heard that but not had it happen to me.
Im sure theres a threshold of transactions as there is with amounts sent before been held.
CBA is always 24 hours for first transaction. They say may be, but they always wait 24 hours. When you call them they explain this is what they do for your safety. They will put it through if you call with a good enough reason.
Have you tried it with CBA?
Maybe there's a threshold, I've had instant payments with CBA PayID, but relatively small (under $300 not $1,000-plus) transactions.
"Aus Post COD was good. Wondering if there are services similar?"
Yes deliver it yourself and get the cash from the buyer.
when i buy stuff on Gumtree and postage is required … i just transfer it to the seller first and i hope for the best.
Lots of trust
But has it backfired for you ?
Aus Post COD was good. Wondering if there are services similar?
Yeah in the 90s
nope. worked out okay two out of two times
for a $5 item and a $25 item
My friend in USA sold an iPhone and the buyer gave counterfeit notes. In the US I heard potential buyers inspecting the phone and running away without paying.
Has anyone heard or experienced anything similar in AU?
It does happen
It was on the news before… Meet up and then grab and run
Meet at your house, invite them in and lock the door after they enter?
Better prepare my weapons while I'm doing that
Public area with lots of cameras would work too
@Poor Ass: Not really as you're not going to get access to the camera, and even if you did, what good would it do having a recording of it? Police are unlikely to help you
@Quantumcat: I think you been reading too many ozbargain comments
If they were legit and met in a public place with lots of people and cameras they would have nothing to hide and wouldn't think much of it
If they were dodgy and plan to do a runner they would think twice before they did that. Especially if they drove in. Is more of a deterrent to weed out the dodgy ones or just won't show. I mean there's always exceptions, some might not care at all
@Quantumcat: I was thinking inside shopping centre, library in a room, public meeting room kind of like your lock the door idea but outside home
Selling on Gumtree + Postage
Ebay + paypal maybe
The 14% eBay fee is too high
When they were doing promos and selling fees were free it would be worth it but not currently
Aus Post COD was good. Wondering if there are services similar?
The 14% eBay fee is too high
But as you say - Correct but next best thing
Received and credited bank transfer, in full, before delivery by Australia Post (Regular or Express) with tracking (and insurance if granted).
Gumtree = cash on collection. Anything else is a much higher risk for either or both parties.