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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 888
Location: Louisville, OH 44641 | Is it safe to sell a guitar overseas if the transaction is done through paypal?
I have a potential buyer that lives in a small Pacific Island country of New Calédonia (this may actually be a French territory). But I've always heard horror stories about selling overseas. Obviously, I know not to accept a check from this person. Can you cheat Paypal?
Advice? Thanks. |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | the money thing isn't the big issue usually, it's the shipping and who pays for it. |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 398
Location: So. Cal. | Depends on the nature of the transaction. If it's an auction (aka ebay), then a scammer will file a claim after receiving the item, then get their money but never return the item. Paypal does not care, it's a mostly automated robot. I have lost my fair share of money with them, although I still use it since there is not any other alternative.
If it's a straight transaction, it should be fine. Paypal will place a hold and clear the money after funds is verified. Do not ship the item until it's verified. Upon receiving the money, transfer it to your bank account immediately. Preferably use an account with a small balance, to avoid any reversal of funds also.
Hope this helps. |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by playadamas:
Ditto! |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 888
Location: Louisville, OH 44641 | Thanks guys. Sounds like the transaction should be OK via Paypal.
I just checked online to see how much it would cost to ship to New Caldonia...$702 via DHL! Ouch. Is this typical? The US Post Office will not ship a package this large overseas. The UPS website told me I'd have to bring it in for a quote. |
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May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | I've used PP for international sales with no problem. But personally I would recommend international wire transfer. No fees (or maybe $5-$10 at the most) and it works very well and easy. |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 888
Location: Louisville, OH 44641 | Thanks Dave. I'll offer the International Wire as an option. Currently, the potential buyer does not have a PP account. |
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September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I once used paypal for an international transaction and had a serious breach of my account. It happened when they did the currency exchange and someone hacked my account information. Fortunately I was watching my bank account at the time and noticed an unusual occurance ... 1 purchase for $99, then one for a dollar. Someone in the currency exchange process was forwarding my information to someone between Germany and Great Brittn. I was able to quickly get the information to my account security department before any real damage was done. Be Careful and watch everything before, during , and after the transaction.! |
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July 2004
Posts: 766
Location: New Hampsha | Originally posted by Gallerinski:
But personally I would recommend international wire transfer. No fees (or maybe $5-$10 at the most) and it works very well and easy. +1
I've been burned by overseas Paypal shipments - it's too darn easy for a scammer to walk off with your item and the cash! |
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May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | Re: wire transfers I was hesitant at first to give my back account number to a total stranger. Except that if someone wanted your number they could easily get it anyway.
Just to be safe open a new account and only keep a hundred bucks in it (or whatever the minimum is to avoid fees). I use this account only for wire transfers and paypal. If I get scammed or ripped off it'll only hit me the cost of a good meal. |
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June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | The biggest problem you will have will be the shipping.
USPS will probably do it depending on the carton size
Also make the buyer aware that he may be up for import duties taxes etc.
If it's like Australia they add the value of shipping to the goods before they assess for duty.
Just make sure you have cleared funds in your claw before you ship.
AJ |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | The max dimensions for USPS are 46" long and a combined length plus girth of 108".
Same as the limitations to Oz.
And that will be about $600
AJ |
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Selling Overseas?
