Uncertain of new buyer

[dahor_629]

I have listed an expensive camcorder and have received and offer from a new buyer who became a member on the same day the offer was made, buyer has zero feed back. Buyer profile says they live in Australia but want to provide a UK shipping address. Am I being over cautious regarding accepting the offer

[*vyolla*]

If a buyer has a UK shipping address, that's fine, but it's impossible to tell who is a genuine buyer just joined eBay, and who is setting out to part you from your item and your money.

The one time I was scammed it was by a buyer/seller with over 600 feedback, impossible to see that one coming.

The general rule with any online selling platform that you can't accept cash on is to only list what you can afford to lose, as an electronic payment can be reversed, even 120 days later.

[cobwebcottage]

No, you are not being over cautious. They have no history and you are a relatively new and infrequent seller. Both which could result in issues with the sale and you losing out.

I would seriously think about revising it to collection only. You could still have issues and it will take you a lot longer to sell although you can show the buyer it works when they collect.

You may also want to consider selling it at a local auction house. They will take their fees and it may not sell for as much but you would have the cash in your hand and peace of mind.

[dancewithadingo]

Good Afternoon Dahor

You are being sensible and rightly cautious. Nine hundred quid is a lot of money to lose. It's a tad strange that they can't find an equivalent item in Oz.

That said sending to a freight agent in this country is fine. I have done it many times and it's all gone smoothly.

I think that I would be tempted to try and sell it locally and for cash. This can be achieved through say Gumtree or a local reputable auction house.

It's your call, all I can say is proceed with caution.

Good luck

[the-nutwood-collection]

To me, a camcorder seems to be a delicate item to to survive travel all the way to Australia.  What if the buyer says it doesn't work when it arrives?  I think you will have to pay the return shipping to get it back.

Probably safer to send it direct to the buyer using the GSP.

Also, is there any reason why the buyer can't source the item closer to home?  Is it a must-have that's unobtainable in Australia?

[dahor_629]

Buyer supplied a UK address, (Equtini, google maps gave name, not buyer) this is the address BN99 8DQ, Lancing, West Sussex, GB, looks fake to me

[pillarboxred]

Use eBay's Global Shipping Programme. Also set your Buyer Requirements to the strictest (blocking someone who has had one issue in twelve months is stricter than blocking someone who has had six issues in twelve months although six issues is worse) The GSP handles the delivery risk as they send to the address the buyer has supplied them with and they have accepted as a valid address. Packing the delicate item well is important but telejournalists have been travelling the world with camcorders for decades so the packing should not be too difficult.

[sml192]

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@the-nutwood-collection wrote:

To me, a camcorder seems to be a delicate item to to survive travel all the way to Australia.  What if the buyer says it doesn't work when it arrives?  I think you will have to pay the return shipping to get it back.

Probably safer to send it direct to the buyer using the GSP.

Also, is there any reason why the buyer can't source the item closer to home?  Is it a must-have that's unobtainable in Australia?

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The OP would only be responsible for delivery to the UK address and by using third party freight forwarding the buyer would not be covered by eBay's Money Back Guarantee. 

The item was sent to another address after original delivery

Covered: The item was forwarded as part of an eBay programme such as: Global Shipping Programme eBay International Shipping eBay Authenticity Guarantee Not covered: The buyer used third-party freight forwarding or mail redirection

[dahor_629 · Accepted solution]

After questioning the buyer about the UK delivery address, they have now retracted the offer, I had already decided not to deal with them, I am putting it down to a scam attempt

[roger_roger_over_and_nowt]

But can the buyer not still do a chargeback ?.

[roger_roger_over_and_nowt]

"I think you will have to pay the return shipping to get it back".

Get what back ?.

[1956glyn]

Add them to your blocked bidder list if you are uneasy

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/sr?query=block+a+bidder&origin=1

[sml192]

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@roger_roger_over_and_nowt wrote:

But can the buyer not still do a chargeback ?.

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Yes, a chargeback would still be a possibility.  Not sure if it would qualify for seller protection. 

[dahor_629]

The camcorder is with me, all happened today, the "buyer" is no longer a FB member, I never accepted the offer, IMV a 100% scam