Hi.... should one ever consider selling items on craigslist using paypal?

[SirDidymus]

I know the advice on craigslist is to do all transactions personally... but in some areas I can't be present to give the items... so I was just curious, knowing the scams and so forth, that I could still sell. Is there anyway to do this or do you advise to avoid anything having to invoke a paypal transaction on craigslist? 

I'm thinking about it... but the horror stories and the scammers are a huge deterrent. It seems like 70% of the emails on craigslist are just bulk scammer messages or something.... 

Do you think it's worth it? Could you avoid a scammer if you were very careful? I'm not quite sure... I'm thinking ultimately no... but I need some advice. 

I'm probably not going to do it unless there's a guarenteed method to avoid these scammers... again just looking for advice.

[kernowlass]

Nothing is ever guaranteed.

You need to>>

1. Read up on seller protection.

2. https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/Tips-from-Moderators/Checklist-Before-you-ship/m-p/420737#U42073...

3. Do NOT send anything to Nigeria or similar.

4.  Do not get scammed via spoof emails that look as if they are from paypal.

5. Never send anything unless the funds are showing in your paypal account balance, even if you are a new seller and subject to the new seller hold the funds would still show in your balance but have pending by them.

6. Do not be fooled by your so called buyer and "paypal" telling you that you either have to >>>

a. Send the item and provide a tracking number BEFORE the funds show in your balance.

 b. You have to pay the buyers shipping agent via western union or moneygram before his payment that is supposed to include these costs are credited to you.

7. Remember sellers send invoices and not buyers so if you get an invoice "marked as gift / paid" and saying it won't show in your balance for 24 hours or that your payment can't be the subject of a chargeback.....its a scam.

If in doubt come here and ask.

[sharpiemarker]

Remember that selling on Craigslist are intended for local pick-ups.

https://www.paypal.com/selfhelp/help/article/FAQ3022