Accepting Deposit for security for a built to order request?

[ukminer]

Hi,

I was wondering if there is a safe way to accept a security deposit for a built to order request which will not be delivered using any courier (so no tracking) and the remaining amount will be paid via cash? I require a small deposit to build a System using PC components (total price is around £2000) , however i had a situation a while back with one customer who reveresed the funds while i was building the system. They did not contact me after making the deposit rather useless as it was reversible at any moment.  This was paid using the goods service however, is it acceptible to ask the person to send using the friends or family method and type in somewhere that the funds are meant for deposit for a service? I understand that this falls under the service category but i would like to know how to protect my self since the deposit will not be refunded after the desktop is built. The only time the deposit is refundable is if i fail to build the system during the terms provided.  

How can i protect my self as a seller and provide assurance for the buyer if i wont be able to post any tracking ID and will not be using eBay?

Please help.

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@ukminer

Too risky and you may not be covered for seller protection because

1. Your buyer is not paying in one instalment.

2. Buying collecting item?

Secondly do not accept friends / family payment as its against paypal rules for sales and can lead to your account being limited, plus you would also have no seller protection as the buyer could still do a chargeback if they funded their paypal payment via a credit card.

In my opinion, too risky and I would not use paypal, tell them to bank transfer the funds directly into your bank account via online banking.