Selling using a community site

[stephjam]

Hi, I am selling an item via my local stuff for sale site, however someone has asked me to post the item and they want to use Paypal. Not sure of the safest way to do this if at all so that the transaction is secure and valid so they don't claim that they didn't receive the item or it was damaged etc many thanks for any advice.

[kernowlass]

@stephjam

Beware of these scams.

https://www.paypal.com/us/smarthelp/article/what-are-common-scams-and-how-do-i-spot-them-faq3176

https://www.paypal.com/us/smarthelp/article/scams-on-craigslist-and-other-classifieds-websites-faq30...

Sounds suspicious already so read the links.

Secondly you should read up on paypals seller protection so you can risk assess your transactions.

[stephjam]

Thanks for your help and quick reply, I saw the scam notices and they were very useful. I have also seen the seller protection but I don't know the process via Paypal to have evidence of my sale. Information I have seen appears to relate to eBay

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@stephjam

The email address you use with paypal identifies your paypal account and is all someone needs to pay you.
Or you can send a money request/invoice from your paypal account to their paypal email address for them to pay.
The latter is better as you can then fully describe the item that your buyer is paying for and that may help you if they open a 'recieved but not as described' dispute.

DO NOT ACCEPT A FRIENDS / FAMILY PAYMENT as they can do a chargeback via their card issuer and you would have no seller protection.

You may be subject to the 'new seller hold' (info on that in link below), BUT once cleared you can click on 'withdraw/transfer funds' and send it to any linked bank account.
https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/fundsavailability

[stephjam]

Many thanks for you information, it was what I needed

[nevadasmith]

there is no seller protection for item not as described as neither site or the payment processor have seen the item,it is your word against the seller

[kernowlass]

@stephjam

Your welcome.