Buying/Selling Questions

[Kizzy911]

If you were to buy from someone how would you know if the other person is legit or won't scam you and not send you the item?

is there some type of insurance?
how does this work via paypal?

thanks in advance

 

[mapleredta]

NEVER gift money through PayPal! That's a line of protection you're removing from the transaction. Research the seller; is he/she active on the boards? Look through their posts/threads/feedback. If communication is sketchy, run away and do so quickly. Most importantly, and I cannot stress this enough, DO NOT GIFT MONEY VIA PAYPAL!!!!!

 

[Kizzy911]

Yeah, i figured, but then theres that "invoice" option. I've heard from local buying and selling groups (not reef related) that if you have an invoice then it's kind of a receipt or insurance? is that right?

 

[CafeReef]

Paypal only protects buyers when paying for goods. If you flag it as a gift or a service, buyer protection doss not apply. If you recieve somethinng from a seller and it is not as they said it was (ie doesnt work, severely damsged etc) you can file a significantly not as described claim, ship the product back (your dime) and recieve refund. The deal wit paypal is to remeber to ALWAYS buy goods as goods and ensure your get a tracking number. Never pick up in person and pay with paypal as there is no buyer protection for in person pickup.

Remember, with paypal you are not paying a seller, you are paying paypal, and paypal pays the seller. Paypal indemnifies themselves by pulling from your bank account or credit card after they have sent money for on your behalf.

As a buyer, there is no better protection on the internet than paypal (as long as you follow their buyer policy) if you follow their buyer protection steps, you are 100% as a buyer.

Sellers, always provide a UPS or Fedex tracking number (USPS is not valid tracking to paypal as it is not always updated) also it is highly recommended to buy shipping insurance. If the package is damaged in shipment, PayPal will work with the buyer and the seller to come to a partial reimbursement agreement or they WILL side with the buyer and issue the buyer a full refund. If this happens, PayPal will pull the funds from your available balance. If the funds wre not availabls, your account (paypal) will go negative and could result in a collections case if not brought to $0.00+.

Sorry to ramble. Basically buy as goods, get tracking and you will be ok with PayPal.

(Disclaimer: I worked in fraud and compliance for PayPal for a number of years)

 

[CafeReef]

Yeah, i figured, but then theres that "invoice" option. I've heard from local buying and selling groups (not reef related) that if you have an invoice then it's kind of a receipt or insurance? is that right?

A seller can "invoice" a buyer. It's basically their way of saying "you owe me $xx.xx"

Fun fact, if an invoice is sent, it is immediately flagged and placex in queue for review by a fraud/risk management agent at paypal.

 

[Kizzy911]

Just do i understand. If i were to buy a zoa frag, the seller sensds me a tracking number and invoice of the item description and i send money as GOODS?

 

[letoan]

Just do i understand. If i were to buy a zoa frag, the seller sensds me a tracking number and invoice of the item description and i send money as GOODS?

1. The seller can invoice you or you can send money to seller (just remember to note what you're paying for and send as goods like everyone said.

NOTE: PayPal is not free for seller so some don't like when you pay as goods, they should. If you run into a cheap seller as such, offer half the fee or you can pay for the fee if you want.

1.5. RUN away if the seller only want gift.

2. You pay the seller.

3. The seller (should) notify you with tracking when your item shipped, not always.

4. Cross your fingers and pray so that the correct merchandise come in one piece/alive. Take photos and DO NOT discard packaging item (bag/water/box/foam/bubble wrap..) if the next step is needed.

5. If not satisfied because of seller or shipping company's fault, contact the seller to work out something.

6. If the seller's ignore/refuse to iron out the problem with you then file a claim with PayPal. Expect to ship back the good at YOUR cost and its MUST be traceable (PayPal will not refund you until the seller get their goods (cr@p) back).


PLEASE do a research on seller/product you're buying. Many sellers are not very upfront, they won't point out thing until you ask so please do ask if in doubt, just to save a headache. Not just seller, some buyer can be a PITA as well so don't be that guy, be reasonable.

Sometimes we just have to put trust in humanity and take a leap of faith, with safety harness of course.


Sorry for the long post.