OK to accept PayPal payment for selling laptop on Craigslist (in person transaction)?

[KingGheedora]

Selling a laptop for around $500. The buyer wants to pay using paypal, and we will exchange in person. Buyer would cover PayPal fees too.

I've never used paypal so I'll have to create an account. I plan to do the exchange in a public place with wifi, probably a cafe, so we can verify the paypal.

Is there any reason not do this? I'm not familiar with PayPal so I'm not sure if there might be some kind of scam I'm not seeing.

 

[Ns1]

fuck no

 

[KingGheedora]

fuck no

Can you explain why?

 

[xSauronx]

no, theres no reason to do this...he can try and get the funds back

cash dude, youre meeting him in person...cash, certified check, or USPS money order. the public place idea is a good one

 

[Ika]

if you're meeting him in person, force him to do cash or a check. There are a number of ways people can screw you with Paypal, and the only reason to use it is if you're not able to send cash/check (like through the mail).

 

[Gigantopithecus]

Can you explain why?

Credit card chargeback and you have no proof of delivery. Don't do it. Tell him if he needs to put it on a credit card, he can't afford it.

 

[KingGheedora]

if you're meeting him in person, force him to do cash or a check. There are a number of ways people can screw you with Paypal, and the only reason to use it is if you're not able to send cash/check (like through the mail).

I thought accepting personal checks from craigslist people was a no-no?

 

[xVaSSagox]

well, if you're doing it in person, after the buyer verifies all is well with the laptop you're selling, make sure he only pays you via paypal gifted payment. That way he won't have any way to make a bogus dispute of the charge with paypal.

 

[lxskllr]

I thought accepting personal checks from craigslist people was a no-no?

I won't do checks from anyone but the closest friends. I definitely wouldn't take a check from a stranger. Cash, trade, or nothing at all when on Craigslist.

 

[ahenkel]

Make her pay with a gift payment, there's no fees and the buyer can't file a dispute.

 

[xSauronx]

well, if you're doing it in person, after the buyer verifies all is well with the laptop you're selling, make sure he only pays you via paypal gifted payment. That way he won't have any way to make a bogus dispute of the charge with paypal.

why bother with paypal? either the person is intending to fuck around, or doesnt have the cash handy...this shouldnt be the sellers problem to deal with.

 

[dfuze]

I wouldn't chance it. Tell them if they insist on using Paypal they can withdraw the funds to pay you in cash and that you'll wait the extra couple days for it to happen

 

[Ns1]

Make her pay with a gift payment, there's no fees and the buyer can't file a dispute.

"my credit card was stolen"

 

[Spikesoldier]

stay away

probably a stolen account

cash only for that deal

 

[KingGheedora]

The person basically admitted to not having cash, and that they'd be transfering funds from credit card to their PP account. So the groundwork is there for shenanigans. Thanks for the advice, ATOT.

I told them to forget it unless cash, certified check, or money order.

 

[xVaSSagox]

why bother with paypal? either the person is intending to fuck around, or doesnt have the cash handy...this shouldnt be the sellers problem to deal with.

basically paypal acts as the middle man for credit card payments. for some people $500 isn't just laying around and they like to be able to use credit cards to pay off a purchase over time. if the seller is looking to sell fast, accepting a credit card payment is made easier with paypal. using the method I described prevents him from selling the laptop and then getting burned later if buyer decides to dispute. anyway, it's all up to the seller. if the buyer looks shady, don't do it if you feel you might have problems down the road.

 

[Hacp]

I only do USPS money orders. Cash is not safe. They can print out bills that look fucking real for gods sake. Do not accept cash from craigslisters.

 

[marvdmartian]

And if they say they're from Nigeria, hand you a check for 10x the amount agreed upon, and ask you to send them the difference once it clears.....grab your laptop, and run like hell!! :hmm:

 

[DrPizza]

Craigslist = cash only, period. (Well, almost period; I'm taking a cashier's check for $1524 for some things I sold via Craigslist to someone out of state. But there's no conceivable way that buyer can disappear off into the sunset.)

 

[quikah]

The person basically admitted to not having cash, and that they'd be transfering funds from credit card to their PP account. So the groundwork is there for shenanigans. Thanks for the advice, ATOT.

I told them to forget it unless cash, certified check, or money order.

They can get a cash advance from their CC.

 

[mizzou]

i always force the craiglist customer at gunpoint to strip so I can do a wire check and then a 1/2 cavity test (i don't do the full way in, just too intrusive)

when I'm satisfied they are legit, I will complete the transaction, but never will I lift the Halloween mask from my face.

If you do find a wire, it gets tricky, but it involves driving down to the river.

#EDIT, meeting at state parks/national forests seems to work best for myself

 

[KingGheedora]

i always force the craiglist customer at gunpoint to strip so I can do a wire check and then a 1/2 cavity test (i don't do the full way in, just too intrusive)

when I'm satisfied they are legit, I will complete the transaction, but never will I lift the Halloween mask from my face.

If you do find a wire, it gets tricky, but it involves driving down to the river.

#EDIT, meeting at state parks/national forests seems to work best for myself

Are you interested in buying a $500 laptop?

 

[olds]

fuck no

This X infinity

 

[halik]

I only do USPS money orders. Cash is not safe. They can print out bills that look fucking real for gods sake. Do not accept cash from craigslisters.

Ha you think it's easier to forge currency than to forge a money order?

 

[mizzou]

Are you interested in buying a $500 laptop?

for $500 it better be brand new and give me a #%!# #@%!!