Payment method for machinery, paypal, amazon...???

[gregulator]

I am selling some equipment from my business and refuse to use ebay (seriously, how did it get so terrible?). I just listed it locally on craigslist and have a buyer a few states away (it is something that is somewhat rare to find in good condition used). He is arranging the freight pickup, and we are trying to figure out a good payment method that is fair for the buy/seller. I hate paypal (fees, holding payment, etc), but amazon payments doesn't seem to be working for him. What methods are safe for me as a seller? Sounds like there are wire transfer scams and cashier's check fraud.. so what are my options?

Cost of said equipment is about $2k.

 

[Jimzz]

Send cashiers check and cash it at said bank then ship.

USPS money orders work as well, can cash at post office, but they have limits if I remember correct.

 

[Brainonska511]

USPS money orders work as well, can cash at post office, but they have limits if I remember correct.

I would ask for a USPS money order. There is a limit though, so he may have to get more than one.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Send cashiers check and cash it at said bank then ship.

USPS money orders work as well, can cash at post office, but they have limits if I remember correct.

I would ask for a USPS money order. There is a limit though, so he may have to get more than one.

Have him eat the $4-5 and ask for USPS Money Order; You eat the $5-6 to have the paper sent Priority w/ insurance.

MO from USPS have a limit of $1000

 

[DesiPower]

how about traditional methods, mail in cashier checks or wire transfer?

 

[SunnyD]

Certified check, money order.

 

[DaWhim]

person to person transfer at a bank?

 

[aaksheytalwar]

None of the above are safe for the buyer, they only assure sellers.

 

[EagleKeeper]

None of the above are safe for the buyer, they only assure sellers.

OP is a seller.

The buyer can setup conditions to eliminate his risk.

One is by using the USPS; the Feds will jump in w/ respect to fraud.
The second is that if the business is established and has a good BBB and D&B rating; it can be considered safe to work with.

person to person transfer at a bank?

Per the OP, this is not practical - not a next door situation

 

[highland145]

Can the buyer have his bank wire the $$ to the OPs account? Did that when I bought some silver a while back.

 

[RossMAN]

Have him eat the $4-5 and ask for USPS Money Order; You eat the $5-6 to have the paper sent Priority w/ insurance.

MO from USPS have a limit of $1000

If the OP doesn't want to get ripped off and lose their $2k, I would go this route.

 

[l0cke]

Another vote for money orders. They are cheap and secure.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Can the buyer have his bank wire the $$ to the OPs account? Did that when I bought some silver a while back.

Can be expensive.

Also, does not provide any protection for the buyer in terms of recourse.

By both using USPS, it equals the playing field in that the weight of the Postal Inspector (Federal agent) is there against misbehavior.

 

[olds]

USPS MO or cash. Only.