Safest way to sell items?

[hnugz]

I was considering putting up my cab for sale because well, it was more fun to build it than to actually play it.  So I figure I might as well try and sell what I made and do another one even better.

I was thinking of doing Craigs list instead of ebay.  I've never used craigs list and I've only used ebay once to sell something.  I am worried about getting ripped off one way or the other.  I have heard too many stories about issues with people paying but then saying they never got it or whatever.

So, that being said, I want to sell my cabinet, pickup only.  I supposed the safest way would be to just accept cash up front.  But if the other party doesn't want to do that which is understandable, would paypal just be the easiest/safest?  If they pay, pick up the cab, then retract the money saying they never got anything, what can I do?  Should I have them sign something saying they picked it up?  What about a check?  If it turns out to be a bad check, what can I do?

Thanks.

[Bloinkxp]

Tips for Craigslist.

Payment:
Cash/M.O only.  NO CHECK or PP!  Checks are just not safe enough.  If someone can give you a check, then they can stop at the bank on the way over and get cash.

Bill:
Generate a bill of sale that lists everything you intend on selling.  Give the customer a working demonstration and inist that they sign it as working.

Shipping:
The customer picks up the cab.  Any damage is their fault.

Luck,
D

Also, Craigslist has a lot of wanna be scammers.  Just stick to you guns and they will leave you alone for easier prey.  I have had so many kiddies try to scam with checks or p.p, that it gets annoying.

[miles2912]

Cash or MO when they show up is the only way I would do the transaction. 

Don

[RayB]

hnugz, you make it sound like the planet is 98% scammers just waiting to pounce. Come on... it's not that bad. Just use your head. Ship with a method that's tracable. Receipts with tracking are your proof of shipment.

[davieboynj]

I would agree with Bloink and miles...  the planet might not be 98% scammers, but the the small percentage that are will be willing to bid higher if they feel they're gonna get their money back by scamming you. 

sell on eBay as local pick-up, and demand cash or a cashier's check.  If someone else wants in on it and they want you to make exceptions to the local thing, well, then you just have the upper hand to tell them how it's gonna be. 

[hnugz]

Thanks for the help guys, kinda what I figured.

hnugz, you make it sound like the planet is 98% scammers just waiting to pounce. Come on... it's not that bad. Just use your head. Ship with a method that's tracable. Receipts with tracking are your proof of shipment.

While this might be true, as someone who just started on their own right out of college I can't afford to be mixed up in this kinda crap with something that could be in the hundreds/thousand dollar range potentially.  Better to be safe than sorry

[RayB]

Selling as local pick-up can seriously reduce how much you get (or selling at all)

[Circo]

Craig's list would be the way to go and then you don't have to worry about fees, just repost the cab every few week so it stays close to the top.

[Fozzy The Bear]

I was considering putting up my cab for sale because......

Yes! the safest way to sell it is anywhere at all.... and not to be so paranoid about it. Scams and dodgy people are by far a very very small minority. The only reason it looks worse than it is is because nobody ever says, I had a good sale and the person who bought my item paid me straight away!   On the other hand you will almost always be told about it when something does go wrong.

Just be careful and sensible, and whatever form of payment you take, make sure that you have cleared funds in your possesion BEFORE you hand over your goods.  Simple as that!

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[arcade-mad]

Hello ive sold 5 homemade mame cabs on e bay now
I always get them to pay cash on collection.
I always show them the cab working and show them how to use it
I always put in my item description that there is no gaurantee with the cab
I always say item is for sale elsewere so i can end the auction if its not going too good (never had to do this as all my cabs have sold like hot cakes)

Thats my little bit of advise hope it helps. If you think the buyer is dodgy and wants to pay by cheque make him pay with the cheque but dont let him take the cab until its cleared.....