It looks like the ST2 may have finally found a new home, bringing to an end yet another one of those banal divorce-forces-sale stories.

The potential buyer is not local but comes across as legitimate in our e-mail conversation. He'd like to pay for the bike via PayPal, have me store it for 3-5 weeks (which is not a problem) for him to come out to pick it up and/or ship it. He's on the East Coast, I'm in Arizona.

I'm well aware of the fake money order scam that follows a similar pattern, but I haven't heard of anyone figuring out a way to run that scam via PayPal. Anything I should be aware of?

I'd think the only danger would be if he uses paypal...you deposit the money in your account...then he comes to get the bike/you ship it and then claims it wasn't as described. Just gets messy if you have a bank account linked to a paypal account.

I wouldn't do a vehicle transaction with paypal, but that's just me.

Quote from: triangleforge on April 17, 2015, 10:33:35 AM
It looks like the ST2 may have finally found a new home, bringing to an end yet another one of those banal divorce-forces-sale stories.

The potential buyer is not local but comes across as legitimate in our e-mail conversation. He'd like to pay for the bike via PayPal, have me store it for 3-5 weeks (which is not a problem) for him to come out to pick it up and/or ship it. He's on the East Coast, I'm in Arizona.

I'm well aware of the fake money order scam that follows a similar pattern, but I haven't heard of anyone figuring out a way to run that scam via PayPal. Anything I should be aware of?

I would do a special Auction on E Bay for him and take advantage of the Buyer / Seller protection & dispute resolution.

Paypal I think has a similar protection feature as the eBay one mentioned, but you have to use the option where paypal takes 3% (or whatever), rather than the gift option where it takes nothing in order to be covered.  You may want to read up on the site.  You might propose to the buyer that you split the 3%.

Frankly, I think the ball is in your court, Triangleforge.  I mean, he is paying ahead of time, so you can confirm you got the money and it is legit.  He seems to be the one running the risk under the scenario you describe.

Only downside I see is what DP mentioned, but that wouldn't stop me from going through.



Anyway, that's just my $0.02, which is often worth less.

Have him mail or fed ex you a deposit via personal check for $500 (which you cash and see if it clears) and tell him to bring cash when he comes to pick it up. Paying via paypal, then waiting for several weeks, then possibly shipping it....too many red flags. One is bad. You have three.

Quote from: 1.21GW on April 17, 2015, 12:04:40 PM
Paypal I think has a similar protection feature as the eBay one mentioned, but you have to use the option where paypal takes 3% (or whatever), rather than the gift option where it takes nothing in order to be covered.  You may want to read up on the site.  You might propose to the buyer that you split the 3%.

Paying via paypal protects the buyer, not the seller. There is no benefit to the OP to agree to be paid via paypal. It's actually pretty scary, as others said, the guy can weeks later file a complaint and take all the money back for no reason. Then he end's up in a cross country court case.

Quote from: hbliam on April 17, 2015, 09:49:08 PM
Paying via paypal protects the buyer, not the seller. There is no benefit to the OP to agree to be paid via paypal. It's actually pretty scary, as others said, the guy can weeks later file a complaint and take all the money back for no reason. Then he end's up in a cross country court case.

Did not know this. Now I do. Thanks.

I'd agree on the make him pay cash thing.

Also specify the deposit is non-refundable. That way while you're stuck with it for a few weeks, if he doesn't show up with the funds, the cash is for your trouble. Especially as you couldn't reasonably show the bike during that time.

It sounds like more of a PIA than it's worth to me.

I would just put the make the beast with two backsing thing on ebay and get it gone.

Or if you want send it my way and I'll sell it for you-the market is bigger 'round these parts.

I always required deposit (personal check) and final payment at pickup by certified bank check.  I have accounts at both Citi and Bank of America, so a bank check has never been an issue.

I don't trust PayPal.

I like paypal, but not for something this expensive.

If he's wanting to buy your bike on his credit card then you could always setup a Square account and run his card yourself for 3.5%.

Id explain everything you just said here and if he gets squirrely tell him to bite it and find another buyer.

Yea but Square is the same deal. He can do a charge back just as easily as Pay Pal. At least on Ebay he has to file a dispute

I sold a bike on ebay... non-refundable deposit via paypal, cash on delivery.

Personally, I'd set up the transaction through an escrow service and both sides sign a sales agreement.  Both sides are protected that way and it'll also scare away the scamsters.

Quote from: Drjones on April 29, 2015, 09:59:31 AM
Personally, I'd set up the transaction through an escrow service and both sides sign a sales agreement.  Both sides are protected that way and it'll also scare away the scamsters.

+1

have him make a down payment on paypal of about 3-400$ and bring the rest in cash.