Selling saws through paypal

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mikefrommaine

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I've been advertising my saws on CL and that other chainsaw forum. I would prefer to deal locally so the buyer has a chance to look over the saw and be sure of what they are getting. But Ive had a couple people want to buy my ms200 through paypal and have me ship the saw. Anyone done this? My fear is the buyer not being happy and complaining to paypal. Once I get the money and confirm delivery will paypal force a refund like ebay has been known to do?
 
PayPal is eBay (since 2002).

Without knowing more info than what you've stated, I wouldn't do it.
 
I always specify LOCAL BUYERS ONLY when I sell on CL. I think that would be a headache you don't need.
 
I sold on eBay w PayPal without any problem. I've found that most folks are honest and reasonable. But, keep at it long enough and you'll find a problem.
 
I sold on eBay w PayPal without any problem. I've found that most folks are honest and reasonable. But, keep at it long enough and you'll find a problem.

Exactly. I've sold a ton of stuff on e-bay with paypal as the form of payment, and really didn't have many problems. Had a couple complaints, but was able to get things straightened out without any complaints being made to paypal or negative feedback being left on e-bay. With that said, I never sold anything like a saw. Just aquarium plants/invertebrae and bicycle components. Some of the bike components were rather pricey though.
 
I use it all the time. never had any problems. Just move the funds into your bank account when you get it and keep it until the buyer is satisfied. Be honest and up front and offer a buyback if seller is not satified. Keep open communication throughout via email at least - better over the phone. When money arrives - ship saw quickly. If buyer is not satisfied - when saw returns - ship money imedietly through paypal.

It is really fast, simple and safe. My brother called me the other day needing $500.00 bucks to buy a nice Benelli shotgun. Shipped the money on the spot and it was in his account right away. Nice shotgun too!!
 
I use it all the time. never had any problems. Just move the funds into your bank account when you get it and keep it until the buyer is satisfied. Be honest and up front and offer a buyback if seller is not satified. Keep open communication throughout via email at least - better over the phone. When money arrives - ship saw quickly. If buyer is not satisfied - when saw returns - ship money imedietly through paypal.

It is really fast, simple and safe. My brother called me the other day needing $500.00 bucks to buy a nice Benelli shotgun. Shipped the money on the spot and it was in his account right away. Nice shotgun too!!

Which one did he get? I am looking at getting another one. Debating between the M2 three gun version, the M4 for home defense, and the Super Sport II for clays. Problem is, I already have a Beretta clays gun, Actually, more than one, so hard to justify that one.
 
Have been buying & selling antique tools & other stuff on Ebay for 12 yrs.Their policy is PayPal only now,except for a few large or fragile things sold to local buyer where they picked up the items & paid me cash.

Chainsaws & other equipment I'd stick with CL though.In Aug 2011 sold my heavy duty Delta Shaper w/stand,mobile base,26 cutters,router stub spindle & other new parts for 75% what it cost me new.Not bad for 15 yr old machinery.;) CL is great cause you dont lose 9% or more in fees like Ebay & Paypal stiffs you for.
 
I've sold and shipped around a dozen saws......if the buyer wants me to ship, they take the risk by sending me payment first. Once their method of payment clears, I ship. I make sure the saw runs fine when it leaves my place and ship with insurance.
 
Another payment option that was mentioned in another post that I have used a ton is dwolla.com
 
I've bought 3 saws using paypal. I've never had any issues. I bought from reputable sellers over on AS, and have been pleased with my experience thus far.
 
The simple fact of life is that if they fund the Paypal payment with a credit card and they dispute the charge for any reason the card company will charge it back to Paypal who will nail you with it.

In a few thousand Paypal payment sales we never had one charged back but it happens. We got screwed a few times but not by chargebacks.

Sell it locally.
 
Why not stick with Uncle Henrys?

I've always had good luck selling stuff through Uncle Henrys . . . maybe because it is a local shopper and you don't tend to get someone from East Podunkville logging on line and offering to give you more money for the item . . . if you send him your bank account information.
 
Swap Buy Sell Guide, that still around?


You mean Uncle Henrys Swap Buy Sell Guide . . . still going strong . . . I still have more luck with Uncle Henrys than I do with Craigslist for some reason . . . the last time I sold my sled a couple years back it was sold to a guy from New Brunswick thanks to Uncle Henrys.
 
OK - for those that are wanting to do more than one or two sell/buy online transactions here is how you set up your paypal without getting nailed.
1. prepaid debit card
2. go to your bank and set up a separate checking account or better yet - go to another bank and set up an account. Get a debit card and use that for paypal. Do not leave a balance in the account and you can cancel the debit card any time you feel there is any shenanagins going on. Once the debit card is cancelled no one can pull money from it. Simple as that. Tell the bank your card was compromised and they will issue a new one.
 
OK - for those that are wanting to do more than one or two sell/buy online transactions here is how you set up your paypal without getting nailed.
1. prepaid debit card
2. go to your bank and set up a separate checking account or better yet - go to another bank and set up an account. Get a debit card and use that for paypal. Do not leave a balance in the account and you can cancel the debit card any time you feel there is any shenanagins going on. Once the debit card is cancelled no one can pull money from it. Simple as that. Tell the bank your card was compromised and they will issue a new one.

That sounds like a good idea. Its not that I want to get one over on someone, but saw condition is rather subjective.

I just sold a 385 locally to a guy that didn't know a lot about saws. But he did bring a compression tester. He tested compression by turning the saw over twice. And proclaimed the compression to be low (125). I told him to try pulling it a few more times (pretty hard to do with a 385) and compression is over 150. He bought the saw after trying it out on a log -- he's probably still grinning. If I had sold to this guy long distance he may have been unhappy and demanded a refund even though the saw is fine.
 
I've been buying and selling saws for the last few months - about 6 saws so far. No issues yet, but not a lot of sales. I think if you describe the saw as best you can, tell the buyer that no other issues are known at the time of sale, and specifically state that there is no refund, you should be covered. As others have said, it's all about describing the item correctly and honestly, and not surprising the buyer. I'd guess most buyers don't want to go through the hassle of shipping back an item if it comes as described. I like eBay because I don't have to deal with tire-kickers. Saws seem to sell very well and I'm happy to make $50 or more on a saw after fees, rather than deal with a bunch of folks personally to make another $20. Plus it's fun to watch the bidding progress - it's a hobby, so I'm not concerned with getting absolute top dollar. Cheers!
 
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