Best way to sell an expensive item (around 10,000 euros on eBay)?
Summary: The discussion is about the best way to sell an expensive item, valued at around 10,000 euros, on eBay. Several participants expressed their interest, but the specific content of their contributions was not detailed.
I’d prefer to meet the buyer in person, but I’d like to avoid payment methods where they can request a refund, so as not to risk losing both the money and the item.
What payment method should I put in the listing? I would obviously offer pickup only
Thanks for the advice
6 comments
heavenwelkin
·4 months agoItems picked up in person on eBay are still paid for with a credit card or related methods (see PayPal).
So you’re at risk of a dispute, since eBay offers a QR code as proof of exchange, but if the buyer opens a chargeback they could claim they never received the item or that they received a defective item, and in that case you’d be exposed to the risk of fraud.
In any case, eBay also offers a 30-day guarantee as buyer protection if the item handed over in person is not as the buyer expected.
They could still open a dispute for item not as described.
For similar amounts, I’d advise you not to risk dealing with disputes handled by a virtual platform.
heavenwelkin
·4 months agoSelling an item worth 10,000 euros via credit card or its derivatives (PayPal) on eBay, even if perfectly allowed, I find it decidedly risky.
If you don’t want to risk losing the item and the money, I’d suggest advertising the item elsewhere, in some other place where the seller and buyer can handle the sale without intermediaries.
Once everything has been agreed, you meet up and close the deal.
Of course, even an in-person meeting is not without risks, so you need to organize yourselves and, if possible, follow these points.
As an example, I’ve simulated the sale of a watch.
Meet in a safe, public place
Choose a public and safe place for the meeting, such as a watch shop, a bank, or a busy area with lots of people. In general, avoid meeting in isolated places, private apartments, or hard-to-see locations.
Recommended possible place: a bank branch where you can make the transaction in front of witnesses, and if you need to make a deposit, that would be even better.
If the buyer insists on a private meeting, take it as a warning sign. Better not proceed in that case.
Bring a friend or a trusted person
Bringing a friend or a trusted person is a good idea to feel safer and have someone by your side if needed. Also, they could serve as a witness to the exchange and the agreement. If possible, choose someone who has experience with high-value transactions.
If you have any doubts about the buyer, it’s better to be accompanied by someone, especially if it’s a large amount.
Verify the buyer’s identity
Ask for valid identity documents and detailed contact information from the buyer (such as an address, phone number, and email).
If the buyer doesn’t want to provide this information or seems reluctant to make a traceable transaction, it could be a red flag.
Write a sales contract
It’s important to draw up a sales contract that includes the details of the item sold, the agreed price, the date of purchase, and the terms of sale. Even if the transaction takes place between private individuals, a written contract helps clarify every legal aspect and protect both parties in case of problems.
You can use a standard sales agreement template that includes:
Description of the watch (brand, model, serial number, condition, etc.)
Agreed price and payment method
Statement that the watch is authentic
Any warranties or special conditions
Signature of both parties
Safe payment methods
Cashier’s check: A cashier’s check is a safe way to receive payment, since it is guaranteed by the bank and cannot be bounced like a regular check. When you receive a cashier’s check, make sure it is made out to you and that the issuing bank is a reliable bank. It is advisable for the cashier’s check to be issued on the spot, to avoid the risk of forged checks.
Check verification: Before accepting a check, take it to the bank to verify its authenticity. You can also ask the bank for a proof of funds certificate to avoid surprises.
Watch out for scam signs
If the buyer proposes alternative payments (such as untraceable transfers or unsafe electronic payment services), refuse outright.
Avoid buying from anyone who doesn’t want to document the agreement or make the transaction through traceable channels. A lack of transparency is always a warning sign.
Kind regards
vonbalden
·4 months agoYou’re welcome. Assuming you don’t have to sell at the listed price a highly sought-after Skoda-kiraly 39 M, issued to German and Allied troops during the Second World War, it’s all relatively simple. In-person pickup of the item, with a note in the listing that payment must be made on eBay before the item is collected in person. As soon as payment is made, the buyer receives an email confirmation with a QR code to show the seller at pickup. In turn, the seller photographs the displayed code to enter in the space provided by eBay for confirming the completed pickup for the transaction. Now don’t keep all the collectors in suspense! Do you own the terrifying working WW2 Skoda ?? Best wishes from von
stefanostefano2011
·4 months agoI don't think eBay accepts the possibility of payment at the time of pickup
Considering that eBay is a platform that gives you the possibility to sell your items (not for free)
In the case of a sale, who would pay the fees to eBay if the payment is made when the item is picked up in person?
Through eBay's official channels you can't do this operation
heavenwelkin
·4 months agoAs you say, eBay doesn't allow a payment outside the platform even with an in-person exchange, otherwise it would lose the fees and wouldn't be able to guarantee any buyer protection.
Unfortunately, even eBay's in-person exchange system with pickup of the item is not free from scams.
I think a seller should know this, then they decide whether to entrust their 10,000 euros plus the fees to a virtual platform with payment handled by the Visa/Mastercard circuit or choose an alternative route.
Best regards.
orangefisherman
·4 months agoPick up in person and instant bank transfer. Or even cashier’s check, but instant bank transfer is the safest of all