Methods of payment for classified items

[kyle1974]

I've got a scope for sale in the classifieds, and was just curious what people think is the most secure manner (on both sides) for payment. I've posted up numerous items in the past, but typically sold face to face. obviously the market is much larger if you're willing to ship. I would just like to hear opinions for the easiest way to buyers to pay where their purchase is secure, and I don't have to worry about a scam payment.

thanks

 

[Snipe260]

Certified check from their banking institution. Or personal check and only send product when money clears!

 

[mdmp5]

Most people have been doing PayPal, although they aren’t protected if doing a friend or family transaction. It is easy for the seller though

 

[kyle1974]

I recently got a venmo account. any issues with that? I've only used it with family, so I'm not fully up on how secure it is.

 

[Strykervet]

Most people have been doing PayPal, although they aren’t protected if doing a friend or family transaction. It is easy for the seller though

Yeah, this is the only way to go when dealing with strangers and thousands of dollars. The 3% is worth the peace of mind. You can also do a chargeback on a CC, so doubling 'em up and using a CC through paypal is probably even better.

Basically, if you use paypal and they no-shit scam you, you'll get your money back. And if you take paypal, it would behoove you to get a tracking number that shows it was delivered properly so you don't get screwed as a seller too.

Never had a problem doing it that way with a member here or on Ebay. But I also only tend to deal with folks on here that have been around for a while because if you are scamming people on here, chances are you won't be for long. Most members here take their name seriously and don't want it associated with malfeasance.

FWIW, I usually buy optics on here or on Ebay --I just get better deals and if it needs to go back it always comes back new from the mfg. With quality stuff, the warranty will follow the item.

 

[Redmanss]

I'm as anti PayPal as they are anti gun, so I never use them. I'd sooner shop at Dick's and use a BoA charge card to buy a Yeti cooler.

USPS money order for most transactions, or cashiers check from a known member as well as Zelle if they want the electronic route. I won't do a deal with anyone who has been here less than six months and/or at least a fifty good posts. If I can't tell they're a shooter, then they're a scammer in my book.

The biggest thing for me is comms containing complete sentences. Scammers can't be bothered with verifying Google Translate spit out the right sentence. I put in my OP that I reserve the right to refuse business to anyone I'm remotely suspicious of.

 

[...]

I only do postal money order...

No one can bitch about not being able to get one.... and the post office can verify if it’s legit before you ship out your item

 

[Dirty D]

I'm as anti PayPal as they are anti gun, so I never use them...

This, PayPal will NEVER get a dime from me.

 

[308Gunner]

I have bought quite a bit on here and sold things to I always pay with a certified check from my bank and I have no problem with the seller if he wants to wait a couple of days, I have taken personal checks and I always make it clear that I will ship with tracking number once the check clears as stated above l will check on them before I commit

 

[jbuck88]

I have had good luck with people on here. I pass on some deals because they haven’t been around long enough and this is a closer community which does a good job of id’ing Scammers.

 

[BullGear]

I require a USPS money order and I also usually pay the same way. But that's up to the seller. USPS money order is about as safe as you can get in my opinion.

 

[Oleshep]

Is it out of line to ask for split payment on high dollar items? I have done this on Scopes before and not had problems but I am wondering if others are asking for splits?

 

[Vodoun daVinci]

....and the cool thing about a USPS Money Order is that if *anyone* defrauds the other party the USPS *will* investigate. Ask me how I know.....I used to make and sell custom cutlery and told all my clients I only accepted USPS MO's because that way if I cheated them I'd end up in hot sauce.

One of them eventually had an item I wanted and I sent him a USPS MO and never received the item...after a month and ignored phone calls and emails I turned it over the the USPS who told the guy if he didn't resolve it in 48 ours they would *arrest* him for the federal crime of using the USPS to commit fraud.

I got my item. Oh and Fuck PayPal .

VooDoo

 

[DavidK]

It takes 10 business days for a check/money order to truly clear. When your bank makes your funds available, they are actually loaning you the money until the actual check clears which is about 10 business days. Anytime before that, your money is subject to withdrawal from the bank if the check is not good.

WARNING: All forms of bank checks and money orders (except USPS) can be cancelled.

WARNING: Paypal is anti gun and if a gun related transfer has a problem and they find out it was related to guns, they will lock your account for many months. I don't understand why any gun person would do business with them.

US Postal money orders are the only money order that can not be cancelled, but they can be counterfeited. While not perfect, it is the safest money transfer other than cash.

 

[Gee Kay]

Direct funds transfers safe? IE directly transfered into your account? That's how I've been doing business here in Australia with many a retailer or even private sales. Trust is the most important part of it for sure. Direct bank transfers and bank cheques also work here. Cause of you don't have the funds the bank can't/won't send a blank cheque. That's how I bought my new VW, bank took my funds and exchanged it with a bank cheque for the stealership.

 

[Rlandry]

USPS money order or I take credit cards through my business card services. A certified check can be forged and it will take several days for the bank to catch it and then they take their money back.

 

[Srgt. Hulka]

I use only USPS MO. I can wait for a check to clear. I'm never in that big of a hurry. When I make a payment, I PM a picture of the filled out MO, and an addressed, stamped envelope, to the seller to make sure his mind is at ease. Although I've never asked them to do it, many times the seller will ship the item even before he receives the MO.

 

[KnightCar]

I have used Money Order and cashiers check and never had any issues.

 

[TheGerman]

If they only take a US money order, I either move on, or include some geritol and Dr Scholl's inserts when I mail it to them.

 

[jinxx4ever]

i've used paypal, usps money order, cc , personal check. Couple guys on FB i asked to show me an id next to the item. One was a deputy sheriff. No problems there. If they're not scamming u, most don't have a problem. Bought a used vudoo barreled action on here from 0724/1030 and he didn't even cash my money order till i received the barrled action and was happy with it. That's one helluva good seller. I know some on here and other places are still afraid of taking paypal for gun items, but hell , several gun related sites list paypal as one source of paying for the item now. I think they've softened up their stance on gun related items, they want the money from transactions just like anyone else. Tons of mags, barrels, etc listed on ebay now and that's how u pay with paypal. I would rather pay with paypal than have my CC info stolen from hacking. As a precaution, i link my paypal to an account i only keep enough money in to cover transactions as i use it, when i buy something, i move money into it. Shit half the vendors u buy items from have publicly stated stances against gun ownership, but ur still wearing or using their items in ur daily life and don't even know it. Like the old saying goes "Don't cut ur nose off to spite ur face"

 

[Jscb1b]

USPS money orders. I don't have pay pal or venmo or any of that shit. If the post office has enough money, they will cash it right then.

 

[deersniper]

Yeah, this is the only way to go when dealing with strangers and thousands of dollars. The 3% is worth the peace of mind. You can also do a chargeback on a CC, so doubling 'em up and using a CC through paypal is probably even better.

Basically, if you use paypal and they no-shit scam you, you'll get your money back. And if you take paypal, it would behoove you to get a tracking number that shows it was delivered properly so you don't get screwed as a seller too.

Never had a problem doing it that way with a member here or on Ebay. But I also only tend to deal with folks on here that have been around for a while because if you are scamming people on here, chances are you won't be for long. Most members here take their name seriously and don't want it associated with malfeasance.

FWIW, I usually buy optics on here or on Ebay --I just get better deals and if it needs to go back it always comes back new from the mfg. With quality stuff, the warranty will follow the item.

^ why I won’t accept PayPal goods and services. PayPal will screw the seller if buyer lies and says they got a empty box etc.

PayPal f and f or check/mo that has cleared bank

 

[Downtown]

I've missed a few deals in the PX because I won't support PayPal. That's okay. I prefer USPS Money Orders. It's true that I probably patronize businesses with a anti gun philosophy, because I've not the knowledge, but I won't support one that has a very public stance and insures I'm well aware of it. I'm a little surprised at the number of gun owners that so quickly choose convenience over a moral stand. Funny, some of these same people boycott Yeti and Dicks.

 

[ccasanova]

I sold a buddy some mags and ammo the other day. He didn’t have cash on hand so he sent PayPal for the “Clips and Ammo” now they’ve locked my account.
They have a resolution center where you attach a pic/doc to explain yourself. Don’t think I’ll be able to talk my way out of this one, so I’m contemplating my exit response...something along the lines of F Off Commies! or similar.
Guess it’s time to research alternate payment methods.

 

[GordonFreeman]

I recently got a venmo account. any issues with that? I've only used it with family, so I'm not fully up on how secure it is.

Also wondering about Venmo for classified sales. Seems pretty safe for both parties

 

[bigdaddydmd]

I have passed up on a few deals where the seller wants only paypal. Even if its 3% + and not F&F I still won't touch it. I prefer USPS money orders, and have had good success with that route. I wish more individuals were willing to use USPS. A few longstanding members on low dollar items I have just stuffed cash in an envelope and tempted fate and it has always worked out. I think the trick there is "longstanding members" who are active on this site.

 

[Adam B]

I recently got a venmo account. any issues with that? I've only used it with family, so I'm not fully up on how secure it is.

yes, if you send money to someone with venmo you have zero recourse of getting your money back other than a chargeback

 

[cdeiglmeier]

I use Paypal mainly for random accessories generally lower dollar stuff but I have used it to buy 1 high dollar scope when I trusted the seller on here because he's a longtime member with a very good feedback status and lots of successful PX transactions noted in his history. Otherwise it's USPS MO or a Cashier's check. Both in my opinion are more secure/trusted ways than a general personal check. Has anyone used Zelle (direct transfer)? Is that a secure way to go now?

 

[tRidiot]

Only problem I've run into with USPS M.O. is the person I sent it to taking something like 10-14 days to ship because they kept going to the post office to cash it and they never had enough money in the drawer to accommodate them. Honestly, that's kind of annoying, as I wasn't informed they would be trying to cash it instead of just depositing it in their bank. So I rushed to try to get payment out quickly, left my job at lunch, went to the post office and got a M.O. and shipped it right out, sent pics and proof of the M.O and mailing, even sent priority, I think, then ended up sitting waiting two weeks for my item to even ship.

I learned a lesson in that, ask more questions.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

I avoid gaypal like the plague, but there are a few who collect for the process of donations (to a GOOD cause) to whom I request them to send me an invoice. This way, I can pay it without having to set up an account. And yes, I specifically ask to be charged 'extra' to cover the damned fees.

Though being from Canada, any time I've tried to send a cheque (personal cheque, drawn on a US Funds account from a Canadian bank) it seems that ya'll's banks down there STILL charge another $2500.-45.00 just to "process" that piece of paper. Oh, and it usually takes more than 3 weeks to do such.

In this day and age of modern technology, deep-hole mining, space travel, and nuclear brain surgery.... you'd think that there were some way to ACTUALLY pay funds in a legitimate way over a long distance. Sorta-like a long-distance phone call, ya know?

There has GOT to be a better method than gaypal. Something that is both 2nd Amendment friendly AND is able to traverse borders/continents in a near-instantaneous method..... that is TRACKABLE and safe-guarded.

For legitimacy. No, I'm not even thinking of hinting of suggesting 'bitcoin' or anything of the like. I've no interest whatsoever of watching anyone piss themselves.

 

[stello1001]

For those saying that PayPal goods and services with the 3% percent is secure, how is this a secure way of purchasing gun related items.

Someone scams you so you open a claim through them and because it's goods and services they'll have your back? You're kidding right? The moment you include in your claim it's for a firearm purchase or anything firearm related they're done with you.

Didn't a member here post some time back that PayPal blocked him and got rid of his account, didn't let him sign in anymore, etc.

 

[ccasanova]

Didn't a member here post some time back that PayPal blocked him and got rid of his account, didn't let him sign in anymore, etc.

That’s where I’m at now. See my comment above.

 

[TxWelder35]

I’ve done quite a few deals on here. Done both PayPal and Venmo. If it’s a newbie that bought his way to the classifieds im going to use a more secure method. If it’s a member here with high post count/contributing member we will usually come up with what’s easiest/cheapest for all of us. Trust is important there. I have never been scammed on here. Every transaction has been g2g

 

[Keel Haul]

USPS money order/check for me. If I see a listing with PayPal only, no exceptions, I’m out.

 

[kindabitey]

I don't much care how a buyer wants to pay, as long as it's within reason (I'm not taking exotic cats as a trade)
If a seller only takes MO, they need to take into consideration that for some people, it's kind of a pain.

 

[Jscb1b]

What about the people that don't have pay pal or venmo or any other electronic payment accounts?

 

[kindabitey]

What about the people that don't have pay pal or venmo or any other electronic payment accounts?

If you're referring to my post, I'll take a MO any time, however, the buyer needs to understand that it may take a few days to verify at the PO.
The only day I can get there is on Saturday, unless I take time off work.

 

[Zeroit]

View attachment 7321097
I sold a buddy some mags and ammo the other day. He didn’t have cash on hand so he sent PayPal for the “Clips and Ammo” now they’ve locked my account.
They have a resolution center where you attach a pic/doc to explain yourself. Don’t think I’ll be able to talk my way out of this one, so I’m contemplating my exit response...something along the lines of F Off Commies! or similar.
Guess it’s time to research alternate payment methods.

Just tell them it was hair clips and ammonium lactate (skin lotion).
What did they think it was?

 

[wade2big]

Only problem I've run into with USPS M.O. is the person I sent it to taking something like 10-14 days to ship because they kept going to the post office to cash it and they never had enough money in the drawer to accommodate them. Honestly, that's kind of annoying, as I wasn't informed they would be trying to cash it instead of just depositing it in their bank. So I rushed to try to get payment out quickly, left my job at lunch, went to the post office and got a M.O. and shipped it right out, sent pics and proof of the M.O and mailing, even sent priority, I think, then ended up sitting waiting two weeks for my item to even ship.

I learned a lesson in that, ask more questions.

That seller wasted your time. The post office can verify USPS MO on the spot, he then can mail the item you purchased and he can deposit the money order in his bank. My post office would never have the cash to pay out.

 

[wade2big]

View attachment 7321097
I sold a buddy some mags and ammo the other day. He didn’t have cash on hand so he sent PayPal for the “Clips and Ammo” now they’ve locked my account.
They have a resolution center where you attach a pic/doc to explain yourself. Don’t think I’ll be able to talk my way out of this one, so I’m contemplating my exit response...something along the lines of F Off Commies! or similar.
Guess it’s time to research alternate payment methods.

Why would your friend even put anything in the comments. What a bonehead. I always tell buyers to leave the comment section blank and had them put stuff anyhow. That chaps my ass.

 

[Jscb1b]

My post office lady took the time to show me water marks and id stripes to check for.

 

[TxWelder35]

What about the people that don't have pay pal or venmo or any other electronic payment accounts?

Then sign up. It’s stupid easy.

If someone only wants to take check, MO, etc I’m out.

 

[kindabitey]

I've not had the chance to use Zelle. From what I understand, it's direct transfer from bank to bank without 3rd party involvement.

 

[tRidiot]

So here's my question... if you are specifically asking people to NOT leave comments in the PayPal comments section because you don't want them mentioning firearms or firearms-related things, then you obviously know PayPal will shut down anything related to guns, so you obviously know it is against their ToS, and you are using their service, circumventing their rules, asking the buyer to pay all the fees AND take all the risk (as there is zero protection using "Friends & Family" for the sender of the funds)...

Do you reconcile that at all with being selfish, dishonest and asking others to cover for you just so you can save 3% of the monetary value, all while enjoying the convenience of being able to accept credit card or bank funds, something no private individual has any capability to do without owning a business (and associated corporate credit card machine) or jumping through hoops to have a business owner do so for you?

I mean, seriously, in a community that prides itself on personal responsibility, honesty and fairness, do those values really mean anything to you when it really comes down to it? Or is convenience and a few bucks worth the price?

Asking for a friend.

 

[stello1001]

That’s where I’m at now. See my comment above.

Yeah I read it already, but I remember someone else...

 

[EddieNFL]

Paypal tends to side with the buyer. Sellers...not so much. I take postal MOs.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Then sign up. It’s stupid easy.

If someone only wants to take check, MO, etc I’m out.

Just because it may be 'stupid easy' doesn't mean that stupids 'should'.

Kinda the whole point of this conversation, is it not?

 

[oinco]

I see a LOT of preference for MO's here... I encourage a casual inquiry at your local bank(s) to see how many fraudulent USPS MO's they get a day... I use three different banks in the CO front range, all three struggle with an enormous amount of fake USPS MO's daily, and it has been that way for awhile... maybe CO has a higher frequency but I doubt it goes to "zero" somewhere.
My primary bank (usually deal with same two tellers) mentioned 4-15+ fake USPS MO's a day through that particular branch, triple that near Christmas... it is also a shock when they mentioned how much fake cash they get per day.

Also, to clarify- Venmo IS Paypal, just accessible through socials. I'd be careful with any firearm related item there at best.

Zelle- I resisted for a long time, but people asked enough- seems as safe as any E-transaction can be.... however there is a max $$ per transaction/day that varies by institution-roughly $2k?

 

[EddieNFL]

I see a LOT of preference for MO's here... I encourage a casual inquiry at your local bank(s) to see how many fraudulent USPS MO's they get a day... I use three different banks in the CO front range, all three struggle with an enormous amount of fake USPS MO's daily, and it has been that way for awhile... maybe CO has a higher frequency but I doubt it goes to "zero" somewhere.
My primary bank (usually deal with same two tellers) mentioned 4-15+ fake USPS MO's a day through that particular branch, triple that near Christmas... it is also a shock when they mentioned how much fake cash they get per day.

Also, to clarify- Venmo IS Paypal, just accessible through socials. I'd be careful with any firearm related item there at best.

Zelle- I resisted for a long time, but people asked enough- seems as safe as any E-transaction can be.... however there is a max $$ per transaction/day that varies by institution-roughly $2k?

I cash MOs at the post office. If they can't handle I take to the bank and treat like a check. Either way nothing moves until I know it's legit. I've let more than a few sales go because I won't accept PayPal, etc. Nothing I sell "has to go."

 

[wade2big]

I see a LOT of preference for MO's here... I encourage a casual inquiry at your local bank(s) to see how many fraudulent USPS MO's they get a day... I use three different banks in the CO front range, all three struggle with an enormous amount of fake USPS MO's daily, and it has been that way for awhile... maybe CO has a higher frequency but I doubt it goes to "zero" somewhere.
My primary bank (usually deal with same two tellers) mentioned 4-15+ fake USPS MO's a day through that particular branch, triple that near Christmas... it is also a shock when they mentioned how much fake cash they get per day.

Also, to clarify- Venmo IS Paypal, just accessible through socials. I'd be careful with any firearm related item there at best.

Zelle- I resisted for a long time, but people asked enough- seems as safe as any E-transaction can be.... however there is a max $$ per transaction/day that varies by institution-roughly $2k?

I cash MOs at the post office. If they can't handle I take to the bank and treat like a check. Either way nothing moves until I know it's legit. I've let more than a few sales go because I won't accept PayPal, etc. Nothing I sell "has to go."

The post office can verify the money order on the spot even if they cant cash it. Send the item while you are there and deposit afterwards.