USPS money orders

[Darayavaus]

I sell quite a bit. I will not take PP unless its friends and family. Period. I will not accept goods and services.

but from a buyer's point of view, I'm dealing with someone I don't know. And I'm supposed to trust him and put it down as a "gift" to friends and family? What if the seller stiffs me - I cant go back to paypal and say "well, I was actually buying goods and services from some dude I don't know, but we were trying to cheat the system so there were no fees, and then he stiffed me, so can I get a refund now?"

 

[Darayavaus]

I quit taking credit card payments after one time I sent a gun to an FFL and the buyer backed out and disputed the charge. The money was refunded to the buyer and I didn’t have the gun back. The FFL eventually returned the gun after threat of ATF trace. Not doing that again. No seller protection with disputed charges in my case.

this is why car dealerships will only accept a limited amount on a card for a vehicle purchase. In the past, people would buy a car on their plastic, then dispute the charge after all the paperwork was signed and they drove off. Sure, you can open a lawsuit, but that costs $$$ and everyone is operating on a margin to begin with. Of course, dealerships would much rather finance anyway.....

 

[Centuriator]

Is there a way to be scammed accepting these for payment ? Thanks

In fact, yes. I noticed a year ago or so Bank of America was holding USPS Money Orders for up to 12 business days before they cleared. I talked to a bank officer at my branch and he explained USPS Money Orders have become counterfeited more than ever before and they do this to protect themselves from counterfeit orders, and of course the customer. That is the "scam" here ... I personally have had no issues with payments from reputable buyers here or on Gunbroker, but ... seller beware and all that.

 

[wade2big]

but from a buyer's point of view, I'm dealing with someone I don't know. And I'm supposed to trust him and put it down as a "gift" to friends and family? What if the seller stiffs me - I cant go back to paypal and say "well, I was actually buying goods and services from some dude I don't know, but we were trying to cheat the system so there were no fees, and then he stiffed me, so can I get a refund now?"

The risk should be on the buyer and not the seller. The buyer should vet the seller and not the other way around. Ask for a phone number and use it. This is the single best thing a buyer can do to protect himself. I have bought $2500 rifles off arms list by getting a phone number from a seller and visiting with him a bit.

Look at rating systems as well. On this site, have 41 feedback on the new system, at least that in the feedback thread, and twice those totals if you count the people that don’t bother leaving feedback. Would you be nervous sending me money?

From a seller’s point of view what if I take goods and services, the seller gets his package from me, and then disputes the charge via PayPal and/or the CC company so he gets my product and a refund. Looks like I am out or have a battle on. Y hands at the very best. It happens and not worth the risk as a seller.

The risk should be on the buyer and not the seller. Do your homework.