Long distance Buy/Sell

This isn't an ebay deal, but I posted my waverunner for sale on Craigs List, and a couple of PWC-specific sites.

I got a local offer the other day, but it was a little low. Last night, a woman from Austin TX emails me and says that she wants it ASAP, and will give me my asking price. I'm in SE PA.

She left me her # and assured me that she has good ebay feedback. She claims she just sold two quads on ebay recently. She seems nice. I haven't called her yet or responded to her email.

I'm wondering how to go about this. I've bought and sold plenty on line, but never anything this big or expensive.

For those who have bought or sold high-dollar items long distance, what is the usual protocol? She wants it sight-unseen, and to arrange shipping to TX. Obviously she would pay the shipping cost, but how does the $$$ exchange work? I wouldn't feel comfortable shipping it without 100% of the money up front, and it would have to be a MO or personal check that will clear the bank.

It seems a little daunting. I'd almost rather take the local offer and save myself the stress, but people buy and sell things like this everyday, so it can't be too bad.

So what is the protocol here? Also, any experiences, good or bad?

MA, haven't you bought and/or sold cars on line before? Were they long distance deals?


Thanks,

-Steve

 

When I was in the UK I bought goods in the US through Ebay using the Paypal system. It is safe and effective and exchanges the money immediately from one persons bank account to the others, hence saving time waiting for a check to cash. It is simple and quick for you both to set up. Go to www.paypal.com for more details.

If you do go the check route then you MUST wait for it to cash before sending the goods, or you could end up with no money and no goods. If she really wants the goods that much she will wait those few days.

The other alternative is she could transfer directly the funds to your bank account. This would be instant, but would mean you would need to give her your bank details.

HTH

 

Thanks Lev.

Someone else mentioned a "Bank Check" which is gauranteed, since it's from the bank. That sounds good.

I called her a little while ago. She is concerned with the shipping costs, so I'm trying to find reasonably priced shipping.

Does anyone know of any inexpensive shippers? I've no idea what to expect. Does $300 to $400 sound reasonable to expect?

It's really her concern, not mine, but finding the best shipping deal will help with my sale.



-Steve

 

You can have her do a money order from the post office, which is guaranteed as well. I can imagine that shipping on a waverunner would be high...dont those things weigh like 500lbs? Your main trusted senders are UPS, FedEX, the post office, and DHL. Best you can do is compare between them. I probably wouldn't trust any other method.

 

look for something with cash on delivery
Canadian post office does that i'm sure other companies do as well

 

I've used DHL nationally and internationally for parcels and when I moved to the States, and they were very reasonable.