Advice for protecting yourself in a Trade

[Bo4taylormade]

I personally have not gone through a trade with another member yet, however have one lined up and was hoping for some general tips that you all have had to protect both sides. My assumption was that both parties ship same day / the same time, exchange tracking numbers immediately following shipment of goods, get insurance for the value of the item through shipping company. I’d think that covers against most shipping issues however, it doesn’t guarantee the other party will actually ship the item. Do most members also have both parties paypal the value of the item plus goods and services fee so if needed one could make a claim?

[Typos]

From my experiences trading online, it's most important to trust the individual rather than relying on third party protection.  That is done by looking at recent feedback and not continuing if I don't have complete confidence.

[wundej]

You both pay each other via PayPal goods and services (just as if you were purchasing the item outright). There is zero protection otherwise. 
 

If you know the person it’s a different story. 

[bhj83]

1 hour ago, wundej said:

You both pay each other via PayPal goods and services (just as if you were purchasing the item outright). There is zero protection otherwise. 
 

If you know the person it’s a different story. 

This is what I always do as well. Sucks to pay the fee but it's worth the piece of mind. 

[SubaruWRX]

3 hours ago, wundej said:

You both pay each other via PayPal goods and services (just as if you were purchasing the item outright). There is zero protection otherwise. 
 

If you know the person it’s a different story. 

⬆️ This! 👍🏻

[jacob7071]

14 hours ago, wundej said:

You both pay each other via PayPal goods and services (just as if you were purchasing the item outright). There is zero protection otherwise. 
 

If you know the person it’s a different story. 

Can you do this and then both cancel the sale and return the funds after the items arrive?  Or would paypal keep the fees even if you cancel?

[Circaflex]

• Take excellent pictures, in good lighting. Think you have enough? Take a few more, take extras of the face, the crown (if applicable), the ferrule, the shaft and the grip.
• Be sure to call out any blemishes, dings or scuffs. Even better, call them out and provide a picture or two
• Dont use Venmo/Zello/Anything "gift" related. Stick to paypal goods and services for protection
• If you're the seller, its common courtesy to ship the next available day after payment, no need to dilly dally
• Read through their feedback and try to judge the sellers character
• Most importantly, if something feels off or you're asked to gift a payment, or something strange I would just exit the sale and move on

[SubaruWRX]

7 hours ago, jacob7071 said:

Can you do this and then both cancel the sale and return the funds after the items arrive?  Or would paypal keep the fees even if you cancel?

Shouldn’t PayPal make a little something for offering their protection? It’s a small price to pay for an outstanding insurance plan. 

[jacob7071]

2 hours ago, SubaruWRX said:

Shouldn’t PayPal make a little something for offering their protection? It’s a small price to pay for an outstanding insurance plan. 

Ugh, FiNe!  I still lump them and ebay together and consider them to have taken enough from us over the years.  But you're right

[jlevitt9]

Buy the seller, not the club. If they don’t have a good transaction history, clear photos, are timely with responses and communication, it ain’t worth it.

 

[brew4eagle]

On 8/17/2021 at 7:17 PM, SubaruWRX said:

Shouldn’t PayPal make a little something for offering their protection? It’s a small price to pay for an outstanding insurance plan. 

Agree, plus paypal keeps the fees from the seller when refunding now, so plan wouldn't work

[jayfaro]

When I was a newer member, I made a couple of trades with long standing members with 100% feedback. I offered to send my item to them first and once they received it and we ok with it, they can ship me their item. I was fortunate in both instances, they worked out.