Scams

[HandOverFist]

I've sold many parts and many vehicles on ebay without problems. In the case of selling vehicles or high dollar amount items it is standard practice to require a non-refundable deposit of say $500 up front via Paypal...the balance is usually handled by cash upon pick-up or a bank to bank wire transfer. I myself have never accepted any amount over $500 via Paypal for goods.

As far as this "agent" business goes, I tend to believe it may be just a play on words. In all cases but one when I have sold motorcycles thru ebay the buyer arranged pick-up via a transport company they have hired...this after all funds are cleared and in my bank account. I have done the exact same as a buyer in these cases. On the ebay site you are at least able to determine the "quality" of whomever you are dealing with by total feedback from prior transactions...other sites you are mostly running blind.

In this latest scenario I would accept a non-refundable deposit via Paypal and instruct the buyer to provide the balance via bank to bank wire transfer. No scammer is going to work thru those restrictions and you have the funds in hand before any title/merchandise passes hands. Who cares who picks up the item once you have your money in hand? One other item to note...I always send the title via registered mail to the buyer after funds have cleared, never with the transporter or vehicle.

I think sites like Craigslist or forums serve a small purpose, but I would not use them for any high dollar amount items...sites such as ebay have so many more layers of protection for the seller and buyer alike. I suppose those other venues are fine for local use where one is able to travel to see merchandise first hand. Keep in mind there are many buyers AND sellers who are not savvy to the processes involved...don't automatically write them off as scam. It doesnt take long to filter those out using common sense.