Just sold iPhone 4 on eBay. How to prevent scam?

Hi, I just sold my iPhone 4 on eBay really quickly. Based on my selling experience, I sold it suspiciously too quickly. <.<

So I just want to ask you guys, how can I protect myself from getting scammed? Like what measures should I take during the shipping process? I'm going to be shipping by USPS Flat Rate.

Thanks

Ship to the seller so that they have to sign for the item. UPS maintains a tracking log but has a bad habit of leaving an item on the front door step. A good excuse for a scammer to use and say they didn't receive it.

Alright, will do. You know if the post office can add signature confirmation at the register?

markusaurileus said:

Hi, I just sold my iPhone 4 on eBay really quickly. Based on my selling experience, I sold it suspiciously too quickly. <.<

Click to expand...

It may have sold quickly if the price ("Buy It Now" price I'm assuming)...was set below (or well below) what other similarly configured iPhone 4's were/are selling for.

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

It may have sold quickly if the price ("Buy It Now" price I'm assuming)...was set below (or well below) what other similarly configured iPhone 4's were/are selling for.

- Nick

Click to expand...

Buy it now: $130

I just based it according to what eBay told me others had sold the same phone for ($120-$140).

a. How did the buyer pay?
b. Where is the buyer located (shipping address)?
c. Looking up that address on a map program, does it seem like a legitimate address?

chas_m said:

a. How did the buyer pay?
b. Where is the buyer located (shipping address)?
c. Looking up that address on a map program, does it seem like a legitimate address?

Click to expand...

Paypal, US, and legit address, I actually recognize the neighborhood. I think I'll just use eBay's Print Label option and add on signature confirmation with their discount. Otherwise, I don't think there are any more fees to use their label option...

Hate to be negative here, but the potential scammer could claim that you sent to him a box of rocks, file a claim with PP and he would eventually win, almost a 100% certainty; you are powerless in this scenario.

On the other hand, I sold an item worth $1000, too much $ and too quickly, thinking surely this was a scammer (too good to be true, you know?), but it ended up to be legitimate.

Have UPS pack it for you, and ask them to request a signature upon delivery. That works the same way as US registered mail, only less expensive. I have done that several times from a UPS store and it works well. The recipient can say whatever they want, but the proof is yours.

And $130 does seem too cheap. Here down under bringing closer to $300.

Not here in the US Harry. Some carriers are actually giving the iPhone 4 away for free if you sign a 2 year contract. His selling price is about right.

Hi guys, I ended up printing express mail labels and dropping it off at USPS (on campus). I called PayPal to ask about what I should do, and the lady told me for my situation I should be protected as a seller as long as there is a tracking number. If the buyer claims he got nothing, it isn't my fault, as long as the tracking is recorded. If the buyer claims I sent nothing, they can work with USPS to check for package consistencies across shipping.

In the future, if I ever sell something over $250, I'm definitely going to do signature confirmation, too.

chscag said:

Not here in the US Harry. Some carriers are actually giving the iPhone 4 away for free if you sign a 2 year contract. His selling price is about right.

Click to expand...

That's becoming more common. I think my iPhone 4 was /$0.99 with contract last Spring.

Hi guys, everything is fine with the transaction. Just wanted to give an update and say thanks for the input.

I was hoping all the concerns were nothing. The majority of e-Bay transactions go smoothly.

Thanks for the update.

- Nick

I generally transfer Paypal money to my checking account within a few minutes of being paid. I don't ship until it shows up as pending in my checking account. That generally means the cash is free and clear within another 24 hours. I always note in my description that my item won't ship until payment clears. Sometimes it slows down a sale, but I always get paid and sleep well. Just something to consider.