What are the best payment options?

Hi,

I am selling goods for the first time to an international party. I am about to ship an electronic item to a person in another country. Any tips to ensure safe and secure transaction. What are the best payment options?

Ram

First thing when I hear international sale and electronics mentioned in the same sentence, I think Nigeria, so let's just cover that first lol.

If it is being sent to Nigeria for someone's brother that is working there or whatever, just save yourself the drama and cancel the transaction now because the sale is a scam!

Now, given that it is to somewhere else in the world, doesn't automatically mean it's a scam, but you do want to give yourself the best possible protection. That comes by way of accepting direct bank deposits, or credit card payments.

You can use PayPal, that's fine, but I strongly suggest that you have a credit card hooked to your account so you can file a charge back if required.

Now I would usually just tell anyone to stay away from a wire transfer, however if you are smart and wait till you pick up the cash before you send the item, then that's fine. Just don't get suckered into any proof of payment invoice they send you from anyone.

That includes PayPal! If you agree to a payment like this and you do get an invoice from PayPal or whoever indicating that the funds have been paid into your account, then login and double check that they are there.

Don't click on any links in the actual email you receive, just go and log into your account and double check before you even think about sending the item.

Cheers Ram

Yes you are right. It was for nigeria. My goodness, I would have shipped my stuff if I hadn't posted this question in SaleHoo. Thanks a lot for the reply.

I even received a Notification of Instant payment from CITI BANK INTERNATIONAL stating that "Processing of Funds" upon sending the shipment tracking number. That's when I doubted, because i agreed to accept payment before delivery.

I have provided my bank a/c details. Will i need to take any precaution?

But, if i agree to accept credit card payment do I need to make prior arrangements with the credit card/bank.

But i understand that paypal can be linked to either bank account or credit card. So, I normally link paypal to my bank account.

Thank You, Marc.

Ram

Hi Ram, glad we could save you from being stung, so that's a HUGE plus.

In regards to setting up your PayPal, I suggest hooking it to your credit card, that way you are protected with a charge-back option should you get scammed while purchasing at any time.

In regards to this current transaction, ignore it. No matter what you do they won't send you any money at all, it's a classic sting. All they will do is waste your time trying to convince you that they have paid, when they have absolutely no intention of doing so.

Hi,

I noticed that I can become a registered supplier on SaleHoo. But do I need to have a registered company if I am going to be an occassional supplier.

Sriram

you say you give them your bank account details???

what exactly did you give them, did you give any other personal details ie your address i would be cautious with this and get in touch with bank if it was me.

No, I didn't provide my address. But I provided the a/c number and name.

No, I didn't provide my address. But I provided the a/c number and name.

although probably ok i would still contact your bank as a precaution there are some very clever about these days.

As a side note. These are called 419 scams (i would do a google search and you'll see all kinds of examples).

I've worked on eBay for a long time and have seen many different ways they can scam. A lot of times it's a fake check for way above the closing price, fake paypal/western union emails for payment, and bank account wire transfers.

I would stay away from certain countries altogether in that region. But that's up to you.

Recently I have seen people create an account in one name, and then use a different name for billing (for CC #), and then of course the drop shipped target. This should send a possible red flag; we've had to deal with the FBI a couple times. It's good to be a little paranoid (large purchases in a small amount of time with a different account/billing/shipping).

Hope this helps!

Damon

Thanks Damon. Your reply is certainly helpful and appreciated.

Ram

No, I didn't provide my address. But I provided the a/c number and name.

That's standard fair Ram, nothing to worry about there. As a general rule, give as little information as you possibly can, especially private address information.

Of course when accepting bank deposits, you have to give account information, just don't give your access codes and that's ok lol

Knowing that you have been corresponding with thieves, I would suggest making sure that you had good virus software installed. The last thing you want is a key logger laying around sucking down key strokes.