Safe Way To Buy A Static Caravan - Paypal?
Discussion
I need a Static caravan whilst I refurb a house
The seller has 4 classified ads on ebay for statics and a feedback of 40 - it's the right time of year for off site sales and his prices are sensible - not too cheap - the main thing is it's a rare spec
It needs transportation which he will provide (caravan Transport Co. don't like working for individuals) obviously he wants payment or a substantial deposit before he sends the caravan
This one is £5k - we have bought a £1500 one in the past, my wife paid up front - I couldn't believe she had and thought she'd been scammed but it turned up - albeit a week late and with a broken skylight but otherwise, as described
This seems to be a side gig - he doesn't take C Cards - would PPal Goods and Services protect me or is there a better way ?
I'm thinking £2500 PPal and £2500 on delivery
As stated whilst parts scream scam this is exactly how we bought the last one - I could view it but it's 4 hours away, I don't doubt it exists, the issue is whether it will be delivered
The seller has 4 classified ads on ebay for statics and a feedback of 40 - it's the right time of year for off site sales and his prices are sensible - not too cheap - the main thing is it's a rare spec
It needs transportation which he will provide (caravan Transport Co. don't like working for individuals) obviously he wants payment or a substantial deposit before he sends the caravan
This one is £5k - we have bought a £1500 one in the past, my wife paid up front - I couldn't believe she had and thought she'd been scammed but it turned up - albeit a week late and with a broken skylight but otherwise, as described
This seems to be a side gig - he doesn't take C Cards - would PPal Goods and Services protect me or is there a better way ?
I'm thinking £2500 PPal and £2500 on delivery
As stated whilst parts scream scam this is exactly how we bought the last one - I could view it but it's 4 hours away, I don't doubt it exists, the issue is whether it will be delivered
KTMsm said:
This seems to be a side gig - he doesn't take C Cards - would PPal Goods and Services protect me or is there a better way ?
As stated whilst parts scream scam this is exactly how we bought the last one - I could view it but it's 4 hours away, I don't doubt it exists
For £5k that you have to pay in cash, I'd be investing 8 hours of my time to ensure it's legit and go and see him.As stated whilst parts scream scam this is exactly how we bought the last one - I could view it but it's 4 hours away, I don't doubt it exists
Then pay a deposit with a receipt and pay the rest on delivery.
How will jumping in the car help ?
I'm sure it and he exist
I'm not sure it will be delivered
Delivery will be £1k one way or £2k there and back so he'll want a £2k deposit as a minimum as that will be his cost
There aren't any nearby as they are generally at the seaside and I'm in the middle of the country - but the same applies I'd be meeting someone in a field, giving them thousands in the hope it gets delivered
I'm sure it and he exist
I'm not sure it will be delivered
Delivery will be £1k one way or £2k there and back so he'll want a £2k deposit as a minimum as that will be his cost
There aren't any nearby as they are generally at the seaside and I'm in the middle of the country - but the same applies I'd be meeting someone in a field, giving them thousands in the hope it gets delivered
KTMsm said:
Hugo Stiglitz v2 said:
Go and see it first. I'd drive 100miles to see a motorbike, I'm sure you are the same with motors as well.
As stated, how will that help?You obviously have some doubts - this is a good way of allaying, or confirming, them.
Hugo Stiglitz v2 said:
Just because you've bought one car at a distance and it was 'fine' so you wouldn't think the rest are the same experience.
A different analogy but my advice above stands as relevant.
You could have mould inside, water damage, cracks, breaks etc etc etc. Or the seller doesn't own it.
I've seen videos so I'm happy the caravan is as described - it hasn't got sufficient moving parts to worry meA different analogy but my advice above stands as relevant.
You could have mould inside, water damage, cracks, breaks etc etc etc. Or the seller doesn't own it.
How will meeting the seller proves he owns it or prove he'll pay to deliver it ?
I only pay for cars when I collect them, from the owner's house with a V5 - none of those things exist here
KTMsm said:
I've seen videos so I'm happy the caravan is as described - it hasn't got sufficient moving parts to worry me
How will meeting the seller proves he owns it or prove he'll pay to deliver it ?
I only pay for cars when I collect them, from the owner's house with a V5 - none of those things exist here
As stated above it will give you a "feel" for the seller.How will meeting the seller proves he owns it or prove he'll pay to deliver it ?
I only pay for cars when I collect them, from the owner's house with a V5 - none of those things exist here
Plus you will know where the caravan actually is.
I've bought lots of things remotely and if I have any doubts about the seller I just don't proceed.
TownIdiot said:
As stated above it will give you a "feel" for the seller.
Plus you will know where the caravan actually is.
I've bought lots of things remotely and if I have any doubts about the seller I just don't proceed.
My father was a wise manPlus you will know where the caravan actually is.
I've bought lots of things remotely and if I have any doubts about the seller I just don't proceed.
He said:
Do you know why con men are con men ?
Because they always seem like really nice men, so people trust them
No, I wouldn't dream of using Paypal for an item that is not being delivered by a regular courier with proof of postage. You won't have any protections.
If they won't accept CC, then it's either cash or bank transfer. Like others, I'd be going to see the van in person and do the deal face to face. Whilst you're certain the caravan exists, if it's a scam the person you're speaking to won't exist, they won't be representing the company they're purporting to and the van won't be where you think it is. All easily checked in person.
I bought a non runner track car off eBay - I made the 4 hour round trip, met the seller, checked the car, paid cash and left the car and cash with him and then arranged for it to be transported at a later date.
If you're not prepared to do the above then just make a bank transfer and roll the dice.
If they won't accept CC, then it's either cash or bank transfer. Like others, I'd be going to see the van in person and do the deal face to face. Whilst you're certain the caravan exists, if it's a scam the person you're speaking to won't exist, they won't be representing the company they're purporting to and the van won't be where you think it is. All easily checked in person.
I bought a non runner track car off eBay - I made the 4 hour round trip, met the seller, checked the car, paid cash and left the car and cash with him and then arranged for it to be transported at a later date.
If you're not prepared to do the above then just make a bank transfer and roll the dice.
you're happy that the caravan exists, and its under the control of the nice man, then PayPal proper, NOT Friends and Family gives you some protection against it never appearing or a different one arriving. You'll probably have to offer to pay the fees for it, but thats not outrageous for the peace of mind you'll get. The balance can be bank transfer once it arrives and is in the shape you expect.
Spare tyre said:
My only concern would be how far it’s going to travel and what condition it’s gonna be in when arriving
That said, if using a proper caravan moving company, they probably know what they are doing
I did think about paying the transport company directly but then there's a liability issue if the caravan gets damaged, collecting or deliveringThat said, if using a proper caravan moving company, they probably know what they are doing
Whereas if he pays, it's all down to him
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