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Selling on Agon question

Hi, I have an ad out, and someone with no feedback, from Mexico City, has expressed interest.

I am slightly wary, are there precautions I could take to ensure I don't get burned?

I was thinking:

-Insist on bank check/money order, wait for funds to clear before shipping.

-Ship UPS and choose the option to have the buyer have to sign for the item

Does that cover me?

I am wary of accepting paypal for this transaction as disputes usually go to the buyer, and this person could claim the item was damaged and ask for money back or something like that.

Any thoughts based on your experience would be much appreciated.

-Stephen
sandman012
glenfihi
525 posts
 
If accepting checks, wait for it to clear both banks. Insist on insurance and tracking number.
trelja
3,223 posts
 
Agreed, ONLY a wire transfer.

Also, forget UPS. UPS is a nightmare to deal with when you try to send or receive a package across the border. I've had packages get hung up for days, weeks, and even months. In addition, you'll take a bath for the fees, which will continue to trickle in for months and months.

Go with FedEX, they're much more straightforward to deal with. If the item's small enough, the Postal Service represents another option.

Both FedEX and USPS will treat you better than UPS if there's damage to the package in transit.
zaphodbeeblebrox
78 posts
 
You can only Cash Money orders at the post office if the money order is an official United States Postal Service money order, which you can only buy at the post office.

If I sell something or buy something it the only form of payment, other than cash, that I prefer to use.

I don't believe the post office will cash just any Money Order.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Unfortunately, since it's a cross border transaction, the buyer is unlikely to be able to get a USPS money order. Wire transfer is the way to go. If it can go USPS, you may wait an eon or two to get paid if there is a claim, but you WILL get paid. However USPS only insures up to $700, at least that was the limit when I sent something to Canada several years ago.
rja's avatar
rja
2,371 posts
 
My personal feeling on this subject is avoid international transactions altogether unless you're prepared for all the potential hassles.
BTW: I have cashed Canada Post money orders drawn in $US at USPS.
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