First Time Seller/First Offer

[rkm386]

I am a brand new seller. I posted a vintage watch a couple of weeks ago. Really cool piece. I listed it for $1750. I received my first offer today for $1329. The buyer appears to be from Turkey, and he has no information on his profile. Should I assume this is a scammer?

 

[ckimodog]

@rkm386 

Being a new seller,  it is really not advisable to list something that expensive on Ebay or any other e commerce site.  Too risky and you could loose both the watch and your cash.  

I definitely would not ship it internationally.  Some countries prohibit the exporting of jewelry and there could also be transit issues.  

If I felt uneasy about this or any buyer, I would sell it locally for cash to a pawn dealer or jewelry store that buys jewelry.  That way you'll get paid.  Scammers are world wide. 

Good luck what ever you decide.  

[nobody*s_perfect]

If a buyer makes you uncomfortable in any way, just ignore their offer. Don't overthink it.  

As noted in the other post, a high value item from a new seller will be a magnet for scammers. Furthermore, experienced buyers will avoid purchasing a high-value item from a new seller, suspecting that the seller might be a scammer.  Those are two reasons why you should establish yourself with plenty of feedback as a seller before you offer high-priced items.

[slati_2013]

I would not accept the offer. If a buyer has feedback showing they regularly buy watches then consider it. But as many will tell you and have already said, scammers will be all over this. 

[dbfolks166mt]

     There are a few things I would add to ckimodog response. In addition to being a new seller you don't accept returns. EBay is supposed to limit sellers to domestic sales and restrict the value of the items they can list to help new sellers from getting in exactly this type of situation. 

     I would end this listing immediately, the offers is probably a scam attempt, and give some further thought as to how you want to proceed as a new seller on eBay. I would suggest staying with lower priced items and avoiding items the scammers tend to target like electronics, cell phones, computers......... avoid international selling for the moment. If you do venture into the international market you will need to understand the import restrictions on the countries you are shipping to. You may also want to consider using the eBay International Shipping program although it is going through some growing pains at the moment. It is a relatively new program but does offer the seller some protection. I am a long time seller but I have stopped selling internationally until this program irons out the kinks. 

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/ebay-international-shippin... 

     You may also want to read through the eBay MBG policy and understand what your  risks are as a seller. EBay protects the buyer about every way possible and many new sellers have learned some expensive lessons from not understanding the policy. Also read through some of the issues on this forum that sellers have had: scams, funding holds, returns................. 

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy... 

[fab_finds4u]

You should assume anyone that buys it is a scammer. When a seller with zero experience lists an expensive watch it's a theft magnet.  Scammers will try to trick you with a fake payment receipt. Legitimate buyers are afraid to spend that much money on a seller with zero feedback. Your feedback hasn't established if you describe accurately, package securely, ship on time, etc.

You should sell some inexpensive items and build up your feedback before you list expensive items and when you list it list buy now immediate payment required. 

[soh.maryl]

Let me add my support to those who have told you it's not a good idea for a new seller to list such an expensive item as their first listing.  Do not bother to respond to the buyer.  It would be a good idea for you to take down this listing until you have more selling experience under your belt.  

[rkm386]

What is the solution to only wanting to sell one item? I have no desire to sell on eBay, outside of a couple things I’ve listed. eBay is what my parents used when I was a kid. I actually always considered it a place to buy old collectible-type items, so I thought my listing would be appropriate. 

[rkm386]

What is the solution if I only want to sell a couple of items that I currently have listed? I don’t want to become an actual seller that lists tons of items regularly. 

[rkm386]

What’s the solution if I do not have any intention of becoming a seller? I really just want to sell this item.

[evry1nositswindy]

I would never sell anything that expensive either.  If you are determined, remove all international shipping.  List it as fixed price with immediate payment required.  Do not allow offers.  You can still lose a return case.  EBay is buyer centric and sellers don't have many protections.  (And why would we?  These are not eBay's items, not eBay's money, and they still get their fee.)

[rkm386]

That makes sense!

[creativecrisis]

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@rkm386 wrote:

What’s the solution if I do not have any intention of becoming a seller? I really just want to sell this item.

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The solution is probably not eBay if you just want to sell one or two items, especially valuable items. As others have already explained, sellers have few protections on this site and new sellers can be scam targets. A local sale would be less risky. You could consider antique dealers, auction houses, consignment sellers, direct sale through a local ad, or in your case, maybe a jeweler who buys vintage pieces.

[dbfolks166mt]

What’s the solution if I do not have any intention of becoming a seller? I really just want to sell this item.

     You are in Ormond Beach Florida you may want to try some local forums or some local electronic shops that buy and sell vintage electronics. Given the fees you would have paid on eBay, shipping cost, etc. you could probably take about 20% less for the watch than what you have it listed for on eBay and still pocket about the same amount.

     Buyer can pay you in cash, inspect the item before they take possession and you don't have to worry about shipping cost or potential damage or loss while in transit. If you sell it locally pick a safe meeting place to make the exchange. Police departments often have areas setup for this. 

     Not sure if Florida has pawn shops but that may also be another option. 

[rkm386]

This is super helpful advice! Thank you!