How Do I Avoid Scams for Expensive Items?

[tzm12]

What are some ways to protect oneself from a dishonest “Item not as described” ?

I have a camera that is in like new that I would like to sell on eBay. I will take detailed images of it, describe it properly and ship it using UPS or FedEx combined with third party shipping insurance.

I’m not concerned about the item actually being as described. The item is as described and I will ship it promptly in a very well packaged box. My concern is with running into a thief that simply lies and makes the false claim that the item is not as described with the intent of shipping back a like item or an empty box as the return.

How can the possibility of such a situation be reduced and what measures can an eBay seller take to cover oneself if this does in fact happen?

I’ve sold many cameras around the 2000.00 range with no issues at all, but when I start approaching 5000.00, I become nervous.

I understand the old saying “Don’t sell anything on eBay that you’re not willing to lose”. That’s not what this post is about. I’m looking for concrete measures that I can take to reduce risk. For example does an insurance exist for the above scenario? I’m willing to pay a couple hundred for the piece of mind. What other selling steps can I take to minimize the risk of this happening?

[frodobagginskennedy]

The only way to protect yourself is NEVER EVER list something you cannot afford to give away.  If a scammer sets his sights on your product there is NOTHING you can do to prevent it.

[bonjourami]

The only concrete way to protect yourself is not to list a $5000 camera here.

[ckimodog]

@tzm12 

There is no way unfortunately.  You need to trust your gut feeling.  Just too many scammers out there looking for free merchandise.  Even if you accept the return, they can do a chargeback on their cc/debit cards.  It's a risk indeed.

Good luck.

[ittybitnot]

I’m looking for concrete measures that I can take to reduce risk. 

@tzm12 

On ebay, there are no measures.   There is no such thing as "scammer" insurance either no matter what price you are willing to pay for it.   Just about anything sold on eBay can be had for free with the right kind of phony claim.  Look into Local Pick up Only for CASH. 

[mike_jayroe]

If I remember correctly insurance only covers lost packages. If someone claims they never got it, or files a claim Not as Described you are out of luck.

I am debating if I should list a cell phone that I hope to et around 50-60 dollars for. Can't make up my mind.

[m60driver]

Try selling the camera locally for about $4k which is close to what you will net from Ebay.

[simba6]

Bottom line, there is nothing you can do. Never sell an item you can't afford to lose.

[tzm12]

I just went ahead and took the risk. Item was delivered last Thursday with a 14 day return policy. Fingers crossed. 

[inhawaii]

Was that the camera?

Expensive cameras/electronics are a scammer magnet! 

**bleep** luck! I hope it works out for you. I truly do.

[tzm12]

Yeah. Seems to have worked out fine. 

[jahood1984]

All buyers have 30 days if they claim not as described, which is the most common for scammers to use, that 14 day or even no returns is completely overridden.  I'd play the lottery if I were you,. Everytime I break my 500 dollar selling limit here it seems like the buyer tries something...