Buying a trailer off ebay/paypal/buyer protection etc!

[BringoutheBest]

Just need a quick bit of reassurance - I have bought a trailer off ebay about an hour ago - it was very cheap and spur of the moment decision - I'm not sure if it will be any good but life goes on, got to take risks! The seller wants me to pay through paypal before they give me postcode and arrange a pick up time, is this normal? I am new to ebay and so far have no feedback which I am guessing will be worrying to them! But I worry about my money being taken and them not telling me where the trailer is - do ebay protect for this?
They have 24 feedback stars which are all positive but only one of these is for selling items?
Just really worried I somehow wont be covered if they take my money. But paypal do insure you or something don't they?
Thank you so much, replies needed as quick as possible as I don't want to mess them around!
Anna

 

[flying solo]

Usually pay on collection I'd contact eBay right away and ask their advice x

 

[SonnysHumanSlave]

when I bought my trailer I paid cash on collection.

however im sure if when you get there and the trailer is not as described you can claim the money bk though paypal.

 

[sychnant]

The seller is actually leaving themselves open to a claim here - Paypal require sellers to be able to prove delivery, which is why you should always send items by a recorded method of post. Technically you could pay, collect the trailer, then file an "Item not Received" claim - and would more than likely get your money back when the seller couldn't enter a Tracking Number on the form to prove delivery.

I think they are mad - I always ask for CoD for non-postable items - but there you go. If they don't tell you where the trailer is, open an INR case and you will be refunded.

 

[juliette]

it sounds like they have hardly used ebay either! Paypal offers some protection, but i have to say i tried to lodge a complaint about an item and gave up in the end as their system is not very user friendly.
It's not unusual to only pay a deposit by paypal in these circumstance and the balance in cash on collection. saves them some fees and gives you the buyer piece of mind could be worth suggesting that?

 

[Angelbones]

Just to add, if you pay via Paypal use a credit card if possible rather than a debit card, its just an extra layer of protection for you.

 

[Jesstickle]

I think they're mad as they'll have to pay fees taking it through Paypal rather than cash but it's up to them. I think you as the buyer would be in a pretty safe position so if that's what they want I'd just go with the flow

 

[BringoutheBest]

So I am safe to pay by paypal?
I do remember on my parent's account we paid for a saddle that never arrived and we got money back, but as this is my bank account I do worry! I can understand from the seller's point of view that I seem pretty scary as I have no feedback but this sort of thing does scare me!!

 

[LouandBee]

Usually cash on collection for this sort of thing, I'm not sure I would be sending any money in advance.

Also, print off the advert in case it's not as advertised when you go and pick it up.

 

[BringoutheBest]

Would it be best to email them back saying could I pay a deposit via paypal and cash on collection? I really do want to get bad feedback myself as a person who didn't pay immediately etc but do want to protect myself as much as possible!
I only have a debit card unfortunately, whoever said credit card was best. Are you still pretty covered with a debit card?
I did it get it very cheap and the description said they can't guarantee it is road worthy but lights work, floor seems solid etc - if I have to do repairs etc I don't mind - I just don't want to end up with no trailer at all!

 

[*hic*]

The seller can't leave you bad feedback. The seller has put themselves in a weak position IMO. However if they have said they can't guarantee that things are correct then you don't really have any grounds for a not as described claim. Why didn't you go to check it out before bidding?

 

[BringoutheBest]

I only saw it 20 mins before the auction ended!
I don't mind if it needs a lot of work as I know people that can do it for me - just so long as it exists!!!

 

[Snoozinsusan]

I had also been watching this trailer but decided against it for various reasons. Still looking.
Personally I would prefer to use paypal as there is more protection.
Ask if they will take deposit then cash on collection. They can only day no. They're probably wary fire to your lack of feedback. There are a lot of scam buyers out there so just truong to protect themselves.

 

[flying solo]

Theyre maybe worried that you have no feedback and could steal the trailer hence wanting paid first?

 

[BringoutheBest]

I have emailed saying would a deposit with cash on collection be better.
I know it is a bit risky having not been to see the trailer but my dad has done a lot of metal work on old cars and I know various other handy men that can do floor replacement type stuff so just fingers crossed it will be ok! That risk I can cope with as it will be my fault if it turns out to be a pile of rubbish- just need a pile of something! And preferably that is in good enough condition to tow back empty at least!

 

[BringoutheBest]

And yes I did think they would be worried as I have none - I would be if it was me selling something like that!