retired2pa

I was wondering if anyone could give me information about when you sell a sewing machine, what form of payment do you ask for??

I listed a machine on Craigslist in my area, but didn't figure on it selling because it's a pricey machine (and brand new), so I didn't list type of payment. Well, much to my surprise, I had a gal contact me and is interested in it.

The only type of payment I'm familiar with is PayPal. I'm out of touch with any of the other types being used these days. Anyone know what's best??

SuzSLO

For a face-to-face sale, nothing wrong with asking for cash. You can offer to use PayPal, but if the Buyer wants to use a credit card, there is an additional fee that the Buyer should pay. Unless the person buying is truly your “friend” or “family”, don’t try to avoid the credit card fee by defrauding PayPal and saying they are. There are other forms of direct transfer such as Zelle and Venmo, but those are most useful when you don’t have the option of a cash transaction. If the Buyer wants to pay by check, be aware that there is risk that the check will not be honored (even a cashier’s check is potentially at risk).

TheMerkleFamily

Depending on how pricey the transaction - there may be limits to how much you can transfer through Zelle, Venmo, etc.. You'd have to take a look at those to see. I should mention that I was surprised to receive a 1099 from PayPal where they reported my PayPal income to the IRS because they are now obligated to when you receive over $600 in any year.

Cash is always King - money order or certified check works well, too!

SusieQOH

Craig's list? Cash
Doesn't Venmo have fees? I would say anything but a personal check.
Glad to hear you have a buyer!

retired2pa

I always ask for cash if it's a face-to-face sale, but this lady lives 200 miles from me and I doubt she will travel to pick it up.

I was reading about Venmo, and it said that it's not as secure as Zelle or PayPal because of the linking of bank accounts.

This is a transaction for $3500, so it's no small amount.

mkc

Cash, or meet at the bank, or do wire transfer if you don't have an account at the same bank.

Do not accept a cashier's check unless it is done while you are at the bank with the buyer and they are pulling funds from their account with you present. Faked cashier's checks are a common scam these days.

cashs_mom

Wow! Thanks for that. I had no idea.

I would definitely do cash for a Craig's List transaction. Read the find print on Venmo and Zelle. They often don't cover you if the transaction goes bad. As I remember it specifically says to only use it with people that you know and trust. Paypal will back you up to some extent.

Watson

Do you have E Transfer in the US? That is the easiest/safest way to do it for the Seller.
Otherwise, I'd do Paypal for sure. NOT the Friends and Family option. Nothing wrong with Paypal. It protects both parties, especially if you have to ship it.

Watson

Peckish

Cash, cash, or cash. Too much fraud risk with other options. Just my opinion.
FWIW, when my husband and I bought our waverunners (with trailer) from a private seller, we paid $8500 cash. If she wants it bad enough and you have it priced to sell, she'll figure out a way.

quiltsfor

Craigslist - definitely cash only! There is so many scammers now-a-days! If she wants it bad enough, she'll drive to pick it up. If not, find another buyer.