Tucson, AZ
Ok here’s my thoughts. I’d do a PayPal friends and family If I am standing there looking at the item getting ready to take it away. Otherwise sorry. Even the scam site warning post talks about ACH, Wires, paying in crypto. Already encountered sellers asking for unsecured payments, PP friends and family for example. Sorry I worked to hard for my money to open an opportunity for a possible low life to steal from me. I understand not wanting to deal with 3% fees, committing tax fraud, whatever it is. I’m rendering payment for an item not in front of me and absolutely no guarantees this “vouched” for rando on the internet will send the exact item in the condition described as agreed. I am willing to cover the difference for the fees typically around 3% in exchange for the insurance and assurance I am getting the item I paid for. Most of the items here are 4-5 figures. We’re not talking small change. For many this is several whole paychecks.
For those that argue only protections for buyer, that’s just not accurate. It protects the seller from someone trying to scam say with a forged cashiers check, counterfeit money.
Chargebacks can be a pain or fraudulent buyer claims, but as long as you can show communication with the buyer, evidence you had the item as described such a purchase invoice from stern for example. Shipped the item with tracking, the credit card issuer is going to work with you. Yes the money may be tied up in limbo for a minute, but the scumbag committing chargeback fraud is also is bringing upon themselves fraud charges from the issuing bank. Banks hav means to fake your money such as grabbing from your accounts, wage garnishments.
Point being is contrary to some seller claims, the protections are a two way street.
