cash

None of the above.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/how-to-not-get-ripped-off-in-pinball-vids-guide

Cash only

Paypal is not safe

PayPal is never safe for the seller.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/how-to-not-get-ripped-off-in-pinball-vids-guide

Wire transfer confirmed with your bank. Absolutely do not do PayPal with an offshore buyer.

Even wire transfer can be faked.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/how-to-not-get-ripped-off-in-pinball-vids-guide

I just sold a phone on ebay with paypal.

He took the phone, used it for a month.

Then he said "I don't want it"

He lied and said "Not as advertized" to paypal.

Paypal fully refunded him his money without question, and I get a well used phone in worse condition than I sold it sent back to me, with zero ability to fight it.

Do not use paypal for high dollar purchases. Ever.

PayPal isn't worth the headache. Too many variables and ways to take your machine AND your money for the buyer.

I actually haven't had to sell anything yet, but if I were to sell a game it would be in person, cash only. I probably wouldn't ship a game, or anything else like that. Buyer has to show up in person, load the game in their vehicle, and hand over the cash.

Also, depending on the price of the game (if it's in the thousands) you can buy a marker that can detect counterfeit bills. A guy actually had one of these when I picked a game a few years ago. Made me want to get one just in case. Can't be too careful when scammers will try anything, including giving you fake bills.

In God we trust all others pay ca$h

Block the number and don't waste your time.

Don't feel stupid.

I've got about 40 emails from people who took the bait, but were kind enough to detail the scam to me so that others would not get taken.

I've also been at the Post Office when the person ahead of me had 4 PMOs, all fake.

-

"Keep your eyes open and your legs shut" - Grandpaw Vid

Vid1900, I know people keep saying this all the time, but you are an absolute treasure to the hobby of pinball. It's amazing how anytime I'm looking for something on Pinside you've already answered it or are just in general always helping people. Keep up the good work man you are one of the good ones.

CASH

Escrow.com

Paypal friends and family and they cant get the money back, right?

Straight cash, homie.

IMG_3644 (resized).JPG

When I ship a game, I only accept a bank to bank wire transfer. Once it's in my account and the bank confirms receipt, it can't be reversed. Local sales cash, or Paypal gift if I know the buyer well enough.

Cash on the glass. You count it. I count it. We load the machine. Wish each other a nice day and off you go.

Close friends are of course, different. But the preference is still cash. That way we all remain close friends

Just be happy you didn't go through with it..... Lesson learned.

Every pin purchase and sale I've ever done has always been, as Dave says, "Cash on the glass."

That's funny. Gonna steal that phrase.

That's funny

But paypal my account was hacked! I never sent that money, it was the hacker! They get their money back, and you no longer have a pinball machine.

Even if they send the Paypal money as a gift, they can do a chargeback.

Personal checks from long lost Nigerian cousins. Only way to go.

Extend left hand, palm up, to receive cash. This leaves right hand free for handshake and wave goodbye.

How are the state to state sales here on pinside being handled? people aren't mailing cash. I was referred to paypal friend and family. i realize there is a risk to seller, but the buyers end is bank wire, which has more risk.

Are you saying they would issue a chargeback on their credit card and then that card would come after the paypal account holder, i.e. sue them for the cash (it's easy enough to keep your paypal accountat zero balance and any associated bank accounts)? I guess that makes some sense... but who is going to start that and risk going to court when they are the ones doing the scamming? In all seriousness, has anyone actually been screwed over by the gifting option or is this all hypothetical?

As for hacking, that's a different deal and carries the same risk as any banking with online ability.

Dang, i should change my password to something other than password.

Cash on personal collection, after an inspection of the machine. Anything else is just asking for trouble.

OMG yes.

Remember, most scams require you to have confidence that some stupid thing is true.

"I heard on the internet that Paypal Gifts can't be disputed. I thought it must be safe!" - Guy who lost $6K.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/how-to-not-get-ripped-off-in-pinball-vids-guide#post-1813448

IES is the ONLY safe way:

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/how-to-not-get-ripped-off-in-pinball-vids-guide#post-1813455

"Cash and carry" if conducting sales with private owners.
Wire transfers for reputable dealers only.
I don't want to discuss credit cards, as I don't believe in their use for buying pinball machines, new or used.

I've done all my purchases this way except for one. I bought that from a store and had it shipped, so I just gave them a credit card number over the phone.

I sold/shipped 2 pins with personal/business checks. I made it clear we could not set up shipping until the check had cleared, which was about 10 business days after deposit. No issues there, but would 1000% prefer cash.

They're the ones that screw you the worst.

F 'em...I still charge them the going rate and try to upsell the crap I have lying around.

For the sale of a pinball machine, a wire transfer is the best way to receive payment. Period.

But this thread is silly, not because the OP almost fell for the easiest scam in the book (sorry OP ), but because it doesn't consider the buying end. On Pinside especially, so many are quick to say they only want a wire or cash when selling but when they go to buy it's always "wellll I want to use my credit card/Paypal for protection" when cash on pickup isn't an option.

PayPus is the LEAST safe payment method ever devised.

Do yourself a favor and spend 10 minutes Googling "paypal scam" or "paypal ripped me off" or any other combo you like with PayPal in it and you might be gobsmacked at just how shifty and dodgy PayPus is.

EDIT:

Better still, please send me your machine air freight to Hong Kong. I will pay all of your costs and add $200 for the extra trouble. PayPus is the "only safe way to pay (just ask THEM)" so you are SWEET! Please send me your PayPus details and I will pay any way you like, even "friends" if it helps you.

FORGET PAYPUS for anything over $20 - it will end in tears.

Tough question.I don't know how to answer....

Didn't you just pick up a MMR by the side of the road in the middle of the night for cash? You know the answer lol.

Paypal is great! Not so much for electronics & scammer type things like jewelry and pins....

The key to paypal or ebay success is to do enough volume so that a chargeback/return here or there is easily absorbed...

Think costco...10 check out lines selling....1 line doing returns

This scenario worked for me: I had the buyer get a bank/cashier check at his bank. That bank had a branch were I lived and I DIDN'T have an account with them. Got the check then went to the branch near me and after endless verification in their system and a call to the issueing bank I left with cash in hand. If this did fail I would have only been out the time at the the local branch and would know instantly if it was a bad check. Please someone tell me how I would ever be out anything going this route again.

Mike V

Overall I've been fortunate on long distance deals. Any purchases in following methods:
1. Cash
2. bank wire transfer (possible paypal deposit, 10% usually).
3. bank draft in registered mail

In last 2 cases I've always requested additional photos of specific areas to make sure they have the machine, and as they have been pinside members, also a couple references from other members. Always err on the side of caution. Having said that, again I consider not getting burned on any of these long distance deals fortunate. Many people on here have not been so lucky. If it feels wrong let the machine go, another will come along.

LOL...Yes I did!
I was being sarcastic...i just edited my response with a brick to the head...lol