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Sussing out a buyer with 0 feedback
 

Ok, I have a very new buyer who has just opened an account on 10th March 2013 (nine days ago zero feedback). I have only built this account and it is relatively new and feedback score of 50. So I don't want to wreck it:

a) First question they ask is if they can pick the item up.
b) Second question they ask is if they can pay me via bank deposit.

I have them blocked them in the meantime (does this work with buyers who have feedback score of zero?). I'm pretty sure a "newbie" wouldn't be so confident to ask for bank deposit - or can I be wrong?

If it was a competitor they would just buy and give me negative feedback straight away. Or am I just being a bit paranoid? Not desperate for a sale but have priced my item competitively as it is the last one in stock and I won't be re-stocking it.

What are your thoughts about this?

I had a similar situation where a buyer insisted that I give them bank deposit details to pay for an item, eventhough I only accept PP.

In your situation, I personally wouldn't accept pick up or bank deposit.

Keep it as simple as possible ;)

I just want to know what they're up to? It is a BUY IT NOW PRICE (free shipping included in the BIN) price so I don't know why they would want to have a local pick up? It is not a big or heavy item either. My feedback score is 100% so not sure what the buyer's intentions are? What was the reaction to your buyer when you told them this?

bank deposit is good some say preferable to paypal....

pick up must be cash only

I had a few zeros and my sense was that they were just new or occasional buyers, or just saw your item and registered just to buy it. They were always the nicest and most appreciative customers actually....

some goods are more attractive to the wrong sort of people though, so depends...I do not sell that type of stuff so not had a problem in fact my biggest rip-off customers all had good and several feedback.....

Personally I would not accept the deal. It seems fishy to me they do not want to use the eBay system to pay and receive their item. However if they do want to pick it up then do like Oompaloompa said and accept cash only.

If you are selling Jewelry then be careful because it is a known fact some people want to meet in person to rob you. I have heard several reports of this especially with Craigslist sales.

Let us know how it goes.

Take care,
Zapbolt

Cash on pick up. You as a seller meet in public place - bring few friends if you can. Local buyer paying with bank transfer is sketch

Too late for this buyer, my last item sold last night to another buyer! I checked my messages on eBay from the buyer with 0 feedback and now they are wanting to pay with PayPal! Thanks for the advice, I only always accept cash on pick up and only when my bloke is at home with me - always take their rego number as well (very rarely anyway do I have items for sale with pick up only) and no high risk items. Thanks for your advice!

They were probably being cautious as they are still new to eBay and wanted to play it safe by picking up the item, also probably seeing it first. But now, no one will ever know :)