Selling on Craigslist overseas

[Trauma1]

I posted my iPad 2 on a craigslist site outside the United States. As with any craigslist post, I got several of the typical, generic "Is the item still for sale?" responses that scream spam/scam with names that don't match up with their weird email addresses. I got one and the name matched up with the email so I sent out a reply saying that it was still available. Here is a rundown of the rest of the email thread, which happened in real time:

Craigslist person: I live in _____ . How much is it to ship?
Me: $50 USD
Craigslist person: Ok. Do you accept PayPal?
Me: Yes, I accept PayPal. Do you want the black one or white one? Please send me your physical address, and also a link to show me that you're a real person: Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, eBay profile, etc.
Craigslist person: Here is my address ________ Please send PayPal request immediately.

And that's where it ends. I verified the address and it is a real residential location. I am cautious because the person never mentions anything about the iPad and totally disregards my request for a link, not even a "I'm not on any of those sites." I sell things on eBay and ship overseas constantly, but never on CL. And this person is coming from a country that the USPS/eBay consider "safe" (as in are eligible for protection and insurance, complete tracking, postal service compatibility, etc.).

I'm not going to send a PayPal request to this person but what are some acceptable practices to follow in this situation? Is there a better way to find out if someone is "real" other than through social networks/Google? If I send out this iPad anywhere overseas, it's going USPS Express Mail International with Delivery Confirmation, Insurance, and Signature Confirmation.

Out of curiosity, what would happen if I send a PayPal request to a bogus address/person? I've read the requirements for seller protection and they are all the steps I would normally take.

 

[Consultant]

scam
Scam
scam
scam
scam

Craigslist = deal locally.

 

[maflynn]

The advantage that craigslist provides is that you deal with the buyer face to face and use cash.

You realize this is a SCAM and I'm not sure why you need to even ask this question.

 

[Trauma1]

I'm not sure why you need to even ask this question.

Because in the past I have had people from across the United States contact me after posting a local craigslist ad wanting to buy various things and volunteer to pay full shipping charges. These transactions have gone smoothly, if not smoother, than some of the eBay sales that I have had.

 

[maflynn]

Well then sell it then, I mean if you're confidant that it will go smoothly by all means. You'll not have an protection from paypal or other recourse.

Personally, I prefer dealing face to face and ensure that its a cash only deal. If you want to use paypal and ship your iPad off then why post a question here at MR. the majority of respondents will be inline with what I and Consultant put.

 

[ucfgrad93]

Craigslist = deal locally.

Agreed. Also, cash only.

 

[Trauma1]

Well then sell it then, I mean if you're confidant that it will go smoothly by all means. You'll not have an protection from paypal or other recourse.

Personally, I prefer dealing face to face and ensure that its a cash only deal. If you want to use paypal and ship your iPad off then why post a question here at MR. the majority of respondents will be inline with what I and Consultant put.

I never said that I was confident, and I made it clear that I would not be following through in this particular situation. I totally agree with everyone that dealing in person with cash is the ideal situation and I prefer that way best. But even that is not perfect and there are a lot of issues there (no shows, payment problems, counterfeits, etc). Obviously going abroad would bring in higher revenue, but there is increased risk.

PayPal does offer seller protection, provided you meet the minimum guidelines. But just because the minimum requirements are met does not mean that it is easy and painless. And that, to answer your question better, is why I asked this question. Sometimes the minimum is just not enough, and I'm looking to see if other people have any insight and to see if there are any smart, clever ways to go above and beyond to make sure that a seller is fully protected. I am trying to determine if the benefits outweigh the risk. As I had suspected, this does not appear to be the case.

And if I'm asking this question, I'm sure there's at least one other person who is unsure and hopefully they can find some good information in this post.