Q&A for How to Accept Payments on Craigslist

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If the buyer pays on PayPal, can he reverse the payment once I have given him the item?

Community Answer

Most likely yes, they can file an unauthorized payment and take the money back. Assuming you have no proof that you given them the item, PayPal will likely not help you unless the item is sold through eBay. I recommend only taking cash.

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Question

How do I handle a sale when the buyer offers to pay by PayPal and have someone else pick it up?

Community Answer

Do not go through with the sale! PayPal has some sort of clause that voids protection if the item is picked up from the seller.

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Question

How do I get my money from PayPal once the buyer makes the payment?

Community Answer

Go to your PayPal account and click on 'transfer funds'. There you can transfer the money to your checking or savings account.

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Question

How do I accept a cashier's check?

Community Answer

You can have your bank phone the bank that issued the check, and make sure the funds are being held by that bank, for that amount. You can also verify the characteristics of a genuine check with the bank that issued it.

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Question

Can I use PayPal for a face-to-face transaction?

Community Answer

If you have the app on both phones, you could make the transfer and verify it was received before finishing the deal.

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Question

How do I get PayPal?

Community Answer

Go on PayPal's website or download its app, then click on sign up. It's free.

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Question

Is a bank check as safe as cash for accepting payments?

Community Answer

No. It can bounce after it's been written. The funds in the account it's been drawn from may be insufficient. Nothing is safer than cash, but get a currency authentication pen too to make sure the bills aren't counterfeit.

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Question

What is the best way to accept payments from out of state buyers?

Community Answer

Probably PayPal, as they can pay to your account knowing nothing but your email address.

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Question

The buyer wants to send a cashier's check, and after it clears my bank, he will arrange with movers to pick up the vehicle he purchased from me. Is this a scam?

Community Answer

Have your bank call his bank and verify that the funds are being held there. They can also verify it is a legitimate cashier's check.

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Question

If my buyer is going to send a check, is waiting for it to clear and then picking up the item okay?

Community Answer

Even if the check clears, they can stop the payment afterward. I would encourage you to use cash.

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Question

Can I receive payment for an item on Craigslist through Western Union?

Community Answer

You can, but it is very, very easy go get scammed this way, so I recommend you don't.

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Question

Can I accept a certified check for a Craigslist item if I am selling something that cannot be shipped?

Community Answer

If you do this, only do so at your bank where they can verify it. Also, make the buyer come with you to the bank.

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