My sister is wanting a set that had been listed on the bistro. The seller does not have paypal and is requesting a check. Is there a way to do this safely? Like a money order/certified check? Or is this the best way to get scammed?

FTR I don't think the seller is a scammer at all. I just like the fact that with paypal you can file a dispute, there's a record of something etc. A personal check seems to me to be a bad idea, but surely there's another way?

Thanks for any input.

Is it anyone who has feedback on here or someone who has done business with another BTDer? Otherwise, I would pass. Assuming they are legit, I imagine they don't want to give their personal info to paypal.... some people aren't into that. If it's an expensive piece, a third party can be set up, but probably not worth it if it's not a valuable piece.

They may not want the fees involved with paypal, but I still wouldn't do it unless I had some positive feedback (someone you know or trust) on the seller.... too easy to get scammed.

Casey,
Apparently the person got their account hacked and had to shut it down. The piece in question is under $500, but it's my sisters first time buying over the net.

I believe the person is legit. I just worry about something happening and having NO recourse for her. She's my little sis! I want everything to go smoothly and if something like a certified check could be tracked and a claim filed if the item were lost/damaged etc. then that's a better route. Sounds like that's not really going to do it though.

She won't lose sleep over it, but I'm not sure I feel comfortable with her going this route, you know?

I would not send a cheque to anyone. There is no recourse, like you said. That seller really needs to set up her paypal again, I don't see anyone buying from her. That is SO SO SO dangerous and the first rule of interent buying- never said a cheque first. You may "think" she is legit, but how do you know? NO NO NO!!!!

If she is a serious seller, she will give people secure options. What a great scam...send me your cheque, I will send you or jewlery once the cheque clears.... NO!

I would ask the seller to send the piece first haha

if they want you to trust them then they should be able to trust you right?

Its easy to get back a paypal account AND if not they could open another one.

I would pass.

I won't buy from or sell to anyone who doesn't use Paypal. Period.

I agree with everyone...absolutely not.

I think it's sort of interesting that less than 10 years ago everyone used money orders and was terrified of paypal. Now people want to use paypal and are terrified of money orders and checks. *shrug*

I hear you. But with the advent of all these selling opportunities there has been a lot more focus on the scammers too. People are always learning to work the system and this is no different. So when you have someone buying a high-ish ticket item it gives them pause.