Selling, avoiding the scam. Help please

**Disco Dan** · 26th May 2013, 06:11

Been contacted by a buyer regarding bike - agreed on price but kept emailing me asking me to ride it down to Wellington, he would pay for gas and my flight back etc etc. I declined and the guy is now saying he is paying for a transport company to ship it down.

I have said to him I will not be letting the bike out of my sight and onto the truck unless $$ in my account. Guy wants to give me deposit and asked me to take ad down, but has not said he as agreed/disagreed with money in account condition prior to shipping. I have not taken ad down, nor received any money.

How can I make sure change of ownership happens on his end?
Is it okay to say I wont give up bike onto truck until money clears?

The big thing for me is if this guy is really a biker why not fly up and ride it down himself? He's prepared to pay me to flipping do it and prepared to pay more for a transport company to do it? Sounds like a cowboy trying to scam me just because of that...

**nerrrd** · 26th May 2013, 06:44

Originally Posted by Disco Dan

Is it okay to say I wont give up bike onto truck until money clears?

No expert, but I would say hell yeah! I've never sent off anything I've sold on Trademe until I've been given the money for it, and that's been chump change compared to the cost of a bike.

**John_H** · 26th May 2013, 07:30

I can't think of any situation that someone would part with their item prior to receiving payment.

**Bender** · 26th May 2013, 07:59

He pay, you send.

What part of that does he not understand?

**The Baron** · 26th May 2013, 08:04

It's a scam.

No deposit - you are not his bank.

Payment in full up front.

If he is not paying you up front, you are giving the bike away, and is that what you want to do?

**Katman** · 26th May 2013, 08:08

Originally Posted by Disco Dan

Sounds like a cowboy trying to scam me just because of that...

Did you disclose the correct mileage this time?

**kiwi cowboy** · 26th May 2013, 08:30

Originally Posted by Disco Dan

Been contacted by a buyer regarding bike - agreed on price but kept emailing me asking me to ride it down to Wellington, he would pay for gas and my flight back etc etc. I declined and the guy is now saying he is paying for a transport company to ship it down.

I have said to him I will not be letting the bike out of my sight and onto the truck unless $$ in my account. Guy wants to give me deposit and asked me to take ad down, but has not said he as agreed/disagreed with money in account condition prior to shipping. I have not taken ad down, nor received any money.

How can I make sure change of ownership happens on his end?
Is it okay to say I wont give up bike onto truck until money clears?

The big thing for me is if this guy is really a biker why not fly up and ride it down himself? He's prepared to pay me to flipping do it and prepared to pay more for a transport company to do it? Sounds like a cowboy trying to scam me just because of that...

I cry scam too and one more thing.
Tell him you want payment in full in your account for 24 full hours before the bike leaves you and you want a photocopy of his licence as proof of his identity.

People don't realise that you can cancel a transaction within 24 hours and be reversed so if the money shows in your acc the morning of pickup he may have still reversed it.

**Dougnelson** · 26th May 2013, 09:00

Either he pays in full or if he wants to be certain the bike is as described he should fly up and see the bike or have the bike inspected. I sold my bike off Trademe to a guy who didn't have the time to inspect it. He paid in full and he arranged delivery. If he wants you to ride down then he should pay a deposit that covers your petrol and return journey in case he backs out of the deal once you get there. And maybe some extra for your time too.

**Oakie** · 26th May 2013, 10:27

If the guy has a short history on TM then you are correct to be wary. If he's been there for years though with many many trades then much less likely to be a scam. Just saying. You know he could have the same fears ... parting with his money and then not getting the goods.

When I bought the Bandit I paid half up front and then the other half when it was confirmed the bike had been picked up by the transporter. More than one way to skin a cat. Again though ... just saying. I'm fairly trusting but then again, I've never been burned. Do what gives you comfort dude.

**Wingnut** · 26th May 2013, 10:34

Have a mate who utilized a local bike shop as a third party for the transaction.Bike was delivered there prior to transfer of funds and remained there till funds transaction cleared. Was all at the request of the purchaser. Was a bit odd but seemed to work fine for all concerned.

**Jjgres** · 26th May 2013, 10:40

Sounds hokey. Get cash before the bike leaves. Leave the sale ad up. Any real buyer will understand how it works.

**Laava** · 26th May 2013, 18:38

Originally Posted by Wingnut

Have a mate who utilized a local bike shop as a third party for the transaction.Bike was delivered there prior to transfer of funds and remained there till funds transaction cleared. Was all at the request of the purchaser. Was a bit odd but seemed to work fine for all concerned.

Yes! I did this when i bought my Buell. I paid for an inspection and when they gave it the thumbs up I paid the guy and went to the bike shop to collect.
Thanks again Crasher!
But yes, you want all the money before handing over. No exception.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-595917557.htm
He has 100% feedback tho?

**Mom** · 26th May 2013, 18:48

$$$ in account, in full and cleared funds. That would be the only way I would be continuing dialogue with this buyer.

You needed to ask that question?