Question about selling to Indonesia

Aethelred

What is the risk that a high dollar sale to that region may be fraud, are there other dangers?

I have seen some dealers and eBay sellers who refuse to ship there, why is this the case?

newbiecollector

Is this an eBay sell or private? The reason I ask is only my confusion. I haven't sold much but have purchased a thing or two. I allways "pay" before the the coin is shipped.

Is this a stupid reply?

Aethelred

I have an item on eBay that I got a question about from a fellow in that country. He wants to pay by credit card. My reason for worry is that

1) He has a 0 feedback rating and just joined on 04 Dec. 03.
2) There are several people I have seen who refuse to sell items there.
3) This is a high value item.

Do I just worry too much?

trozau

Tell them you can only ship via FedEx and not regular mail. Mail pilfering is rampant in most Asian countries. JMO

MacCrimmon

IMHO, it's not worth the headache! I would block him before he bids.

newbiecollector

Nope....... just tell him sorry......no CC purchases from outside the USA. If he wants the auction and it is important to him there are many other ways to get you the money.
I know this to be true because I have done it many, many times.

ps: I don't use a CC to buy anything on the net. I do use a debit card (Visa) which gives the seller the money immediately. No re-course for me if I am not happy. I also have, a very few times used direct bank transfer. I don't like it because it costs me a bit too much.

lordmarcovan

I'm a little leery of the Far East, Latin America, and some of the former Soviet Bloc countries. This may be entirely unjustified, though.

I just worry about high-dollar purchases that go outside of the First World countries, if you know what I mean.

Really, now that I think of it, most of my overseas business has been European, with the exception of Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil, and South Africa. My South African and Japanese transactions went off without a hitch, but there were some worrisome delays with Hong Kong and Brazil. They all came through in the end, though.

With the exception of two deadbeat bidders in Australia and France, and one shipment (a $15 CD that failed to arrive from Belgium), all my international transactions have come off OK. (Knock on wood.) Better, in fact than my track record with the USPS, though heavier volume to the US, coupled with the law of averages, might make that statistic meaningless.

Edit to add: most, if not all, of my international business has been on items worth less than $100, and usually less than $50. This makes a difference. The few times I have put high-end gold coins up for sale, I only allowed US bidders, though they were US coins, so I figured I wasn't losing out on that many bids. If I get into high-end Darkside, things might get interesting.

Aethelred

One red flag is that he says he can only pay by credit card. Could he not do a chargeback and keep the item? I would have no recourse other than a neg on eBay and we all know how little that means to some people.

I am not saying that I have any reason to suspect that this person is not honest, he may very well be, but we are talking about a $7000 item here and I don't want to take any chances! What would be the best way for me to receive payment?

newbiecollector

LISTEN.......... If he has a CC and can pay for an item of that amount he could arrange payment in any way that you want!
To claim something else is 100% stupid and I would run from him right now!

There are not many (if any) services for sending and receiving money to/from India that you don't have right there at home.

lordmarcovan

Hmm. Now I know which item you are referring to.

You never did tell me the story behind that one, though I can guess.

Aethelred

Newbie,

I'll note that and insist on a payment method that does not place me at risk!

Thanks!

Aethelred

<< <i>Hmm. Now I know which item you are referring to.

You never did tell me the story behind that one, though I can guess. >>



I think you can guess without me needing to say a word!

newbiecollector

Geeeesssssss Michael.......... if the guy can use a credit card for a $7000 purchase and to claim that is the only method available is totally stupid. I would recommend to just say to him..... thanks but no thanks.

Just my opinion of course.

tlhoy

Bidpay-Western Union.
FedEx will NOT reimburse for lost coins! Insurance does NOT cover coins.(From an article in the newspaper about FedEx & coins, a few days ago.)
Glenn

wybrit

My brutally honest opinion:

Run like the wind from this one.

I know everyone has got to start somewhere, but zero feedback, high price and credit card spell
R-I-P-O-F-F. Once that piece leaves your hands, you will probably never see it again or see the money.

Also think about this: the credit card may be stolen. If so, you definitely will lose your money. You also lose any chance to prosecute, since the guy is safely overseas.

No offense to the guy, but he should know better than to do this if he is honest.

newbiecollector

<< <i>My brutally honest opinion:

Run like the wind from this one.

I know everyone has got to start somewhere, but zero feedback, high price and credit card spell
R-I-P-O-F-F. Once that piece leaves your hands, you will probably never see it again or see the money.

Also think about this: the credit card may be stolen. If so, you definitely will lose your money. You also lose any chance to prosecute, since the guy is safely overseas.

No offense to the guy, but he should know better than to do this if he is honest. >>



I have to agree. I have a CC that I use when I have to in my traveking on business. It has a Max of $50,000 credit. Don't ask me how I could get that but I did. If I bought your item and then a back charge......... you would be "out of luck".

Tell the guy to send it by bank transfer.......that is easy from India and you have the money immediately.

Of course I would go with what wybrit said and what I would like to say a little stronger......

Aethelred

Good advice from all of you! I started out with a less than warm and fuzzy feeling. You guys have at least made me feel like I'n not being a jerk by refusing a CC payment.

newbiecollector

Come on Dude...... $7000 from someone you don't know, from somewhere you are not familiar with via CC?

Have you been pullin' my leg and making me feel siily?

LOL...... just my idea of humor.. I think it was funny..

ajaan

There are some VERY wealthy individuals in Indonesia. O-I-L!!! I would have him explain why he can only use a credit card. As for shipping. Explain very cleary that he is responsibe for the item if it is lost in the mail. I don't believe you can insure an item to Indonesia for $7000, $5000 is the max.

1960NYGiants

"Restrictions for Indonesia
Import licenses are required for commercial shipments. The following articles are not permitted in commercial shipments: articles of gold or silver, including tableware; pens and pencils ornamented with precious metal; calendar watches; linen clothing; natural silk goods; children's toys operated by steam or electricity; leather goods; coffee essences; and coffee substitutes; and molasses and sugar substitutes"

This is from the USPS site. Registered mail is not an option on the site.

My opinion - run for the hills, if he is not willing to send certified funds (must clear of course).

Gene

CIVITAS

Indonesia has a VERY HIGH rate of credit card fraud. Perhaps the highest in the world. Walk away.......

Aethelred

I sent an e-mail stating that I would accept an international bank check, international money order or direct wire transfer (to an empty account). As of yet there has been no reply. I'll keep you all posted.

ajaan

If it doesn't work out, I'll give $34.95 for the item.

Aethelred

<< <i>If it doesn't work out, I'll give $34.95 for the item. >>



I'll take 201 payments of $34.95, or you can send me $25 per month until I tell you to stop paying!

ajaan

I will go as high as $41.35

Aethelred

<< <i>I will go as high as $41.35 >>



201 payments?

ajaan

Allright, one payment of $56.85 That's my final offer, done deal?

Aethelred

<< <i>Allright, one payment of $56.85 That's my final offer, done deal? >>



I'll take that! Done deal.


BTW - Postage is $6943.15, I'll use lots of bubble wrap.

ajaan

Good night Michael.

Aethelred

Night Don!

I'll be waiting for your check.

MacCrimmon

<< <i>I'll use lots of bubble wrap. >>



Pry off those stones and I'll pay melt for just the box!!

Or, I'll just drive down and pick it up.....btw, I'll go 7777.77 per month until it's paid for....... oh yeah, that's in Belarus Rubles!!

That should be enough for a super-size Happy Meal....

wybrit

Mac - flip 'em over and let's see Vicky!

Askari

Fraud and theft are unfortunately quite rampant in Indonesia. There are wealthy people there, but if he's legit, he can easily afford the hop to Singapore or Hong Kong or Australia where the banks and postal services are far more reliable and secure. I would certainly require a secure form of payment and cash in hand before shipping it at the buyer's risk, even insured and registered.

1jester

I agree with everybody here: don't sell it without first having money in hand. There are many ways to do that, and a wealthy person would be able to do it. He could even afford to fly to you and take personal delivery. He'd still be making out like a bandit, because the box is worth $30,000.