Risks of accepting western union wire transfer for ebay payment?

daverat

I have a buyer from mexico wanting to pay via western union wire transfer. I am weary about selling international due to risk of fraud, should I avoid? Also, I assume the buyer would pay all fees upfront associated with the transfer.

Anyone have experience with western union transfers?

bobbyw8469

I would think cash in hand is a good thing?

daverat

Yes I know, just want to make sure I am thinking straight here. The buyer is more at risk than the seller, correct?

Southsider

I wish ebay would allow a transaction to be outside of the paypal protection guarantee if both sides mutually agree. That way you could receive payment from international buyers and NOT have to ship with Delivery Confirmation. Until then, I'd gladly take wire transfer or money orders from people outside of the United States.

bhelser

I don't know all the details of what is involved in a western union wire transfer - but 1 thing I would be nervous about, is that you have to give the other party your bank account number. I realize you do this anytime you pay anyone with a check - but it is just too risky (for me)

storm888

WU transfers are the best.

If the EvilBAY Empire would allow such transactions, I would sell
to EVERY country on the planet.

Under the current policies, intl sales are just not worth the risk.

Sean1125

<< <i>WU transfers are the best.

If the EvilBAY Empire would allow such transactions, I would sell
to EVERY country on the planet.

Under the current policies, intl sales are just not worth the risk. >>




Yup, WU is 100% safe for you, you will have CASH IN HAND before you even ship the card.

There is no chance of recall there is no chance of getting screwed (this is like mailing someone cash)

cards651

<< <i>I don't know all the details of what is involved in a western union wire transfer - but 1 thing I would be nervous about, is that you have to give the other party your bank account number. I realize you do this anytime you pay anyone with a check - but it is just too risky (for me) >>



I don't know anything about WU but is this comment true? Hmm...let's send my bank account info to someone in Mexico...no thanks.

SidePocket

Wire transfers are as safe a transaction as you can find. I would simply open a new account just for this one transaction, then close it after the money arrives.

daverat

Thanks for the feedback, found a US buyer for the item so no worries.

The int. buyer seemed legit, I am just not comfortable with selling internationally over a certain $ amount.

Sean1125

WU Doesn't need a bank account #, and it is your loss that someone offered to hand you cash before you shipped an item and wouldn't do it.

Like I said and several people before me, WU is like having them hand you cash.

If they ask for a bank acct # then something is wrong.

bking

<< <i>WU Doesn't need a bank account #, and it is your loss that someone offered to hand you cash before you shipped an item and wouldn't do it.

Like I said and several people before me, WU is like having them hand you cash.

If they ask for a bank acct # then something is wrong. >>



Setting aside the fact the WU is 100% safe, isn't the fact that it isn't PP compliant a problem? Can't the buyer just keep the item, file a SNAD, and get his money back via an alternate means (PP)??

Seems the issue isn't with WU, it's with the EBay policies...

bhelser

<< <i>

<< <i>I don't know all the details of what is involved in a western union wire transfer - but 1 thing I would be nervous about, is that you have to give the other party your bank account number. I realize you do this anytime you pay anyone with a check - but it is just too risky (for me) >>



I don't know anything about WU but is this comment true? Hmm...let's send my bank account info to someone in Mexico...no thanks. >>



Like I said, I don't know how WU works, but when I was working for Wells Fargo, any time anyone was sending or receiving a wire transfer both account number were needed (senders & receivers)

otwcards

No bank information is necessary for WU unless you wish the money wired into your bank account. In most cases, you can have the money wired to a local WU office and pick it up (IN CASH) at that office.

storm888

NO bank account is required.

You can pick up your cash at almost any large grocery store. You
simply give the clerk the "secret word" and walk out with money.

ZERO risk for sellers. ZERO recourse for buyers.

NickM

<< <i>

<< <i>WU Doesn't need a bank account #, and it is your loss that someone offered to hand you cash before you shipped an item and wouldn't do it.

Like I said and several people before me, WU is like having them hand you cash.

If they ask for a bank acct # then something is wrong. >>



Setting aside the fact the WU is 100% safe, isn't the fact that it isn't PP compliant a problem? Can't the buyer just keep the item, file a SNAD, and get his money back via an alternate means (PP)??

Seems the issue isn't with WU, it's with the EBay policies... >>



No.

Since there was no PayPal payment made, there's nothing for the buyer to file a dispute on.

Nick