How to sell privately, safely?

[OneAntOfMany]

Hello All,

We are selling our first motorhome privately on Ebay and also just added an advert on MFun here

Already had a scammer on Ebay, it seems. Wanted to buy unseen, send a courier to collect and pay only using Paypal. I said no.

I have searched here for guides and posts, but there does not seem much on the subject. I saw some tips from Lennie about using bank transfers only and getting a small amount first to check details.

So far these are my conclusions, but if anyone has advice that would be great.

> Bank Transfer Only: Paypal could be funded by stolen cards or hacked bank accounts and may put a hold on or attempt to claw back
> Cash not accepted: Someone could pay cash, get the keys and grab it all back. Or have money laundering issues when trying to bank it.
> Remove location EXIF information from photo's: Can be done in bulk from My Documents / Explorer

I have some queries?
>I gave the licence plate openly in the advert, is that OK? People have messaged for it to check MOT history and it saves me answering.
>Proof of a buyers identity and bank details? What would happen if someone pays from a hacked bank account, could the funds be clawed back?
>Test drives: I am not keen on this. They would need full insurance cover with the vehicle stated as a minimum, but what if you are pretty much dumped out of the vehicle and they drive away. Bit paranoid.

Any advice or tips?

 

[GMLS]

I was planning on selling my Burstner privately and had the same concerns as you. I sold it straight away to 4 Front. Gave me what I was expecting privately, gave me a deposit the same day and I dropped it off a few days later although they would have collected it. Now hoping the delivery date of my new van isn't delayed. Worth a try?

 

[sonar]

First a visit with a lot of questions. In person.

then a few phone or video calls for other information note noted on the day …

followed by some deposit.

then bank transfer for the final payment.

Then arrange collection.
that what I have always done and expect the same from others.

 

[OneAntOfMany]

I sold it straight away to 4 Front

Our model is quite old and we approached a couple of these companies however the amount offered was too low for us.

 

[Carpmart]

I’ve sold lots of vehicles via eBay. You’re tuned into what could go wrong. I would suggest crack on and keep your wits about you, but don’t be overly paranoid…

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[JockandRita]

We advertised our Hymer on FUN Classifieds, Hymer Owners Group on Facebook, and on Ebay.

The first to view saw it on the Hymer FB Group, and got in touch. A price was agreed, along with a collection date, and a deposit paid, which cleared our account within minutes.
The day they came to collect, again, the balance of funds were transferred to our account within minutes, whereupon I transferred them to another account, just to be on the safe side. Once cleared, they signed a purchase agreement and completed the relative aspects of the V5, (can be done online these days). Only then were they given the keys to make their way home.

We didn't have any scammers fortunately, nor any tyre kickers, but had plenty of support on here from those who know us, and who knew the Motorhome.
At no stage did I take my eye off the ball, as I was always expecting something untoward to happen. Fortunately, nothing did.

Good luck, and stay alert.

Jock.

 

[martin1485]

I have sold twice now to the following company who gave me a fair price and were very quick and professional in both collection and immediate transfer of funds. Nothing lost in making an enquiry with them and you might be surprised what you will get?

https://www.somersetmotorhomecentre.co.uk/sell-your-motorhome/

 

[BooBooKing]

We sold our 19 yr old excellent Hymer last year. I advertised it on Autotrader and Gumtree. We were overwhelmed with enquiries and people who wanted to view, some coming from a very long way away. One man pushed hard to be first to view and arrived very quickly. He said it was for him but arrived in a new VW California. He then proceeded to prod and poke with his mouth turned up, and finally offered us much less than the (very reasonable) asking price. I declined and he said it was his last offer -until I asked him to leave, when he said to call him if anybody else made us an offer. The delightful second viewing couple offered us full price very quickly. I didn't call the first man back. I feel sure he must have been a dealer after a quick buck intending to sell it on immediately for profit. Go with your gut feeling and be patient . We asked for the cash before release, it was instant with todays banking. I wouldn't use a dealer to sell in future, it was very straightforward.

 

[OneAntOfMany]

Thank you for all your replies, it looks like I am on the right track and instinct took over when offered Paypal.
I think as it is a 2005 model, there is not much in it for the dealers to work with. The more expensive perhaps these companies are able to give a higher % as their margin and risk would still be covered.

 

[Gaston aires]

I have bought and sold on MHF classified. For some strange reason I trust other Funsters. Never been wrong so far.
Phil

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[OneAntOfMany]

I have bought and sold on MHF classified. For some strange reason I trust other Funsters. Never been wrong so far.
Phil

I agree, however, I think Funsters are generally further along their Moho journey and so what could be thought of as a 2005 starter model is less likely to sell here, than on Ebay. I think most sales here may be upgrades, size changes. Most of the models listed are 20k+ which some awesome looking vans on there at the moment. Makes me want an HGV licence

 

[Simon Select]

If you want to sell your van. Pm me with what you want for it and the full details; I may be able to take it straight away with no messing around!
At the minute there are scams. Gypseys. Dreamers, and all sorts on the go!

 

[JockandRita]

Makes me want an HGV licence

Am I right in assuming you car licence was obtained post Jan 1997, ie, a B, and not a C1, which takes you up to 7500Kg, plus a 750Kg trailer?

That offer from Simon-Alan Kerr could save you a lot of time and hassle, and, he is a trusted FUN member. It's got to be worth making contact at least.

Good luck,

Jock.

 

[OneAntOfMany]

If you want to sell your van. Pm me with what you want for it and the full details; I may be able to take it straight away with no messing around!
At the minute there are scams. Gypseys. Dreamers, and all sorts on the go!

Thank you, I have a couple of viewings booked already, so will see how they go first, and pm you if needed.

 

[OneAntOfMany]

Well, that was quick, first viewers, a lovely couple put a deposit down. I guess cant beat viewing in person, the best way to know they are genuine (hopefully) Thank you all once again for the advice.

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[Puddleduck]

When buying I have always offered a deposit and for any balance expect to either go to the bank to transfer funds or do it online and show the seller the transfer has been made and wait for it to hit his/her bank account and be moved on by him/her. I would always view / buy at the seller's premises.

If I want to buy like that I would expect to sell in the same way.

Genuine people will not be offended by caution given the sums of money involved.

 

[corconx]

Well, that was quick, first viewers, a lovely couple put a deposit down. I guess cant beat viewing in person, the best way to know they are genuine (hopefully) Thank you all once again for the advice.

Brilliant hope test goes well

Carol

 

[richard8]

Hello, I have bought and sold dozens of vehicles in my life time and never had a problem. Yes definitely put in reg number, cos potential buyers can check the MOT history, if it’s insured, and if still taxed(which you will cash in when sold.) Only hand over the keys when you can see the money is in your account. If they want to pay cash go with them to the bank to pay directly into your account. I have never used ebay to sell a vehicle. Auto trader, gumtree, and motorhome fun for motorhomes. Don’t forget the people buying privately might be as worried as you are about selling privately!
Good luck.

 

[MacroMad]

Dont sell it if they dont view in person.
Ask for items of paperwork that YOU are asked for when dealing with banks/solicitors/auditors etc.
Take payment in person, You and them sat at your bank with them giving your bank their details and only then your bank taking payment into your account.
Tell prospective buyers this is all to protect THEM and you.
Another thing to think about is.......Do you know them ? Do you trust them ? even that would not be enough for me.

 

[Lucky one]

Sorry to hijack the thread and apologies if I have missed the part about potential buyers test driving the van. Do I ask for a copy of their insurance also driving license as my van is 3850 kg. I have only advertised on MHF so far purely because I really do dread being bombarded by dealers and scammers.

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[OneAntOfMany]

Sorry to hijack the thread and apologies if I have missed the part about potential buyers test driving the van. Do I ask for a copy of their insurance also driving license as my van is 3850 kg. I have only advertised on MHF so far purely because I really do dread being bombarded by dealers and scammers.

I think it must be rare for someone to want a test drive? However, if asked, they will need to take out a fully comprehensive policy on the vehicle with me as a named party. The RAC does one day policies for test drives, online, ready in minutes. I think people still assume they are covered fully-comp on any vehicle with their policy, which is nonsense.

Even still, I would be tempted to drive it for them and I really would not want to get into a dispute with an insurance company on the value.

Would make me very nervous.

 

[Nyvern]

Am I right in assuming you car licence was obtained post Jan 1997, ie, a B, and not a C1, which takes you up to 7500Kg, plus a 750Kg trailer?

That offer from Simon-Alan Kerr could save you a lot of time and hassle, and, he is a trusted FUN member. It's got to be worth making contact at least.

Good luck,

Jock.

 

[Jev88]

My experiences selling private cars and also my old MH....
Test drive only when shown insurance in place - they can buy for the day. If more than a couple turn up and want to drive I insist I bring along a buddy too as I don't want 3 people overpowering me - unlikely but you never know. I will insist on seeing driving licence.

Cash - very slowly and carefully counted at my own pace with no interruptions - hence the need for a 2nd pair of eyes whilst deal being done. UV pen checker very cheap to buy and I wouldn't accept more than maybe £3,000 in cash.

Bank transfers - I usually ask to watch the process (once they have logged into their banking app or webpage) - and then wait for money to arrive in my account before anything else. JockandRita mentioned immediately moving this payment to another account (savings one would do) to make sure it really is there. There is often a £10K limit on banking apps on phones so multiple payments may be required.

I usually suggest a payment of £10 or similar first to my account and then I can refund this and use the banking app to confirm name matches account number (hence why I ask to see drivers licence).

Last year I bought an RV after viewing once but never got to meet the owner in person as sranded in Portugal (by choice) which initially set off alarm bells but I was able to check his name and company for a small fee to triple check identity. Quite a few people on the forum thought I was ripe for fraud but I think missed the fact I had seen the vechicle the week before travelling to buy and pay - I wasn't buying unseen.

Paypal purposely (along with fleabay) exclude vehicle sales from their normal terms and conditions.

Hand written receipt sold as seen (or lots to download from interweb).

 

[nicholsong]

Just on the security of payment aspect I will tell you how I bought privately in 2009, but think it would also work now.

The seller was a police sargeant who did not trust bakers drafts as he said too many were forged.

We agreed cash. I did not fancy driving 100+ miles with cash, so arranged to draw it from the branch of my bank in his town.

Cash was drawn in a private room in the branch, checked, and he signed the Bill of Sale. We then went across the road to his bank, paid in the cash and he received a receipt.

Went back to his house, received the keys and documents. All done.

I think the same system would work now.

Geoff

 

[Ian Bosman]

Hello All,

We are selling our first motorhome privately on Ebay and also just added an advert on MFun here

Already had a scammer on Ebay, it seems. Wanted to buy unseen, send a courier to collect and pay only using Paypal. I said no.

I have searched here for guides and posts, but there does not seem much on the subject. I saw some tips from Lennie about using bank transfers only and getting a small amount first to check details.

So far these are my conclusions, but if anyone has advice that would be great.

> Bank Transfer Only: Paypal could be funded by stolen cards or hacked bank accounts and may put a hold on or attempt to claw back
> Cash not accepted: Someone could pay cash, get the keys and grab it all back. Or have money laundering issues when trying to bank it.
> Remove location EXIF information from photo's: Can be done in bulk from My Documents / Explorer

I have some queries?
>I gave the licence plate openly in the advert, is that OK? People have messaged for it to check MOT history and it saves me answering.
>Proof of a buyers identity and bank details? What would happen if someone pays from a hacked bank account, could the funds be clawed back?
>Test drives: I am not keen on this. They would need full insurance cover with the vehicle stated as a minimum, but what if you are pretty much dumped out of the vehicle and they drive away. Bit paranoid.

Any advice or tips?

the rule is with Paypal receipts is to wait until you have seen it in your Paypal account then transfer to your bank first before releasing the goods. Never go with the demands of the buyer to release before the above has happened.

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[Ian Bosman]

the rule is with Paypal receipts is to wait until you have seen it in your Paypal account then transfer to your bank first before releasing the goods. Never go with the demands of the buyer to release before the above has happened.

All your concerns are valid. . the reg o helps a buyer to verify you are legit and the mot is as claimed. As i say ensure that the moneys claimed to be paid is in your account and move it PDQ to another account so that they buyer cannot get it back. Test drives, take a passenger with you and check with the buyer that they have insurance, so before they travel tell them to bring their insurance certificate which means that, as is universal, they are driving on their insurance. Having bought and sold cars for as long as i can remember it is a very rare event for the buyer to be scamming if they have come a long way. AND remember they have to tax it before they can take it away so ensure you inform DVLA that you have sold it IMMEDIATELY as well as your insurers giving the insurers the time it was handed over so if the buyer does anything stupid, even his courier, then you are not liable for anything

 

[almichie]

We are going through this now, the buyers have paid with bank transfers and collection is this weekend With a week of clear Money. The money is already with the new motorhome dealer. Individuals checked out and so far so good.

 

[Ian Bosman]

We are going through this now, the buyers have paid with bank transfers and collection is this weekend With a week of clear Money. The money is already with the new motorhome dealer. Individuals checked out and so far so good.

Good, I glad it has worked out!