How can I tell if a Buyer is dodgy?

[BabyWitch]

I’ve had a jewellery item listed for a while, it has just been purchased and paid for immediately via paypal. All good.

I have looked through their feedback, and something just seems off. They have a positive rating, and lots of positive feedback - but with what seems like a huge number of purchases, ranging from car parts, to beauty and jewellery (the user name is a man’s name).

I am worried that the buyer will say they haven’t received the item/ say it’s damaged/ not as described. I have included Second Class Postage in the listing, but I will use Special Delivery so that I am covered.

I would appreciate any other thoughts/ experience anyone might have!

[RedWineAllMine]

Hi, how much did he buy it for? It all depends on the value of it ifs going to attract scammers or not. I wouldn't worry if he has good feedback etc. Send it signed for 2nd class if you have any doubts. You do get a free tracking number not signed for if it's too big to fit as large letter. Ebay accept that tracking reference number as proof of delivery. But any doubts just send signed, it's £1 more.

[MindyStClair]

Nothing about what you’ve said sounds worrying to me - often couples share an eBay account so you can find they’ve bought a range of items. Or perhaps they buy things to resell, which isn’t a problem for you. I do always send by recorded delivery, it’s better for everyone involved imo.

[AdobeWanKenobi]

ranging from car parts, to beauty and jewellery

My ebay account is a female name, last week I bought false eyelashes and some parts for a classic car. Do I look dodgy then?
Couples can have one ebay account between them. Beautiful women can buy car parts. I think you're reading far too much into it.

[BabyWitch]

Thanks for your replies. I forgot to mention it’s Gold and Diamonds, so reasonably high value (by resale standards).

I’ll definitely be sending it by Special Delivery as I’ve just seen that Second Class Signed for doesn’t insure for jewellery, which is useful to know.

Even between two people the number of purchases over a year is huge, so they must be selling things along. This item just doesn’t fit in with the other things they’ve been buying - but this could be one item for themselves.

Touch wood, I’ve not had an issue with a buyer on eBay. But I’ve had a few things listed recently that appear high value and I have had a couple of strange enquiries, such as asking to purchase it outside eBay. So I don’t mean to ‘read too much into it’ but I do think I need to make myself aware of the potential pitfalls, which is why I have come to this section.

Thanks everyone for your input. Special Delivery it is.