Selling item via PayPal but not on eBay... How safe is this??

[JulietBravoJuliet]

I've sold on eBay loads with few problems, however I've never done a PayPal transaction outside of there.

I'm selling a relatively high value item on Gumtree and someone has asked for it to be posted, which I haven't got an issue with, but I'm a bit wary, as have heard stories of PayPal transactions being reversed etc. once it's paid for, and showing as completed, can the buyer claim it back? Obviously, I understand that if it's pending, I shouldn't post, and if the item goes missing in the post, I'm obliged to refund, but is there any other way at all that doing this is risky? Just feeling a bit strange about it for some reason!

they can file not received so you must send with online proof of delivery - signed for is not always reliable. Courier like My Hermes or Collect + may be better. What value is it?

£150. Not massively high but it's a lot of money to me and I'm selling so as we can afford to go on the holiday we've got booked at Easter, so it's important that I actually get the money.

I will be sending very securely, but I'm more worried about whether PayPal is reversible?

ok - so it needs extra insurance. Standard signed for does not cover that value. What is it/how heavy?

Yes, the paypal is reversible so you need to send tracked. And if she claims not as described you will have to accept it back for a refund. You could ask for bank transfer instead.

I believe if they send the paypal money marked as a gift it is not as easy to reverse the transaction. Not 100% sure as I've not done a direct paypal payment for years.

I'm fine with how to send it etc but worried about PayPal. If it's reversible then I'm not going to risk it. Through eBay, I feel a bit more protected if that makes sense? Just worry selling through Gumtree that I'll have no comeback if the buyer sends money, I post item, then they recall the payment.

Not being funny but could you deliver for the same cost as postage and ask for cash on delivery.

it is just the same as ebay - but if it is a high risk item like a mobile phone or ipad then you need to be very careful.Paypal is always reversible, on or off ebay. Which is why you need to send with proof and adequate insurance. Tell them to bank transfer the money instead.

I'd thought of delivering but they're too far away to justify the time and fuel. I'm going to tell them thanks but no thanks and try to sell locally for collection I think :)