Selling expensive item on eBay - how to protect against scammers?

[ClaudiusTheGod]

As title says. I’m going to sell something on eBay which could get £200-£300. Assuming that it does, what’s the best way to protect myself against scammers? I’ll insure it properly when sending it and get a signature etc. Have only sold relatively low value items before.

Take really good photos especially of any serial numbers etc and give a really detailed description especially of any defects. Then if they try to substitute a fake you can point out the differences. If you have the item receipt from the original purchase make sure that you include a copy of that. Video yourself as you pack the item. Send the purchaser the video there and then. This makes it less attractive for them to mess you around when they get it. Send by Royal Mail tracked and signed for delivery and make sure that the insurance RM provide is enough to cover the sale price of the item in case of any "damage in transit claims".

If there is a problem speak to ebay customer services - you can get a real person to call you if you go to the help section and say that you have an issue with an ebay invoice. Once you're through to them they don't care what the call is actually about. Their cusotmer services staff are actually really helpful and if you've got a good track record are quite likely to give you the benefit of the doubt. They are aware that there are scammers out there especially with the higher ticket items.

Do you need to sell it on eBay to get a good price? Otherwise Better to sell it on Facebook and take cash or bank transfer on collection.

If you’re lucky, try and time things for a reduced fee time
(That basically involves drafting your advert and waiting for a ‘£1 max fee week’ email etc)

List with a good description and lots of photos.
Only allow for payment methods you approve of & ditto for suitable insured / tracked postage

Don’t change anything as a result of mesaging and only post to an eBay registered address

Thank you!