MCONDE01

Well the good news is that I have quickly acquired 3 very interested buyers for my 2005 C230 SS stock sport rims that I have for sale.

The bad news is that I am a rookie on executing a private sale so this is where I need help.

My 3 potential buyers are all not within pick-up range so my 4 rims and 2 front tires will need to be shipped.

So I need advice on 2 things:

- the best way to ship my rims
&
- how to fairly and safely process the collection of funds

I have never sold anything on e-bay or made any kind of private sale such as this one so this will be my chance to learn.

Any feedback, comments, or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

amdeutsch

1) Look at the major shipping companies and their website to get an idea of cost. Package them well in cartons and wrapped in bubble pack or similar with cardbaoard over the wheel face for added protection.

2) I don't have paypal so I always request a moneyorder, perferable USPS, to cover the S&H expenses.

3) Work with the people and treat them right. If you overestimate the S&H send them a refund.

Rick

Before shipping. VERIFY THAT THE BUYER IS LEGITIMATE. Get verified addresses, work and home phone numbers and be wary of any excuses or last minute changes

For shipping, package each tireless rim individually....do not pack the raw rims together as they will damage each other in shipping

package the two with tires together with bubble pack between them with the face of each rim towards the other.....the rubber will sufficiently protect the insides of the rims

As far as secure payment....Paypal. If you or the buyer doesn't have an account, get one. Have the final buyer transfer the total funds (agreed price plus shipping) to your account - provide them with tracking information for the shipment(s) as soon as that payment posts.

People on this board have been burned both ways. Sellers ship and buyers send payments with the thought that "MBWorld members wouldn't rip me off". I've read about so many scams on this site, it 's frightening. So cover your bases, take all precautions and everyting should go well for both parties.

hss0p

Just out of curiosity, what kind of offers are you getting, $ wise?

c240MB

I dont see how sending funds on paypal would protect a buyer- if the buyer sends the seller the money, what is preventing the seller from accepting the payment and not shipping the merchandise?

Rick

The buyer protection on paypal is stated in their terms of service agreement. It's an insured purchase and fully refundable if the seller defaults - usually claimed through the buyers credit card.

MCONDE01

Thank you for your feedback everyone!

So paypal seems to be the way to go...I just really want to make sure that the buyer feels secure with the purchase. I got burned once by the ever so famous Evis Panaou...what a pain that was.

I will check UPS and FEDEX for pricing. Are there any other shipping carriers that I should consider?

Thanks!

Tony Berry

FedEx has a trucking division... FedEx Freight. If you are so inclined, you can acquire a pallet (for free behind about any retail store), put a piece of cardboard down, then a tire, then a piece of cardboard, then a tire, etc., then put two ratchet straps (180* opposed) over the stack of tires/wheels, and drop it off. Dealing with freight carriers can be very easy if you pack it well and are nice to dock people. They normally don't like "one off" shipments from consumers, but I've found FedEx Freight to be pretty friendly. The cheapest, but maybe least friendly, is Forward Air. Yellow Freight is super nice, but they can be pricey.

MCONDE01

Tony Berry - Thanks for the good info!