Be careful, diligent when selling anything online
Many view spring as a great time to clean and declutter. It is also a good time to sell items no longer in use. Furniture, equipment, baby gear and other items may potentially provide a little extra cash that everyone can use, while repurposing an item someone may really need; however, be sure to use caution, safety and research first to gain the cash that you want, safely.
After the recent article warning buyers about Facebook marketplace scams, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas received inquiries asking for information to help sellers as well during this process. Accordingly, the BBB offers the following tips for individuals selling items:
• Know the going rate. Research items you plan to sell to have the best idea of a fair cost. Checking online and newspaper classifieds, and consignment shops in your area, might help.
• Consider the extra expenses. Before pricing your item, consider any extra expenses or time requirements that may be involved. Examples might be listing, selling, and shipping fees or time to tear down, set up or transport large items.
• Provide accurate descriptions. Make sure to note if the item is new or used and if there are any broken parts, or flaws. Providing model numbers or websites for the item’s description and features may also prove helpful.
• Select the best method for you. Do you prefer to sell your item yourself or have a service handle the details? Are you comfortable with online selling or prefer a more local route? Any service you use, online or local, will have terms and conditions, and likely fees, so read the fine print closely before you decide.
• Note your selling terms. If selling on your own, let potential buyers know your policies in advance, such as if you are willing to accept returns, will be charging for shipping, will only accept cash or are willing to transport. Any important information dealing with the transaction should be disclosed from the beginning.
• Sell safely. Ask to meet at a public place for your transaction or if you are willing to have potential buyers come to your home, put a safety plan in place and alert a neighbor or trusted individual when someone is expected. If selling online, do not provide bank account, Social Security or other information that could lead to identity theft and if consigning, take your time to research the business and their security policies at BBBHouston.org.
• Don’t accept checks, money orders or overpayments. When selling to someone you don’t know, it is safer to accept cash or credit card payments. Also, when selling online, don’t take payments for more than the sales price, no matter what convincing story the buyer tells you. Always confirm the buyer has paid before handing over the item, and don’t take the buyer’s word for it.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.