Are wire transfers outside USA ok to accept for ebay?

[loveshine]

I am being asked on one of my auctions if I accept wire transfers. From my research it looks like the risk is on the senders end, is that correct or is this the sign of a scam? What are the right payment methods we should accept or pay with besides Paypal if there are any?

[MysteryGuest]

No, no, no, wire transfers. You realize you would be giving a complete stranger your account information?

[Harbourmaster]

PayPal or BidPay are really the only two safe forms of payment for an international transaction for an eBay auction. Safe being a relative term here.

Remember that eBay offers you absolutely no recourse on any international transaction, even one paid through PayPal (there is esentially no seller protection for an international transaction) so if you get screwed you are on your own.

[papercup]

I have accepted wire transfers to a Western Union "kiosk", then cashed them, then waited 14 days, then shipped.


Never a problem, but I was nervous.

[Zoidberg]

Auctions rules I set:

* PayPal only
* Bidder must have a PayPal account in order to bid
* Buy It Now requires Immediate Payment
* no shipping outside USA, no exceptions.

I've had a much happier eBay experience since I set these guidelines up. Do I lose a few sales? Sure, but I don't care.

[blusubaru]

I am Abul from Sa;asd;flkjasd-istan. I have great reward for you. Wire transfer me $5 and you get $1 million!

[ADent]

I would not do it if you have to give your account # out.

[Mac-A-Matic]

I do wire transfers to Canada somewhat frequently. I don't think it's insecure. However, I suggest speaking to your banker about it. The transfers I do are with known vendors and you're talking about unknown ebay auction bidders. Check with your banker (you do know your branch manager, right?) and talk to him/her about account security before you make a decision. You might be able to open an account just to accept the wire transfers then move them into your regular accounts.

But since wire transfers usually are inter-bank transfers, they're pretty secure payment methods.

But again, talk to your banker.

[hal]

Wire transfer is THE SAFEST way to transfer money.

Don't listen to paranoid people who have no idea of what they are talking about... or me either for that matter. Call your bank for details.

[max]

[quote hal]Wire transfer is THE SAFEST way to transfer money.

Don't listen to paranoid people who have no idea of what they are talking about... or me either for that matter. Call your bank for details.

Exactly.
I do it often and we deal with much larger sums than your ebay transactions.
Amazing comments from those who dont know what they are talking about.

As hal said, it is the safest way to get paid.

Even safer than cash... no counterfeit bills....