www.iFourWinns.com

Since everyone on the forum is so helpful. I wondered if you could help. I have dealt with eBay for quite a few years, but have never run into this. My eBay listing still has a little more than 2 days to go. A buyer with no feedback is the high bidder currently. They just joined a week ago. Should I be concerned and what should I do?

Thanks in advance Bill

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2001 Sundowner 235

I would be cautious if anything. If I were the buyer, I would understand if the seller was making sure the transaction was legitimate, especially with 0 feedback. On the other hand, I've seen those with a fair amount of feedback use that to begin committing fraud.

Good luck Bill.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

Thanks Robbo3

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2001 Sundowner 235

Just be cautious and make sure everything is legit. Make sure the funds clear before releasing the item.

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Todd
1988 Four Winns Horizon 200
AKA "Summer School"

Yeah, don't fall for any attempts to pay different amounts, or to use unknown intermediaries. It's a famous scam to send you a "cashiers check" for a higher amount and ask you to send a check with the balance. Their original check is fake. These take longer to clear than you might think. Meanwhile you've sent a real check, which they cash. Then your bank hits you for fees on the fake check.

I've seen many ebay listings that state their unwillingness to sell to anyone with a zero feedback value. This seems like sound judgment. It might raise the risk of missing a legit sale to a brand new ebay user. Were I to end up with a completed sale from a zero feedback account I might send them a message asking for a phone number, then call and talk with them.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you give a buyer your bank routing information. If they want to wire money to you ask for THEIR routing info, the name of their bank and it's branch location. Look up that branch phone number on your own and call them yourself. Do not let the seller give you the number, as it could just be a co-conspirator in their scam. Tell them to talk with their bank manager and ask they be prepared to receive your call. I have done this before and it works.

Also, do a google search on any telephone numbers you're given, if any. There are lots of websites that track scams based on phone numbers.

Oh, and use registered mail for any paperwork. Postal fraud sometimes catches more criminals than the actual crime itself. Wire fraud, based on phone calls, is used less frequently (but still helps in a 'pile on' situation).

And if your boat and trailer are registered with your state be sure to notify them of the sale. I've heard stories of people selling a vehicle which never got re-registered. It then turns up abandoned somewhere and the state comes after the "listed owner" for the cleanup/removal fees and tickets.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Thanks Bill. All good info. I have been debating adding a note about feedback to the listing and cancelling the bid.
We are still a ways away from the reserve. I may just wait and see if he continues to be the high bidder.

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2001 Sundowner 235

If its your boat, whats the link? I can't find it on eBay....

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

firecadet613,
Here it is.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0317491418

Thanks Bill

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2001 Sundowner 235

Edit

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Bill,

I do a lot of ebay, both buying and selling. I understand your concerns. Keep in mind, you can tell ebay if you end up with a dead-beat buyer and they do not charge the full fee.

I would suggest that you email the bidder and ask his intentions (ask if he has any questions or would like additional info .. would he be shipping, etc.) and address your concerns .... get comfortable with each other.

AND .....

If the reserve is not met yet ..... it really does not matter who is bidding. Let a deadbeat bid up closer to your reserve, so the real bidders can start playing .........

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

Thanks M3eater.

Good idea.

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2001 Sundowner 235