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suspicious "buyer"

Cindy and Bob Houtz avatar
Cindy and Bob Houtz from HeavenlyHomeGifts 9:23 am Dec 23, 2012 EST
Just wondering about a potential customer who is "giving their word to buy" and item or two. I just felt like it was a red flag for this person to state that when it was never questioned.
If this person pays with paypal is there a way to scam, such as withdrawing their order for refund in canceling the order after the items are received? The items are somewhat expensive and made to order.

38 Responses

Cindy avatar
Cindy from GraceNotesbyCindy 9:25 am Dec 23, 2012 EST edited
They may be legitimate but don't do anything until you receive full payment. If your shop policies don't state full payment required before making a custom order, I'd change it to say that before you have any more contact with the person.
Cindy and Bob Houtz avatar
Cindy and Bob Houtz from HeavenlyHomeGifts 9:28 am Dec 23, 2012 EST
thank you!
cctexan Cindy avatar
cctexan Cindy from BeaconBeads 9:28 am Dec 23, 2012 EST
I d state, I d be happy to make this for you! I need a a non refundable deposit of X due before you start the process, Always be polite and not all customers speak english the same way as you or I might. I ve had plenty of customers want an item but cant pay just now. And a few weeks later they buy. Never had a problem afterwards and they were very grateful I worked with them ( in the jewlery stuff)

Make sure your policies reflect this as well. Its just smart business. Paypal protects custom made orders, or orders that are made on payment plans.
Jane avatar
Jane from ThriftyJane 9:28 am Dec 23, 2012 EST
You must keep accurate pictures of what you are sending out to them and the packing slips for you reference. If they are expensive items - send them out with signature confirmation - it will cost more, but paypal will take a firmer stand against any claims that the buyer might have.
Patricia Merritt avatar
Patricia Merritt from TheChristmasShoppe 9:35 am Dec 23, 2012 EST
Do not send the item until you have a firm payment in hand.
I previously had a customer send an e-check, then rescind the e-check then send a cc payment and then rescind that. in the meantime when I thought the e-check had cleared I sent the merchandise, never got paid and never got anything back from paypal or etsy.
I "ate" the cost, it was so convoluted noone could firgure it out.
Michelle avatar
Michelle from StellasFiberFarm 9:36 am Dec 23, 2012 EST
Hello fellow Michigander....Cute shop!
Charley avatar
Charley from CharleysCache 9:36 am Dec 23, 2012 EST
Sometimes buyers first language is not English so their wording may be not how we would put something so They may be a bit off in translation I would not worry to much about it if you get paid first before you start a custom order.
Book And Bird avatar
Book And Bird from BookAndBird 9:37 am Dec 23, 2012 EST
Agree with the above, wouldn't make or ship until you have a full payment, and if you're suspicious maybe purchase insurance on the item too when you ship.
Charley avatar
Charley from CharleysCache 9:38 am Dec 23, 2012 EST
Hey hello from MI also:)

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