Online buying/trading .. Safe?

[Laue]

I dont mean buying from sites like Action Village or 888paintball or even eBay. I trust all of that, but what I dont know about is these people on websites who you just send the money to via paypal and trust them to send you the item you agreed on. It seems like you could be easily ripped off. I know there are many many honest sellers out there but theres always gonna be that person who will ruin it. Does Paypal protect on this? Like if I sent somebody 50 bucks for something, and I never got it, could I get my money back?

I thought this would belong in the trading forum, but I had no idea where to put it. So I thought, this general forum would be the best. Please dont give me hell about the wrong forum, just tell me what you knwo about this.

Thanks!

[Magnus55]

It's as safe as you make it. If you research the site or person you're buying/trading with and make sure they are respectable and honorable, then you should really have no problems. I'm not exactly sure what paypal's policies are, but it's supposed to be much safer than just sending money orders through the mail to people.

[WYRViNX]

We made this cool thread Here (http://www.pbreview.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=104998&perpage=20&pagenumber=1). Paypal is good and I haven't gotten ripped off yet. Paypal is now owned by eBay, and the security/ anti-fraud looks good , but I've never had to use it. Paypal is truly a great service.
Magnus is correct, research research research. I have spent hours researching the stores I use.

[iTz NyaGo]

if you feel really unsure about buying/selling with another person. Try doing what, Kat? said, a 3rd party person. Have a pro shop or something of the sort receive both the money and items. Then the pro shop ships it out to the people. Of course, this will cost additional money, but it's just an option if you're really unsure.

[Laue]

Well the person seems pretty honest. We have exchanged emails for about a week. He doesnt seem to anxious but he's kind and answers any of my questions. I even got his phone number and called and tested it.. Wow I'm paranoid.

But I sent him the money, I hope all goes well.

[Spoony McSpoon]

i know about ebay, and how it works, but i dont' understand paypal.

[WYRViNX]

Originally posted by Spoony McSpoon
i know about ebay, and how it works, but i dont' understand paypal. PayPal is a service of a bank, can't remember just now which one.

[cocker kid 2k2]

I've bought/sold 20 some things online. Every deal has gone smooth. People are a lot more honest than everybody thinks. But there are a few bad apples out there. Just keep an eye out for bad feedback and such, you should be fine.

[Laue]

Yeah I used to be an ebay seller I have 105 positive feedback. I know alll about ebay. But I was just wondering if Paypal protects you. Because I know ebay does.

But I dont see why people dont do the deals through ebay...