I think the biggest drawback of the Friends and Family option is it puts the noose right around your neck.
Because even though you may have the best intentions(or are just plain cheap); by clicking on F&F and not goods and services; you are lying. So for a few bucks; you leave yourself with Zero defense.
Let’s say the deal falls through and you are out your money. So you contact Paypal and say what? F&F means no goods or services were exchanged. It means exactly what it says.
So if you get Punked; and tell them, ‘ I got robbed. I did a goods and services deal on Paypal. But I was too cheap to pay the price for your money moving skills; I lied and said the stranger I sent the money to; was actually a friend. But he is not and now he won’t send my yoyo back.
Even though I lied to you to save peanuts; can you get my money back for me?
See what I am saying? You can’t lie to somebody and then ask them for help.
I think they’re burned by new users most of the time though, that’s the relevant bit. Established community members have reputations and are reliable.
Not to be an elitist, but I also think as you get into the higher yo-yo price brackets ($50+ yo-yos even used) you’re dealing with people that take more care with their actions and "stuff’', as it were…
No, that’s not the person I’m talking about. I’m talking about the smooth talking scammer that preys on good natured people and people trying to save a few bucks. The occurrences don’t lie. It’s happenned before and it’s gonna happen again. The best approach (in my opinion) is to recommend goods and services. I’d hate to have somebody get burned because they’d read somewhere that vegabomb thinks it’s fine to send paypal friends and family.
Actually, we’ve seen it before a few years back on TheYo.com. Took us a bit to catch on. The guy hit 3 times before we caught on to him. We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two…
Unfortunately the yo-yo community is a fair bit smaller than it was back then in the heyday, and the rise of social media has changed the stakes a bit.
I think the best way to propose this is that the buyer has to pay a bit extra if they want F&F. If that’s the case, then go for it to taste.
Certain people I don’t mind paying F&F, but if someone I don’t know is insisting on it, I just add the extra to make up for the fee. In google type in “Paypal Fee Calculator” It’ll tell you the most up-to-date percentage and the exact amount to add for them to get the amount they are requesting.
99% of the people that I’m ok paying F&F would turn out to be really sad if they decided to start scamming people.
Another user was caught recently too, @Finger4 is selling items from a couple of Reddit users who are unaffiliated with the account. I wonder what has caused the recent increase in scammers lately on the forums. As sad as it is to say, it might be better off not dealing with newer accounts who have no clear established relation to a reputable member. And never use the Family and Friends method unless its with someone with a very good reputation in the community or an actual friend.
I think we got him before he caused any damage this time. I think the advice from @yoyospirit on not trading with newer accounts is sound, sad as that may be.
I’ve dealt with new accounts before. If it’s a trade I make them send first. I send once I’ve recieved and inspected the trade. If something seems at all off or fishy I’ve even had people send before I paypal them the funds.
I would even go to the extreme of saying “only pay with Goods and Services” when you are purchasing something. Bottom line is there is protection offered by Paypal when you use Goods and Services, if you are lying to them by saying it is ‘friends and family’ you are stealing from Paypal.
