1. Note the sending address ending in "@PayPal.com" with the full name of the buyer included.
2. The date and time of your email/transaction will be listed in this top corner.
3. The seller's PayPal username will be included in multiple places throughout this email.
4. Transaction ID listed will match the records when you log into your account.
5. The amount transferred will be shown here, matching the amount in your account.
6. This area will contain any notes added by the buyer, normally including something such as "For camera lens".
7. There will be a link to check your account however, I personally always prefer to manually enter Paypal.com rather than use a link in any email. This is a good practice for any site/service that might have your financial information in their records.
8. While it is true that it may take minutes for your funds to show, it will always be available regardless of any shipment confirmation.
9. The buyer's full name and shipping address should be provided here.
10. PayPal headquarters address will be included here, located in California, US.
11. Unique email ID will be included here, you can verify this in your account as well.
Phew! ...
That is a lot of information, if you have more questions I would suggest checking out PayPal's own page on how to spot a scam...
(https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/security/common-scams)
4. Actually Making the Sale.
So you have avoided scams and found a real buyer. How do you facilitate the actual sale?
After some back and forth with the buyer, you have negotiated a price that is reasonable for both parties. You now have to decide a few things, when to meet, where to meet, drop off, or pick up?
Here are a few pointers for transacting a smooth sale.
a. I will always ask either if they have a specific day and time they want to meet, if they are not sure, I will provide them with a few days and times that I am available that week and go from there.
b. Personally, I prefer to meet in a public place rather than in private. Coffee shops are usually my go to place but I will sometimes offer to drop off something if they are ok with that and are close by. This has been a good option for people who work different hours and they can just take a quick break to make the transaction.
c. When you have agreed on a date and time I would suggest being a few minutes early grab a table or stay in the parking lot and give a friendly text message that you are there. Also give a quick description of your car, your outfit etc. to easily pick you out if it gets crowded.
d. Depending on what you are selling, the buyer may want to inspect, test and even ask a few follow up questions, this is totally normal. Once they are satisfied they should provide you with their payment, make sure to count it and then thank them for their time and be on your way.
*Some buyers will even have you sign a bill of sale once you meet and the sale is just about final. Depending on what is being sold, this protects them in case they were accused of theft. Not every transaction will need this, but it is not uncommon.
BAM!
You're done! You made your sale and now have a good experience to recreate with your future sales.
I hope this has been helpful and thank you for reading!