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Taking payment for a car sold abroad
lsdweb - 12/9/16 at 07:32 AM

Hi All

I've probably sold my Striker to a guy from Belgium. We've agreed to meet at Folkestone to do the exchange (he's paying my costs), I did fancy a trip with it to Belgium but the thought of taking a part built car and a pile of bits through Customs was a bit scary!

He's paying a deposit via Paypal today (hence the 'probably sold' ) and wants to either pay me in Euros or via Paypal when we meet.

I don't want to lose out on exchange rates etc. so thought I'd ask the collective here for advice.

Ta

Wyn

[Edited on 12/9/16 by lsdweb]

angliamotorsport - 12/9/16 at 07:44 AM

When I sold my Mallock to someone in Holland, he paid for the car and ferry fare via bank transfer.

gaz_gaz - 12/9/16 at 08:24 AM

I've sold 3 cars to European buyers now.
Twice by bank transfer and the 3rd was payment in euros.
There is a fair priced Bureau de Change 5 or 6 minutes from the port. I went there with the buyer and changed the money over to sterling ensuring we both paid and received what was agreed.
Always enjoyed selling cars to European. Never any hassle or haggling and always friendly..

Good luck

lsdweb - 12/9/16 at 09:16 AM

Thanks guys

Gary - I had thought about using the Bureau de Change and that seems like the best idea. Driving home with an empty trailer and a wad of cash is dangerous though!

Regards

Wyn

Mopple - 12/9/16 at 11:16 AM

An other possibility would be to use TransferWise or some other similar modern payment platform. The transaction fees are much better than PayPal, transactions are quick and comfortable.

loggyboy - 12/9/16 at 11:56 AM

Dont use paypal - they can issue refunds without your consent. (they call them charge backs)
Cash or bank transfer only.

swanny - 12/9/16 at 03:12 PM

same as angliamotorsport here, car ought by a dealer in holland. he paid for ferry crossing as cargo, sent money over the day before and then we dropped it off on the ferry and he collected at the other end.

ian locostzx9rc2 - 12/9/16 at 04:23 PM

Bank transfer is safest I assume if he's only Paid a deposit he could look at it and change his mind ! When I sold my striker to a French dealer he paided me the full amount bank transfer and picked it up a week later don't use PayPal as its expensive and it can be refunded cash or bank transfer only is safest

lsdweb - 13/9/16 at 11:41 AM

Thanks for all the assistance!

He's bringing cash (GBP) and the deposit is large enough to more than cover my costs of getting there and back,although it was paid by paypal.

Regards

Wyn