I’m not going to be able to go to the BW for some years and don’t want my gear to not get used. I live in North Carolina and want to know the best way to handle a sale of packs, stove, etc. What payment method, do I ship first or get paid first? Any help would be appreciated.

Paypal works well, others have accepted checks or money orders, waited for the check to clear before shipping. I've bought a couple things here where the seller shipped before I had even paid. Overall we're a fairly trustworthy bunch, I can't think of any abuses that have happened.

Most would agree that you should get payment first before shipping unless you come to other terms with your buyers.

I agree with Paypal, I have used that on this site many times. If it were a board member buying from me I would have no problem shipping before I was paid, but any other site I would probably want payment first. I have also bought a couple things from members here who have shipped before they had received my payment.

BearBurrito: "I agree with Paypal, I have used that on this site many times. If it were a board member buying from me I would have no problem shipping before I was paid, but any other site I would probably want payment first. I have also bought a couple things from members here who have shipped before they had received my payment. "

Mirth and BB said it well. I have also had members ship before payment got to them. Any other site, wait until payment clears.

I have sold a lot of gear on this site, and I do not use paypal. I am not interested in some 3rd party making money off me. I have never been jilted by anyone on this site when I have sold gear.

Paypal works very well. That said, I've dealt with folks on this site for years before I started using Paypal and nary an issue.

I've sold a few things on the site here and bought a few things as well and always done check or money order and never had a problem. I understand why people use Paypal, but I hate the fees. Most anyone on this site with mulitple trees by their name should be good to deal with.

I just sold a tent and Hammock on eBay using Paypal.The person buying your item pays with Paypal then you ship the item. Paypal holds the money until the item is delivered,then it releases your funds. It's easy and works very well

Another person here who has used Paypal for over 10+ years. Mostly buying gear on ebay. Suggestions for selling the gear:
Sell individual items not one big group of stuff.
Give a good description especially dimensions of packs or clothing.
Have photos of the items. People want to see what the item looks like and the condition it's in.
Figure out what you want for a price on the item.

Shipping the items you can use whatever method is cheapest to the buyer. Then let them know what the price is and include it in the total price to the buyer. That way you don't have to eat the price of shipping. I have found the flat rate boxes from US Postal System the easiest to use and ship with.
Be sure to email the shipping number to the buyer so they can keep track of the location of the package.

I’d also agree with everything that has already been mentioned. Breaking the gear up may be a little more hassle but well worth it as oldfingers mentioned. It’s unlikely that someone would want the whole lot but might really want a piece or 2. I’ve bought and sold a fair amount of gear on this site and have never had an issue. Personal checks have taken care of most of it with a few PayPal transactions. Until proven otherwise I wouldn’t have a problem accepting a check or sending gear to any member that has been here for a while or has a few trees by their name.

PayPal fees can be avoided by using the credit to buy something else with it - you only get whacked if you want to turn it into cash.

Thanks, everyone, I have bought from this site too and have never had any problem. This site does have the best members.

OldFingers57: "...I have found the flat rate boxes from US Postal System the easiest to use and ship with..."

The flat rate boxes are convenient, but I've found them to be more expensive than simple first class in many cases, by about twice the cost.

I am in TN. Tried to email you, but my device is glitching. PM me if you want...but...whatcha got?

My advice? Send a list of gear you are selling to

jsackett@celebrationlutheranchurch.com just for fun.

Good luck!

I’ll have a list and some pics in a week or two.
Thanks for the interest.

When you get it together, start a new thread.

One thing I might add. Before you address the box contact the buyer again and make sure they still want what you are selling. I was selling 70 some Boundary Waters Journals on this site. The first person that said he wanted them backed out. The second person e-mailed me the day I was going to ship them and backed out. I have 3 box's of the BWJ that will go to recycle at the dump next time I go.