Selling things-ways to protect yourself

[Sunflower49]

Have you ever sold a 'large' item, privately?

I am wanting to sell my van, and I have somebody coming to look at it tomorrow after placing an advert.

Thing I'm concerned about is-how can I be sure I get paid safely?

When I bought it , I paid via internet banking , so the seller could see the money in his account, when he handed the keys over.

Is a cheque safe? Do I have any comeback if it bounces?

I will put an advert up on here if this person doesn't want it
Thanks in advance-I feel a bit silly for having to ask-but figured it's worth looking silly if I'm to avoid being a potential victim!

Jen

[Gordon Booth]

Keep it simple, give them advance warning you'll want cash. When they pay, don't be embarrassed, check the money in front of them. Make sure the receipt you give them says 'bought as seen' and that you have a copy of it, both copies signed by both of you.
If they want a test run, you or someone you know go with them, cars can disappear on test drives.
Where selling cars and money is concerned, beware, be careful.

[cashman]

I,m n owd fart n have sold quite a bit of stuff oer the years, never once have i,or would i accept a cheque, though i know of a guy way back that did n got stuffed.

[shillelagh]

when i sold my car i stuck a notice on the windscreen and parked it on my neighbours drive .. it sold in 3 weeks and i got cash for it ... wasnt for getting a cheque .. it takes 3 days to clear and as it was a weekend i wouldnt have been able to put the cheque in till monday .. it could have been in a different country in bits by then ...

[Sunflower49]

Thanks people

[accyman]

even if a cheque clears in your account the money can be taken back by the bank at the drop of a hat up to a few weeks after so dont accept a cheque

i forget what they are called but its something like a bankers draught cheque from teh bank which you hand over and get the money at the bank.I think its a bit like a postal order in that teh cheque is pre paid so to speak