So I sold a high value item today and seeking some advice on how to proceed. Earlier today, I received a few messages from a new buyer with zero feedback asking why I wasn't allowing my item to be shipped to the United Arab Emirates. The message was short and to the point. As I want to avoid issues with shipping and overseas buyers, I restrict my listing to Australian buyers only. A few hours later I received another message from the same buyer, this time asking if I would consider changing the listing so he could purchase and have it shipped overseas, again to the United Arab Emirates.
As I was at work, I was unable to reply until I got home and have now found he/she has gone ahead and purchased the item. I assumed the buyer changed their address to an Australian one. I've checked the postal address on Google Maps and it's located at unmarked warehouse in NSW. The surrounding area consist of commercial buildings and seems to be in a fairly isolated area. I couldn't find any additional information on whose currently occupying the warehouse but I assume it's likely an unregistered pack and send operation or worse. It could even be unoccupied - I'm uncertain. Anyway, the item has been payed for via Paypal there's no indication on when funds will clear. Under the item I see: "Your funds will be available on: Unavailable". There's no date listed. The funds remain uncleared in my Paypal account yet eBay is requesting I ship the item! I figure these are more then sufficient warning signs for me not to proceed.
Wanting to know if anybody else has come across this previously and other then likely losing my money and item, what type of scam this entails? Also, what is the best way to cancel this order without and possible repercussion from eBay or the seller? I have the option of cancelling the item based "item damaged", "seller request cancellation" or "there is something wrong with the sellers address." There's no option to select "buyer smells of a scammer"…I've checked! I want to select "item damaged" but still want to be able to re-list and there is nothing wrong with "sellers address" other then to my own findings.
Any help would be appreciated.
Update 31/7/2018:
Thanks for all the suggestions everybody. I've gone ahead and cancelled the sale based on "there's something wrong with the buyers address". I received the following message immediately afterwards: "Got it - we'll let the buyer know that you want to cancel this order. Buyer has 10 days to confirm". Hopefully that's the end of it and buyer won't drag this on.
I'm considering relisting the item at a lower price in the hope that a local buyer will want it instead.
Update 1/8/2018:
Another 2 messages today. Buyer has since requested an explanation on why I've cancelled the item. I replied and apologised stating that I didn't want to send the item to a non residental address and had no indication of when funds will clear. Received another message asking if I would consider shipping to another address, this time to the United States! After ignoring that message, he/she followed up asking if I wanted additional money for the item!! Mentioned the previous address he provided was for a forwarding company. Begin to question if this person is just really persistent or if they just have a money to spare and can't take no for an answer.
I wouldnt usually recommend doing this, but if you are 100% sure its a scam, wait till the money clears, then withdraw it into your account, wait till it clears, then close all accounts in paypal. Then send the item, you will be 100% covered either way, and it will then be paypals problem.
Also make sure its fully insured, and sent with tracking. Take photos of the item and all serial numbers, photos of it in the box, then fully boxed etc. Then a photo of the box in the post office, and a photo with the receipt you used to send it. Pretty much document every step of the way, so they cant blame you in any way.