PLEIN AIR ARTISTS

An Online Artist's Coop for Artists who Paint on Location

Online buyers

How do you know if an online buyer is legitimate? I just got an email from some guy in Abu Dhabi, UAE who's interested in two of my paintings. He wants to know if I take credit cards. I have no idea how he found my web page and I'm reluctant to even respond to the message.

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Permalink Reply by Mary Ann Cherry on January 29, 2013 at 6:30pm

Yes, paypal is wonderful and it has saved my bacon many times. Another good little product for accepting credit card use the square. It attaches right to your smartphone and you can accept credit cards over your phone and know immediately whether or not they are good.
Donald Maier said:

I recently sold my first original watercolor to a buyer in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They saw my work on FineArtAmerica.com, and although I have had several bogus buyers try to scam me out of money and artwork, this time it was a real buyer. After learning how they work, I began accepting only PayPal transactions, or allowing up to a month for any checks (especially cashier's checks) to clear the bank. I was paid the full price as posted online and the money was in my account within 24 hours of email contact. PayPal is a wonderful thing in my opinion. And, I believe they also accept major credit cards too.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Abrahams on February 5, 2013 at 11:29am

It is most likely a scam. I have received several offers like this.

If you are really determined to follow through, then only offer PayPal for payment and do not accept offers to pay higher amount and a request pay freight separately to a third party.

Do not send the painting under any circumstances until the bank confirms that the payment is genuine.

I have sold hundreds of paintings around the world on eBay with Paypal no scams or problems.