Selling a Private Plate

[K-c8fs1]

Hi all,

I've just sold my old private number plate on eBay, which I have on retention. The buyer has already paid through ebay and has suggested I just send him a pic of the V778 so he can do the transfer. (I first suggested he tell me the details on his V5C so I can transfer the number to his car online).

I realise that if I sent him the pic, he could claim he didn't receive anything and eBay would automatically refund him, and I'd have no proof. Hence I think it's safer to just send him the V778 by registered post and that way it's a physical transaction. Is that correct? If so, should I add him as a 'Nominee' and then wait for the new V778 with his name on it? Is there a charge for adding a Nominee? What's the safest way to complete the transaction.

Thanks!

[Geertsen]

99% sure it’s free to add a nominee.
If you sent the photo via eBay messages then there’s no way they could claim they hadn’t received it as eBay would be able to see you had sent it.

It says online “If you sell your number plate to a buyer with a vehicle, you need to assign it to their car. This can be done by post or online - simply fill out the V778 form and include the vehicle’s V5C registration document or go online and follow the simple step-by-step instructions“.

Surely if the buyer isn’t willing to trust you with their V5C then why are they expecting you to trust them with your V778.

Edited by Geertsen on Wednesday 6th December 21:35

[Fore Left]

When I bought a plate on eBay the seller sent me a pic of the retention cert number and I put it straight on my car.

Didn't occur to me I could claim I hadn't received it, I was more worried about them not sending it.

[Geertsen]

If it’s very high value, I believe the general advice is to do it in person or via a solicitor.

[K-c8fs1]

Thank you all. On the eBay seller protection policy, unless selling 'virtual' items (a private plate isn't considered virtual or digital by eBay) then if you have no proof of postage or third party tracking/delivery then the seller can claim it wasn't received and I'd have no defence. I already asked eBay if the image of the certificate sent through their massages was proof of delivery, and they said it wasn't.

I'm not suggesting the buyer would transfer it straight to his car and then get a refund through eBay, but of course he could! So it's probably safest to send him a physical V778 by registered post. I wasn't clear about the Nominee bit, but I'll look into that and apply to have it updated first. Thanks again.

[Mabozza]

Send him a pic of the doc after you have have sent it registered post?

[Jordie Barretts sock]

I wouldn't worry about the nominee bit. All they need is the retention certificate number.

Send it first class recorded. That's all you need to do. They'll have it tomorrow.

[Fady]

I thought ebay now uses a new process in instances where buyer is effectively collecting goods as opposed to having them delivered? Buyer is sent a collection code and when he 'collects' you need to ask him for the code. You then place this against the transaction at your end as confirmation that it has been received.

[sixor8]

He may want the physical retention document so that he can do it later, or eve sell it on again. As long as it is assigned within the 10 year period. Only the original plate owner can extend it. You'd have to wait for another certificate from Swansea with an added 'nominee' on it.

Whoever transfers it to a car only needs the certificate number, and I'm surprised how often I see one for sale on eBay showing it!

[Geertsen]

sixor8 said:

He may want the physical retention document so that he can do it later, or eve sell it on again. As long as it is assigned within the 10 year period. Only the original plate owner can extend it. You'd have to wait for another certificate from Swansea with an added 'nominee' on it.

Whoever transfers it to a car only needs the certificate number, and I'm surprised how often I see one for sale on eBay showing it!

I bet you are right! You’ve cracked it. The buyer intends to re-sell it. That’s why they want the certificate rather than the seller doing online for them.

[K-c8fs1]

Fady said:

I thought ebay now uses a new process in instances where buyer is effectively collecting goods as opposed to having them delivered? Buyer is sent a collection code and when he 'collects' you need to ask him for the code. You then place this against the transaction at your end as confirmation that it has been received.

Yes, that's correct, however I think the code is only issued by eBay if the item is listed for collection. If it's for delivered item then I must prove delivery with a tracking number. However you've raised a very good point and I will check if there is an eBay collection code I can submit for this item, thanks.

[K-c8fs1]

Geertsen said:

I bet you are right! You’ve cracked it. The buyer intends to re-sell it. That’s why they want the certificate rather than the seller doing online for them.

I don't think this is the case. The buyer doesn't want my physical document, he just wants me to send him a pic of the retention certificate number through eBay messages. I've told him I will, despite the obvious risk of payment reversal. However I will then send the document by post too in case eBay want to see proof of delivery. Or I will see if I have a collection code to submit, which achieves the same thing. Both these protect me against claims of non-delivery. However there's another loophole, and that's eBay's 'item not as described' claim. Here a buyer can just say the item was not as described and 100% of the time receive a full refund. There's nothing a seller can say or do in defence. And even if the document is then sent back in return, there's no guarantee the plate won't already have been transferred. But anyway, there's no point in thinking the worst all the time, otherwise you'd never sell anything!

[K-c8fs1]

All good, buyer left feedback and is very happy. All I did was send him a pic of the retention form. In the wrong hands though I guess it could be a different story..