Buyer wants to pay through paypal independently by me sending him an invoice. Is this a scam or is this a viable method that people use?
I mean as far as I know, invoices really are just more descriptive transactions. So in other words, rather than sending someone $100 G&S and messaging them “u get the $?”, the invoice is to be filled out by you (mark it a shipped good if it is a card you are selling obviously) and describes what the transaction is for. Invoices are still processed the same way, so if you invoice the buyer $100, the buyer will still pay $100 and PayPal will deduct the 2.9% + $0.30 G&S fee. That being said, the buyer/seller protection is still there.
Do make sure that you describe the item well, especially if you suspect the buyer of being sketchy. For example, if you’re selling an empty Base Set Booster Box, you want to include that it is empty, or the buyer may claim that it was opened while PayPal assumes he purchased a sealed product. By accepting the invoice, the buyer is agreeing to the conditions stated in the description of the item.
Hope this helps!
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As far as I’m aware, it’s essentially another form of PayPal G&S that gives the buyer protections. The same scams you’d potentially find in G&S are present with this method as well (e.g. scammer claiming an INAD when you sent the correct item). I personally have paid invoices and issued invoices without problems.
Like other posters said, this is not sketchy at all. Some buyers just like knowing EXACTLY what they are paying for when using paypal g&s, especially for higher ticket items. Like charetard said though, if you are selling a card, make sure you describe it accurately (post the serial number, even an imgur link with pics if you want to) into the invoice so there is no question what you are sending
Great thank you for the comments everyone. I didn’t include an image but I described the card well in the invoice. It’s PSA so there shouldn’t be any ambiguity.
He paid the invoice so I guess I send the card now? I don’t want to send it then he somehow refunds the money… @kinggr , @mario005 , @pokecollectoramy ,
If they paid…send the card tracked and it should be alright 
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Attached is a successful invoice I sent out last week to a buyer. When you send the invoice, it will say the buyer’s amount due. Once the invoice says “Paid” with “Amount due: $0.00” (as shown) you are good to ship!
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Yup, just remember to update the tracking information on the invoice. Once it’s shipped, they can’t request a refund until the item is delivered or the tracking gets all screwy and doesn’t arrive.
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Depending on the buyer’s country a paypal invoice may also be useful if he is purchasing the card as a business. Some countries have not kept up with digital transactions for tax deductions, but any accountant in the world will recognize an international invoice.
In the UK for example I can link paypal to my accounting software and send my Paypal account history as evidence of incomings and outgoings when filing for taxes, but in my homecountry (Portugal) accountants have no idea what a paypal is, so they’ll ask for a more widely accepted invoice format.
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Invoices are the correct way to go. I use them 100% of the time both as a buyer and seller.
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Is this the way to go for future trading card purchases once the PayPal g&s amendment kicks in?