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Original poster

Sold collection item only on eBay - buyer lives 200 miles away

146 replies

whichwaytohome · 12/12/2023 22:22

I did start a thread in the eBay topic, but it's quiet and I need to know what to do next.

I listed a large item on eBay (after it never sold on FB). I clearly pointed out it was collection only and having just checked, there is no postage options on the listing.

I got notified that someone has bought it and paid (and I need to link to my bank, I'd hoped for cash on collection as I've bought that way 100s of times).

There is no address for this person, because I'd chosen collection only, eBay don't give you the address.

I've messaged the buyer asking when they can collect, but not had a reply yet.

I will not post this item, as it's in very good condition and those in worse condition have sold on there for far more, I put it cheaply so someone local would be tempted.

If I did post I'd lose even more as I never factored that in, so the buyer hasn't paid for a postal service.

I don't know what to do. 15 years of buying, but never having sold, and I've sold to someone who is likely to be awkward and want it posting or courier.

note from MNHQ - please read OP's updates before posting.

OP posts:
PropertyManager · 13/12/2023 18:47

I've been selling on ebay for 8 years now, no problems! over 3600 items sold and 100% pos feedback.

Give the buyer a chance to get in touch, they may be working out when they can get to you, I recently sold a safe to a guy from Glasgow, I'm in Salisbury, he was coming this way, bit of radio silence, then too and fro about when he'd pick up - turned out he's a driver for a supermarket and rocked up with a 45 foot refrigerated truck, took 3 of us to get the darn thing on his tail lift.

I only do collect only on items over 25Kg, anything under 25Kg I post via DHL, easier for me because its gone at a time to suit me and they pick up the postage.

amylou8 · 13/12/2023 18:49

If you do work out the collection make sure they give you the collection code before you release it. EBay will have sent them a QR code and a alphanumeric code that you can scan or enter into your account to confirm the pickup. If you don't do this you have no proof they pi led it up and they will be able to get a refund from eBay.

Jazz7 · 13/12/2023 18:56

Cash on collection is an option if you tick it. However they pay ebay sends the buyer a code to be given to the seller to use to prove it’s been collected. Be sure to get this from whoever collects and there is a place to enter it on line. It makes them using PayPal safe. Previously they could claim hadn’t got the item.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General shopping
JustWimpy · 13/12/2023 19:28

... or the courier was going to pay me. They were all obvious scams

How is a courier handing you cash before you give over the goods going to be a scam? It's becoming almost impossible to buy from some people as they think every situation is an 'obvious' scam and they are so clever to suspect it. I send couriers all the time to collect furniture for me and for those afraid of online payments, cash when collecting is all that's left.

drowninginsick · 13/12/2023 19:34

Could be fine I bought a really specific toy giraffe like this lol, on paper it looked miles from me but was v close to lovely sister In law who was coming for a visit the following weekend Grin

Original poster
whichwaytohome · 13/12/2023 19:55

@JustWimpy They were in another country! How would they give the courier to come over to this country to buy a toy?

I can't think of any courier handing over cash, especially when you have to pay insurance first (at their request).

OP posts:
Comeonbt · 13/12/2023 20:44

If you still haven’t heard from her then report to eBay then cancel the sale. She can be marked as a non payer which goes against her account. I sold on eBay for 11 years and went through all sorts with buyers, it’s not worth the hassle arranging collection with someone so far away. Stick to vinted or Facebook so that only local people buy, not everyone reads an advert properly on eBay so chances are she assumed it would be a posted item and now she’s realised she’s too embarrassed to respond.

Picoloangel · 14/12/2023 18:31

Buyer might well turn up. It happened to me once years ago - buyer lived in Ireland and hadn’t noticed it was collection . In the end I obtained a quote for postage and said I’d post it at their own risk or would refund. I posted and all was ok.

mylifestory · 14/12/2023 18:57

U don't have to send or pay postage as they've not paid for any, just sit tight it's their problem. Read ebay selling pages

Mirabai · 14/12/2023 19:07

You need to stop panicking OP. Your listing stated ‘collection only’ so if she can’t collect then you can cancel the sale.

Some buyers are slow but if she’s paid already she may be working out the logistics of pick up.

neilyoungismyhero · 14/12/2023 19:10

whichwaytohome · 12/12/2023 22:27

I've just found an email from eBay saying to arrange collection. It also says that I can confirm it's been collected so there isn't an item not received claim (sure it never used to have that).

So I guess I just wait and see what she says. I don't know what to do if she wants it posted or wants it couriered though.

You cancel the sale and refund her.
You stipulated collection only for valid reasons. Not your problem although the cancelled sale is a tad disappointing for you.

NoWayRose · 14/12/2023 19:12

Just message and say thanks for your purchase - when would you like to collect? If they say they wanted you to post there’s simply a button to cancel and refund. Happens all the time when someone loses an item they were selling etc.

Wintersgirl · 14/12/2023 19:31

There are loads of companies that collect items for ebay all over the country, if you have problems stick to your guns, but also highlight the fact she can use one of these companies such as as Shiply, we've used them for collecting loads of things...

WombatChocolate · 14/12/2023 19:31

I would assume to start with, that as you listed it as collection only and they bid and paid, that they will collect.

Who knows, maybe their parent is nearby and will collect or similar. You do t have to worry about the practicalities. That’s for them.

And if now they say they want it delivered, you’re totally entitled to say ‘no’ as those were not the terms on which it was advertised. You don’t want to post it - so don’t. If they want that they will have to be refunded and you will move on and list again.

There is no problem here OP. You won’t have to post, you won’t be out of pocket apart from perhaps a listing fee.

To be clear, you are under no pressure from eBay to post.

And given the buyer hasn’t asked for it to be posted, I think you’re generating a needless worry. If they don’t reply about collection, you can message again and say you need to hear from them within 24 hrs or the item will be refunded. You can also say a timeframe for collection. In fact people often state this in the listing - precisely becaus they don’t want delays in arranging for the item to be gone.

JennySayQuoi · 14/12/2023 19:32

If she wants it posted, you remind her that you won't post. If she wants it couriered, you say you're happy to liaise with her courier, but not organising one - it's not much more difficult than arranging a collection. You don't sort the courier, she does. I've used Shiply or Proovia loads to transport furniture and white goods - you don't have to pack the item, they take responsibility for delivering it safely.

Pamalot · 14/12/2023 19:34

Ebay will pay you so it is up to the buyer to contact you to arrange collection. When they collect ask for the collection code to add to your listing. I sold a collection only item recently and had to message the buyer 3x before they replied. Also they may be using Shiply to collect.

SuspiciousSue · 14/12/2023 19:37

We once sold an aga and someone drove 4 hours to collect it. People who really want something will travel.

MrsWidgerysLodger · 14/12/2023 19:39

Wouldn't worry too much just yet. My MIL lives at the complete opposite end of the country to me and she's picked up a couple of collection only items for me as they were listed near her.

Thepelly · 14/12/2023 19:45

OP I buy vintage furniture online often and I pay it to be collected by a van courier, it’s very easy. It’s never been an issue.

wishmyhousetidy · 14/12/2023 19:46

Ebay have a surprisingly good contact section and you can call them. It surprises me you can actually speak to a person and they can access your account and they are helpful
Dont worry- don’t post it, speak to them and they will cancel it and refund fees

Viviennemary · 14/12/2023 19:47

If it's collection only and you clearly listed as such do not post it. If the buyer doesn't answer refund the money and cancel the sale.

Vet73 · 14/12/2023 19:49

Is it a Jellycat or similar? If so, people will spend £££ and travel very far

Doris86 · 14/12/2023 19:52

I’ve had idiots bid on collection only items, who then get all surprised and offended when I won’t post it to them.

Once however I sold a large item. My heart sank when I saw the buyer lived in Cornwall - 200 miles from me. Then I got a message from him saying he was travelling through my area on his way home after visiting his daughter, and could he collect it then. He collected as promised, precisely at the time he said he would be there. So you never know.

Original poster
whichwaytohome · 14/12/2023 19:55

The buyer asked me to refund, so I've cancelled the sale (choosing buyer's request) and refunded.

She made a mistake and thought it was near her.

Thanks for all the advice Flowers

OP posts:
MandyMotherOfBrian · 14/12/2023 19:58

Relist it for the correct value and add postage then. Get it done today and if it's a desirable item it will probably sell well this close to Christmas. Just be sure to state in your listing that it may not arrive before Christmas though......