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

[whichwaytohome]

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.

I hate ebay.

You just wait for the buyer to arrange collection. Simple. You do nothing else.

It’s been resolved.

So delete post.

OP- Ebay have a dedicated forum to ask similar question's in the future or read their FAQ's. I don't buy/sell on their much, but its very useful if you do and nearly every scenario such as yours already has multiple replies and suggestions. I'm glad it was sorted.

I think the point snowflakesayer was making is that what the OP should have done, instead of getting all in a fluster about it.

That’s exactly what I have done before. Then when they don’t pay and colllect, I report them to EBay for non payment and they get a strike against them on their account.

Have you tried using Gumtree? I think it is a much better option than eBay for things you want people to collect in person. No fees, people search local listings and the norm is cash on collection. I have sold quite a few bulky things via Gumtree - furniture, an exercise bike, large dolls house and so on. I've had more success on there than with Facebook.

I think you're in a huge flap over what could just be a mistake. Just wait and see what they say.

You can't delete posts or threads on Mumsnet, just so you know.

Did you RTFT? OP has given an update x3 now.

Money are on syandard prohibited items list for most couriers. It is not a standard service to travel with money for them. These would be specialist services.
And no courier will do money handover and pick up item.
In some countries you can do cash on delivery for example even with DPD, DHS etc, but I haven't encountered that in UK.

The scam usually goes with "i need you to pay the postage for money or extra insurance to see you are solid and it will be added to cash" then poof. They go with your card details they got via link they sent you. Or someone impsrsonating courier company will turn up and give you fake notes.

I’ve sold on Facebook before and have had messages which were scams.

they ask initially to send a courier to collect. Then ask you for email addresses address etc. then send you a link for “dhl” or other courier service. The idea is you click if, you pay the “courier fee and insurance” which is typically around £100.

I went through to the link part with one scammer just to see what it looked like. Apparently dhl now use “gmail” addresses….

used this for a cyber crime exercise at work.

I’ve done this before. I didn’t realise the item I’d bought was collection only. It was outskirts of London and I’m in jersey. So only way to get there is to fly or ferry and drive. Not feasible really.

I felt so silly when I realised. Then had to cancel the sale etc.

@ememem84 it's probably easily done

@Doris86 They'd already paid, that's what concerned me, they'd paid for an item, despite living so far away. After making this thread I felt reassured there was some plan to collect it, although the buyer had just not looked at where I lived.

@Snowflakeslayer as a previous poster said, you can't delete posts.

You can get a post deleted by reporting it. If for example, you post something completely unrelated to the thread it might derail it.

You can get your own thread removed but I don't think it's done lightly.

Often posts with resolutions can help others searching for similar down the line, so I kind of agree with the stance that posts should remain.

@RiverCartwright , I agree, this thread had a problem, suggested answers and a resolution. Someone who had a similar problem might find it useful.

We had someone buy collection only furniture from APAC. Thought it was a scam but lo and behold they arranged a courier to collect it at the exact agreed time, package and ship it. Our item now enjoys life on another continent. We were extremely clear in all our terms that they needed to schedule the collection and take full responsibility. Photographed everything & it was all fine. Some people are willing to travel or jump through hoops for a bargain!

@JustMyView13 That's really good, I'm glad it worked out for you. Unfortunately my buyer just made a mistake.