Bad idea?

[whatsthepointthen]

I won an item on ebay but its collection, its about an hour away from me. I could go up there and pay, but then I would still need to arrange a van to go and get it and its a long way to travel. I know sellers generally wont accept pay pal for collection items.

Would it be stupid to hire a van and say he has to come to me first so I can give him the cash to take up to pay the person then I will pay him for collecting it when he gets back to mine? Is this a stupid idea? dont want him taking the money and not coming back although its not a massive amount.

Can't you pay on PayPal?

Go with him,

Cant go in the van as got a baby. sellers seem to not take pay pal for collection items but I havent actually asked just seen it on here alot.

Why would you bid on an item you know is collection only, but can't collect?

First check the eBay listing to see what methods of payment the seller accepts.
If it’s only cash then I would go with your plan, putting the money in a sealed envelope (signed across the flap so it will show if it has been opened) and ask the driver to hand the envelope to the seller. Don’t say that the money is it, although they will probably know.
Choose the driver/ company carefully- most are very honest. I would check out local people maybe asking on Facebook selling pages for a local recommendation if you don’t have a relative or friend who can recommend someone. And choose someone that a few people recommend, so you stand a better chance of the recommendations being genuine. Or go with a recognised national firm. But that will probably by more expensive.

I've booked a courier online before to bring ebay items to me- I can't remember how it worked with regards to payment, I think you pay them the item cost when you book, then they give the cash to the seller? Might be expensive for someone an hour away though, mine was about 30 mins.

I think it was on 'shiply'

The reason that sellers don’t like taking PayPal for collection only items is that the buyer could turn around and say they didn’t receive the item, and claim their money back, as there’s obviously no proof of delivery.

If I were the seller in this situation I’d be happy to take a bank transfer, as this would remove the PayPal risk, although I’d probably want it at least a couple of days before collection in case you tried to reverse it. It would be worth messaging the seller to ask.

Bank transfer to the seller if they won't take paypal (and why on earth wouldn't they? I just pay on win, usually paypal, and collect at leisure)

Just to be clear I CAN collect, its just very far, if the idea I came up with is bad then I will go up and pay myself. Anyone who buys a large item on ebay is going to need to hire a van, was just wondering if I could save myself the long journey. Not everyone has their own van!