eBay buyer wants to do cash on collection...

[chockaholic72]

... and I don’t!

Just sold an item on eBay - I don’t do many, it’s all gone well previously, PayPal does the money, I stick it in the post, and everyone is happy.

I’ve sold an expensive item of mountaineering equipment - small enough to go in the post. Before the auction ended he emailed me asking if I’d do a Buy It Now for a stupidly low amount and he’d pay cash on collection. I said no, I’d rather it was sorted by auction. Auction has just finished, and he’s straight on email asking if he can pay cash on collection.

Yes, I’m one of those people who doesn’t always answer the door. I live on my own, on a single track road, and don’t feel comfortable with some random guy turning up. Add to that his pushyness for cash on collection and I just feel a bit suspicious. The item sold for over £200 and I don’t want to get scammed. Before I email back am I being unreasonable to insist he pay by PayPal and wait for the item? Any scams going on that I don’t know about?

Meet him outside the police station to exchange if there's one near you.

Arrange to meet him somewhere. Iv done this a few times. Local coffee shop etc

@Pentium85 then I'm staggered that as a (very) successful seller you are so unfamiliar with PayPal rules.
Just because something hasn't happened to you doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

@AdobeWanKenobi

Oh I’m more than familiar with the rules, but know that PayPal don’t stick to them.

Cash on collection is fine, however in my area there is a warning on the Police page about fake notes in circulation so where I would normally be pleased to accept cash, in this instance I would insist on posting it, fully tracked and insured.

they just want to make sure it's as described before paying

No they don't, they can open a case and get a refund easily if they say it isn't as described. Ebay will side with them and if not, PayPal very likely would.

As I said above it is a possible fake money scam. Why be so insistent on collection if they are genuine.

I've got friend who was scammed this way, £300 for a new iphone, real notes the top and bottom of the pile the rest were forgeries. The police said it happens a lot, especially if they come to connect in the evening and stand at the door where the light is bad .

Forgive me, Beanz, but I cringe every time I see "ebay" and "iphone" in the same sentence
I realise it's tempting to get more money, but given the sheer number of well-publicised scams around this, wouldn't you think folk would have learned by now?

Have you got anything to check that they notes he gives you are genuine and not fake. There are a lot of fake notes, and these days most shops/bars have detector pens/lights, so they're getting harder to use.

@Pentium85

Oh I’m more than familiar with the rules, but know that PayPal don’t stick to them

Then you'll also know that they often do stick to them and that reasoning often doesn't come into it.
I wish you luck, genuinely, but lets not tell an OP that it's safe to play fast and loose with her £200 because Paypal don't always stick to those rules.

I am baffled as to how many people wouldn't let this person (who may not be a man!) collect from them! I have sold literally hundreds of things on ebay including cars and motorcycles and much prefer them collecting rather than PayPal! PayPal is a total rip off. Why are we so suspicious? The buyer probably wants it ASAP so they can use it this weekend! If you are uncomfortable op then maybe suggest they collect from a friend's house with you there?
The suggestions of taking a photo of them with the item or of their driver licence, really?

There is nothing wrong with cash on collection but if you don't want to you should not be forced to.

In the light of what others have said about the scams using Paypal, maybe you have reconsidered.

If you do coc can you have someone with you or meet in a public place?

The only concerning thing now is someone mentioned fake money - nothing is simple is it.

I'd have told him no, too, but honestly, after he pulled that low ball offer stunt is when I'd have blocked him from bidding in the auction altogether. He's a pisstaker.

I’d be worried he’s only going to show up (if at all) with the amount of his original it it now offer and expect you to accept it.

I've got friend who was scammed this way, £300 for a new iphone, real notes the top and bottom of the pile the rest were forgeries

Tbd though that's not a fault in the cash on collection system that's seller stupidity, it's basic to count and check the notes.

Personally I wouldn't have a problem with it, it's standard on Facebook marketplace and Gumtree, the buyer has more to worry about than the seller.

@coconuttelegraph not being funny but I was in the house on my own with 3 young children and it was a man who came to my door to buy my I phone even if I did check the notes a realised they were fake I wasn’t in any position to tell him god knows what he may have done

I am baffled as to how many people wouldn't let this person (who may not be a man!) collect from them! I have sold literally hundreds of things on ebay including cars and motorcycles and much prefer them collecting rather than PayPal! PayPal is a total rip off. Why are we so suspicious?
Don’t forget on mn most people don’t answer their doors and log the slightest thing with the police

Stick to your guns - if you’re not comfortable with it, then please don’t do it.

I sold an item of furniture this week on eBay. We offered collection, and a courier was sent to collect it. No problems - they paid by PayPal before collection was arranged. They left positive feedback. The only issue was we were told the courier would be here at 11 am and didn’t show until after two pm.

It's safer to do cash on collection though!! I never buy collection items through PayPal or vice versus as you can be scammed. And PayPal always refunds so this way no comeback!! It would be stupid not to accept.

I sold an item of furniture this week on eBay. We offered collection, and a courier was sent to collect it. No problems - they paid by PayPal before collection was arranged. They left positive feedback. The only issue was we were told the courier would be here at 11 am and didn’t show until after two pm

This could have gone so very very badly. They could have opened an item not received case, YOU have no tracking because you didn't arrange the courier, so you lose the case, buyer gets refunded and you have lost the furniture and the payment. Never let the buyer arrange their own courier.

I always used to do cash on collection if I could but so many people didn't turn up and then paid by PayPal and claimed not delivered. I then had to cancel the sale - loads of time and stress.

I have given up on ebay - which is a shame as it used to be good. So many stories of scams and unfairness.

Either tell him you want it done through shoal within 3 days or you will re-list or you could arrange for a friend to be with you or meet him in a coffee shop or something.

• shoal is PayPal

@JigsawsAreInPieces I know, but DP dealt with it. It was on his head! I’m glad it went ok.

@TheReluctantCountess glad it went ok. Wasn't trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs but you do hear such nasty things sometimes. Reassuring to hear a positive ending.