AIBU - EBay collection only - courier?

[lostinthesunshine]

There is a small furniture item I have wanted for ages, listed on eBay as collection only. It’s hundreds of miles from where I live.

AIBU to buy it and book one of the couriers that offer to pick up? (And can anyone recommend a courier that would do this - critically, to include packing the item?)

The seller hasn’t responded to my message asking if she will courier it, so I wanted to canvas opinion before offering to use a specific service.

I could be wrong, OP, but I thought it had been drilled into sellers that this was scam-like behaviour.
It’s frustrating for you, being a genuine buyer!

Oh, I didn’t know that. I am probably being a bit naive, but what would the scam be, given that I would have paid up front?

As pp said it is often a scam for courier collection.

Apart from that there is no way in a hundred years i would package something and wait in to see if a courier may or may not turn up.

If I put collection only I just ignore any requests for delivery

I always use couriers for eBay furniture. I use someone I source through Shiply. I’ve always paid before the courier collects. Never had an issue.

Honestly, I don’t know. It makes no sense to me either. It’s like people who scam on Vinted; what’s the point when the seller is going to get their money back anyway?!
I only know what I’ve heard and that is that most people consider it dodgy.

I've bought a few bits on eBay that have required collection and used Shipley. The seller has always been fine with it as they are looped into the conversation with Shipley so know the collection is legit and paid for / when the driver will turn up etc.

But (genuine question) what would the scam be? And how is it different waiting in for a courier rather than waiting for a buyer, particularly if you have already been paid?

Thanks @EveningSpread and @Puppylucky . I’ve not come across Shipley. I’ll give them a try!

I wouldn’t agree to a courier coming.
You have to stay in all day from 7am - 7pm waiting for them.
A buyer collecting can give you a window of an hour or so for collection, so you’re not tied to the house all day.

Buyer tells you the courier will pay cash. Courier (probably not genuine as most don't do this, could be the buyer or one of his mates) collects, buyer says item never received (because there's no record of the cash), gets his money back from your credit card registered with Ebay and also has the item.

There's different variations, but they basically work like that.

I'm not sure how the scam works but it centres around the buyer saying they didn't get the intended item and claiming the money back.

As for waiting in, if a buyer paying cash on collection doesn't turn up then you just accept a non sale. If a courier messes you about it just seems more of an obligation as the buyer will have paid for the item and the courier service.

Either way I wouldn't entertain it

I won a bid on two end tables and used these people.
Best Couriers 2025 - Shiply
You put in your details and firms bid for the job. I used TC Removals but can't find their details.
The eBay seller was very reticent, but it all went off without a hitch and he gave great feedback.
If TC come up with a quote, I recommend them.

If there's a small collection timeframe, and I don't have to package or wrap the item then I personally would be ok with it. I'm not waiting in all day, nor faffing with buying bubblewrap etc

Ask the seller if they would send by courier for you. The problem with you doing it is with a collection only item the buyer will have a QR code that you will have to scan with your phone when collected that is the only way they do it now that's why they don't do cash on collection anymore.

Ah! I didn’t know that. That makes sense now.

@lostinthesunshine have sold on eBay before where buyer used Shiply couriers. I sold a large item recently on eBay. The buyer used shiply to get a courier to collect. Courier gave me a one hour slot for collection and arrived promptly, as did the other ones. Buyer sent code to me and courier, I scanned it, all ok. Courier videoed the item before loading in their van. All good! Hope you can get your item!

I’ve used couriers a lot with eBay. Just always get the sellers okay first.

hundreds of miles away will be expensive!

Depends how big/expensive the item of furniture is. I have refused requests to courier before when selling on eBay because I simply couldn’t be bothered packing it up for a courier, when selling a cheap piece of furniture I just want someone to come and get it as it is

Mine didn't, the seller wouldn't have stood for that. Courier gave a window of a couple of hours and rang when he was on his way.

Did I just get lucky? My tables came unwrapped, as if I was moving house. Think they cost around £300. Depends whether you want a sale or not, as to be bothered.