How long is reasonable between winning and collecting an item?

[Woohoo75]

How long is reasonable? I finished selling an item last night and sent the buyer an invoice asking for collection within 7 days. They e-mailed back saying they would collect on 22nd (nearly two weeks away). Then e-mailed quickly to ask for the item to be couriered which I declined to do as it's a huge travel system and the auction clearly said collection only. So they e-mailed again to say they'll pay on 22nd and collect then.

Is nearly two weeks too long for a seller to be waiting to have an item collected? I think so.

Depends did you have a collection date on your listing?

You only have to say to them that unfortunately you cannot hold the item that long and would like them to collect this coming weekend, or possibly cancel the sale.

Do not allow a buyer to pay via PayPal ensure you get cash on collection, you have no proof of delivery for a collection item that you take PayPal for thus negating your Seller Protection. Any Tom, Dick or Harry can initiate a non receipt dispute on a collection item that has been paid for via PayPal, and they will win even if you have a signed receipt from them.

No, stupidly I didn't put a collection date on the auction. I put a note on the invoice though to ask for payment on collection, NOT via Paypal and for them to collect within seven days.

Have e-mailed them back first thing to say that unfortunately I cannot hold the item that long and would like them to collect this week or coming weekend. Now no reply.........

We bought a canoe and picked it up about 6 weeks after paying for it. It was a distance away and large item so a seller should be understanding.

Someone bought a load of farm gates over 1 yr ago and has never picked them up. Paid but hasnt been in touch since.

Dont take PayPal, ask them to pay when they collect so that they can see it before paying.

You are not protected for non receipt disputes when you take PayPal for a collection item.