Is eBay safe to sell something large that needs collecting or not?

[KatyMac]

It's DD's dinghy; she is selling to raise money for her dancing classes

the fees are high on eBay if you put a reserve but if it's collection only is it safe?

As safe as selling it any other way. Just make sure you don't accept paypal - cash on collection is the safest way.

Thanks

Yes, it's fine. We have sold a garden table and chairs, and a bed on eBay, and have bought a TV. Both cash on collection.

I sold my car once. But always get cash not paypal.

Why is is safer not to accept paypal - I thought paypal was supposed to be safe?

I prefer cash in my hand for large items, and will always pay cash for something that I'm collecting and ask for a receipt - a printed page of the item and their signature - payment received with thanks, will suffice.

Because unscrupulous people can pay by paypal, collect the item, then do what's called a 'cash-back' - claim that they never received the item and demand a paypal refund, which unfortunately paypal is liable to oblige with.

Because you have to prove you delivered it to them if they paid by paypal.

You NEVER accept paypal for collection only.

OK I am listing something for collection, should i change the listing to say cash only?

Couldn't I insist they sign a receipt when they pick it up?

eBay / PayPal is geared in favour of the buyer and as the explanations above say you need to protect yourself against an unscrupulous buyer...

Agree with all the above, in addition cash on collection saves Paypal fees which on a large item will be significant. You say adding a reserve will cost a lot, which it will. I would suggest that you list it on a fee free listing weekend (just missed one but they do them about once a month). That way you can increase your start price to a more reasonable figure. Some people say that higher start prices put people off, but on an item that will raise a good ammount of money and interest i think you will be fine. I did once do a reserve, and then all you get is a load of people mailing asking what the reserve is.

a signed receipt means nothing to paypal (how would paypal know it was the buyer's signature anyway, it would be worthless) - without online proof of delivery a seller has no protection against a buyer initiating a chargeback. It is actually part of the paypal agreement that you send items with a signature.

Just write on the listing cash only on collection

Just went to try and change it but ebay terms and conditions say that all sellers must offer Paypal as a payment method - unless it is a car/motorcylce or property etc.

And how do I edit the description - seems to only be available in a new box?

You can't remove the paypal option from your listing - but you can write cash on collection only

Thanks fergoose, you are really helpful.

Don't seem to be able to fit the original description either (which said paypal or cash on collection) so i guess i will just have to adda note saying I've revised the payment terms?

Already had 1 bid!

'edit' not 'fit'.

autocrrection!

oh well with 1 bid you can't change the auction - just add a note to it. Am sure that will be fine.

when the item ends you can send the buyer an invoice and state cash only on collection please or suchlike.

Thanks fergoose will do.

Sorry to OP for hijacking your thread!