Ebay rookie error - what do I do??

[harrietlichman]

Just read on another thread that it is a big mistake to take paypal payments from a pick-up only item. I have sold a chair, it is PPO and I didn't say cash on collection on my item description. It sold on Friday, and the buyer hasn't paid or contacted me yet - I send a message to them yesterday asking them when they wanted to collect (we are at work all week so thought they might want it at weekend) but still nothing. Ebay says I can do a 'second chance offer' so, do I contact the buyer again and tell them I want cash on collection?

If they pay by PayPal just get them to sign a printed copy of the PayPal confirmation.

As a backup I also write down their car registration number once they have gone which to me 'proves' that you have seen their car (and therefore implies they have been to your house).

I have never had anyone try and claim against me, so never had to submit the 'evidence' I describe above.

Thanks Haunted - how long do you leave it before you ask them to pay up? Also - I have another item listed for collection and have done same thing (auction still going on) can I edit my item to add that I want to be paid COC?

Don't panic. They might want to pay cash anyway. I probably would assume COD and might not even notice the PayPal only.

Most people are just ordinary people. I have nearly 400 feedbacks and only one slightly dodgy experience. I have done a lot of collection only things and have met some lovely people. In fact, we went for breakfast on Saturday at a cafe owned by a man who bought our computer a few months ago.

Thanks for your message, savoy - I am panicking a bit! I was so pleased with myself for my first sale, and am now thinking it's not worth the hassle!! Someone on my other ebay thread (I have posted three times here already!!) said you learn as you go along with ebay, so I am hoping it gets easier!

It is a hassle sometimes, but you can't get cash for free! And it's great to get money for something that you don't want anymore.

please please do not accept paypal if they collect - cash only for collection. If they pay by paypal please refund immediately. A signed confirmation saying they collected it means nothing.

If they don't pay open an unpaid case on day 4, close on day 8 then relist or do a second chance offer.

i woul;dn't worry too much,.

i've paid by paypal for quite a few pick up only items, just cos it's easier for me than getting the cash out.
there are plenty of people out there who will pay by paypal and aren't going to try and rip you off!

And there are some who will - like the poster who lost a £400 phone before christmas.

Op do you want to come back here next week and tell us the paypal payment has been clawed back and the buyer has collected your item

You need to protect yourself and not take paypal for collection items - it is not worth the risk or hassle. Plus cash is free.

I only ever take cash on collection, although one person paypal'd before I could do anything about it. I have to say I was worried as it was for a few hundred pounds, but it was ok.

I do actually pay for collection items on paypal, I know i'm not gonna rip people off, but I only do that if I had money in paypal. 9/10 items I collect I pay cash.

I do agree, ebay is a learning experience, I have been on there a fair while and still learning. I have only come across one person I think was trying to scam me, been lucky so far

HI all - thanks so much for the advice - it's all really useful. Well, the update is, I emailed him saying would you mind paying Cash on Collection and he happily agreed to! First lesson learnt! Thanks again.

The problem is that I am sure it is against eBay rules to refuse PayPal. (Doesn't stop you making a polite request for cash).

All turned out ok in this instance tho.

you have to offer paypal but you are well within the rules to ask for cash on collection