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eBay

If you buy or sell items on eBay, you will find tips and advice on this forum.

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Original poster

What to do when buyer doesn't collect - they've already paid

13 replies

DomesticDisaster · 27/08/2012 14:28

I had an item which was cash on collection only. Winning bidder lives miles away and paid via paypal. I rang them and they said they were going to arrange a courier.

I hadn't heard from them with a date so sent a message. They said they were arranging for that week. The week came and went. I sent another message but haven't heard from them. I know they aren't away as they seem to be buying other items all the time so I know they have access to ebay!
What do I do now? They are totally unresponsive. They have paid though.
I feel that as it was a month ago now we have lost opporunity to second chance offer it and have lost time in relisting etc. It's a large heavy item (hence collection only) so I really want to get it sold and moved on.

Can I just leave it how it is? I am guessing they realise it's going to cost about £80 for a courier and are cutting their losses. What about a refund? I don't really want to give one as they've had ample opportunity to collect, they have wasted my time, they should have asked first before bidding if they knew they couldn't collect etc etc.
What do I do now?

OP posts:

ExitStencilist · 27/08/2012 14:29

do nothing. It's up to them to contact you, and the period to be able to get a refund will soon be up anyway.

fergoose · 27/08/2012 14:40

you need to refund their paypal immediately, and they pay by cash when they collect

Never accept paypal for collection and never let a buyer arrange their own courier unless the courier brings cash.

You can't just keep their money because they have wasted your time!

poorfoxyloxy · 27/08/2012 14:48

I would give them a final warning email/phonecall if you can, then if they don't respond refund the money minus ebay fees and paypal fees. I have often found that gumtree or local ads for big stuff that can't be posted are usually better as they're usually only viewed by people in your local area. Saves the hassle of people wanting you to get stuff couriered etc. It is such a pain sometimes to organize.

fergoose · 27/08/2012 14:53

you can't keep the fees, and if you refund correctly via paypal then that wipes the paypal fees out anyway

Refund their cash and send a cancellation request, if they ignore it you get your fees back anyway and then you can relist.

Original poster

DomesticDisaster · 27/08/2012 14:56

I know not to accept paypal for collection only - they just paid immediately so it was kind of already done.

It's just so annoying because they ignored what I asked and now haven't the courtesy to say they can't collect. I am tempted to leave it and just keep the money.

Ideally I want them to just collect it or tell me they can't so I can refund them. But at the moment they are just not answering. So frustrating

OP posts:

fergoose · 27/08/2012 15:00

you can't just keep their money! Unbelievable. You should have refunded them immediately when they paid, why wait so long?

ExitStencilist · 27/08/2012 15:01

Of course you can. They chose to pay that way and haven't come for the goods, their choice. If I order something online and pay and never show, thats my look out. Why should OP lose out and be costed money because someone else doesn't do their part?

fergoose · 27/08/2012 15:07

erm - theft maybe? Just wow, I cannot believe you think it is ok to keep someone's money when they haven't got the item. I have no words.

Bossybritches22 · 27/08/2012 15:11

I know it's tempting especially as THEY have been the ones to blame for the non collection but just to cover yourself & your seller rating I'd refund it then you can re-list.

I'm always a bit wary about these buggers who insist on paying by paypal when you've clearly said cash on collection, as you have no comeback if they then say the item was damaged on arrival & then they can claim a refund via paypal. Seems to happen a lot now.

I don't do a lot of selling but I like to keep things simple!

fergoose · 27/08/2012 15:17

simple - and honest :)

Original poster

DomesticDisaster · 27/08/2012 15:29

I agree that I need to refund but it's totally their fault if they have paid and not collected. I have given them ample time and opportunity to collect. They are the ones who aren't collecting. I just wondered where I stood if I left it how it is and kept the money. Thanks for the advice everyone.

OP posts:

chipsandbeans · 27/08/2012 15:36

I would just email them and tell them you are refunding their money as they appear to not be interested in collecting the item & either relist on ebay or locally.
I would be careful about keeping the money, I have a friend who did this in similar circumstances over a shed that wasn't collected and it all got a bit out of hand but she ended up having the police visit her.

fergoose · 27/08/2012 15:49

It may be their fault but you can't keep their money. Maybe they were taken ill or worse, maybe you will never know. But you must refund them in full via Paypal from their original payment. You only have 45 days to do this once they paid so sooner rather than later is favourite. And your Paypal account will need to have the funds in credit for you to be able to refund your buyer.

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