How long to give buyer to collect?

[LexieSinclair]

Today is not my week for ebaying...

Eight days ago I sold an item as Local Pick Up only. The buyer asked me if I would deliver, and we agreed a day and time. I got to her house at the other side of town to find she was out - she sent me a lame apology and asked me to redeliver this week!

I am not prepared to waste more of my time doing this, especially as the value of the item was relatively low. I would rather give it away. How much time do I have to give her to collect it, and can I cancel the transaction given that she hasn't paid and seems to be wasting my time?
Thanks

open an unpaid case now - and close within 4 days to get your fees back

and if she does pay it will have to be cash, not paypal.

That's fab - I'll do that. Thanks again for the good advice!

bit cheeky of her when you offered to deliver it to her. In fact rather rude. Open an unpaid case as I suspect you don't really want to deal with her anymore.

Alemci that's exactly it. I drove half an hour with my toddler for nothing - then she sent me a message asking me to deliver on Wednesday instead! But given that she's unreliable I don't want to be waiting in for her to collect - so I will do as you suggested and open an unpaid transaction case.

let us know how you get on.

I have now opened an unpaid case after she messaged me for the third time asking where I live. I am starting to think she is deliberately wasting my time. If I close the case after 4 days what happens to the transaction? Is it all closed?

yep - close in 4 days & get your fees back. Buyer can no longer leave feedback and then you can relist or do second chance offer.

And add them to your block buyer list.

Great, thank you. Typically she has just sent me a message saying she will collect tomorrow. I'm going to have to respond aren't I. She hasn't paid still but I'm presuming she will bring cash. Would it be really bad form to say I've just realised its broken? I just have a bad feeling about this buyer and would rather not deal with her further!

just say no if you don't want her coming to collect. And yes, if collecting an item it must always be cash, never paypal

Thanks again Fergoose.

btw I wouldn't say the item was broken, just say they can't come and collect as it is not convenient. And then close the case in 4 days and put the buyer on your blocked bidder list.

does she know your address. I wouldn't want her to call round. She has messed you around.

I responded against my better judgement and said she could pick it up. I am soft. I asked her to let me know what time she would've here, and surprise surprise she didn't reply. Unless she turns up today (which I doubt) I will close the case on Sundaywith a clean conscience and block her because I have bent over backwards for her. (All for the grand sum of £17!).
Fergoose out of interest why should it always be cash on collection with local pickup? Why not PayPal? I'm quite a novice when it comes to selling (as you can tell).

Sorry about the mistakes - stupid phone.

because they could claim not received and paypal will refund them. the buyer will have your item for free then

Ah - that makes sense. Thank you.