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

Original poster

Remind me what you do when someone sends paypal payment for collection only?

16 replies

Rooners · 02/09/2013 10:30

I've just sold something which I stated was collection only, and the buyer has paid through paypal.

I have refunded them - and explained that it is paypal policy to not accept paypal for collection only items - but I am afraid they are going to be pissed off with me.

Also they have ignored my message I sent earlier asking when they want to come, and giving my address, and have asked me to text them the address.

I've texted about refunding the payment and said I've explained it all in the ebay message. I've apologised for the inconvenience.

What now?

OP posts:
Original poster
Rooners · 02/09/2013 10:44

Oh it's Ok, had a reply and they are fine about it. at least they don't live in Bulgaria.

OP posts:
BionicEmu · 03/09/2013 22:32

I've got the same problem - can you link (or give me a pointer to where I might find) to where Paypal says that it's Paypal's policy not to accept PayPal for collection only items?

thisisyesterday · 03/09/2013 22:34

it isn't paypal policy, it's just sensible.

if someone pays through paypal (via ebay, or a non-gifted payment) then they could claim that they hadn't received the item. because you will have no proof of posting or of them receiving it paypal will find in their favour and refund the money.

BionicEmu · 03/09/2013 22:40

Ah, I thought the OP was saying it is policy. I'm selling a big item collection only, but the buyer paid using PayPal 2 minutes after the auction ended. I am not happy for her to collect the item having paid via PayPal, in case she claims she never got it etc. I'm not sure what I can do - if I refund her payment & say I need cash on collection will I get all sorts of hassle from buyer or eBay?

racingheart · 03/09/2013 22:53

Thanks for starting this thread.

I hadn't realised that. I've just sold a collection only item and asked for payment via Paypal. Had no idea they could say the item hadn't been received.

Surely it's possible to get them to sign a document saying it has been collected in person? Or do a screenshot of them collecting it, just for reference?

How else are they supposed to pay? And surely the same could be said of any form of payment - if they send a cheque they could still say they didn't receive the item and cancel the cheque.

How does it work, then? If I ask for cash instead, how to I pay Ebay what they are owed? Do they take it off the Paypal account?

Original poster
Rooners · 04/09/2013 13:35

Paypal actually recommend that you do not accept it for items that are being collected...sorry, I can't find the page where I read this but it isn't actual policy as such, well I don't think so. It's just a recommendation.

It does say in their T&C that items delivered in person or collected are not covered by paypal seller protection, this is important.

You DO need to have online proof of delivery for anything you sell with paypal.

A piece of paper isn't enough...or a photograph...or anything else.

Ebay will sometimes pull listings that mention not accepting paypal. It is a completely unfair situation that sellers are obliged to offer paypal for these listings but are not supposed to accept it if they wish to be covered under seller protection. You're allowed some wording along the lines of 'please contact the seller to discuss other payment options if you are collecting this item'.

Most buyers just don't realise and are happy to pay cash when they collect, if you refund their paypal payment. If it's a high price object then you might have difficulty as it can take a few days for it to go back into their bank (up to about 10 working days) so they may then be unable to proceed, not having access to the cash.

I would suggest simply contacting the buyer, apologising for any inconvenience and asking them to pay cash, or send a cheque and wait for it to clear, or do bank transfer if really necessary.

The difference is with these forms of payment there's less protection for the buyer and more for the seller. The way paypal works makes it fundamentally in favour of the buyer in most cases.

OP posts:
racingheart · 04/09/2013 13:56

Do you think in this instance I could risk it? She's coming a fair way to collect the item. I've asked her to sign for it and will also ask her to agree to that by email as a paper trial.

HeyJudith · 04/09/2013 13:57

I see the point but if the buyer signs a collection note clearly stating that they have collected the item they paid for with Paypal then if they claimed they hadn't had it subsequently, even if Ebay did refund their Paypal payment, you could persue them through the small claims court with your proof of collection.

FWIW if a buyer had 100% feedback and lots of them (like 200+) and all the recent ones were fine, I would be amazed if a good genuine Ebayer would suddenly try it on (particularly if they have signed a collection note).

HeyJudith · 04/09/2013 14:04

Racingheart I personally would risk it (I have sold lots of collection items and have been paid both by Paypal and cash without any problems) but only if your buyer has impeccable feedback and seems a normal Ebayer instead of the oddball types you sometimes come into contact with there.

HeyJudith · 04/09/2013 14:06

PS racingheart make sure she signs your paper before you hand the goods over... just say Oh could you please sign this" and thrust it at her first.

Original poster
Rooners · 04/09/2013 15:50

It's usually better just to refund their paypal payment and ask them to bring cash or a banker's draft. Or do bank transfer.

But yes I would think feedback has some bearing. I've been on ebay for 8 years and have over 1000 +fb, and the number of times I've gone over this issue (including a stint on the community answer centre) and people have suggested signing bits of paper and so on and so forth - it really won't wash with paypal but if you're au fait with the small claims system then by all means. I would far rather deal with paypal myself!

OP posts:
picnicbasketcase · 04/09/2013 19:26

I was about to post a thread about this too - selling an item of furniture, had bids already and forgot to put in anything into the listing about wanting cash on collection. Will just have to hope that the buyer is okay about it.

racingheart · 04/09/2013 20:16

Hmm. Thanks for the advice. Looks like I'll have to find out how to refund paypal. Bit of a hassle. My instinct is to trust people. Is that so stupid?

Original poster
Rooners · 05/09/2013 10:17

refunding paypal is pips.

you just go into your account, click on the transaction and theres link at the bottom saying 'refund'

very very easy

sorry typing w baby!

OP posts:
Original poster
Rooners · 05/09/2013 10:20

But best to let buyer know that's what you're doing first or they will get confused

Also it's not stupid to trust people. Not at all. This is purely a protocol to protect yourself - would you have someone you don't know very well watch you put your pin into a cash machine?

It's just the same really. There are loads of very well meaning and trustworthy people on ebay, no doubt, and I have met a lot that I'd be perfectly happy to accept paypal from in this situation but they are also the ones who won't mind paying cash or bank transfer, if you just explain it.

It's more about peace of mind than anything for me - lying there at night thinking 'I hope this person doesn't try it on' while you've still not met them is something I don't have the energy for!

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 05/09/2013 19:10

i always state on auctions "if collecting then payment is by cash only"

it also saves you paypal fees!

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