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eBay

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

Original poster

This isn't going to end well, is it?

18 replies

Selks · 16/09/2013 14:48

So I sold a piece of furniture on ebay yesterday. The listing clearly states collection only, dimensions of the piece and collection only by mutually agreed time/date. Cash on collection only.

Not that unreasonable, surely?
So first email arrives from the buyer - can I deliver?
No I cannot, as per listing.
Buyer emails again trying to guilt trip me into delivering saying they have no car.
I state - politely - that sorry I am unable to deliver.
Buyer then states they will 'get back to me as they have to ask their friend who has a car'.
I reply OK, no problem.
Buyer then emails asking that I provide my address as they will 'pick it up sometime this week'
I give them my postcode and state politely that we need to mutually agree a time/date then I will provide full details.
Buyer then sends a terse email back saying that am being 'unhelpfull'! I have replied I am doing my best to be helpful and I am happy to answer any enquiries but the requirements for collection were clearly stated in the listing.

I don't think I am, am I? The buyer is new to ebay and only has four feedbacks, one of which mentions an item 'being collected eventually after negotiation' Confused.

I have only sold two things on ebay, and they have both ended up being a huge hassle - looks like this is going the same way; sigh.

Is there anything I can do to assist with this sale being completed, or should I just wait and see what happens?

Sorry for the essay and thanks!

OP posts:
Ifcatshadthumbs · 16/09/2013 14:52

Send back your address and state that you will be in at the following dates/times (I always say after 6pm weekdays for example as it is rare I would be out) and then ask them to confirm when they will be coming.

I always put in big capital letters on listing PLEASE DO NOT BID IF YOU CANNOT COLLECT.

Original poster
Selks · 16/09/2013 14:58

Thanks Ifcats. I have said when I will be in and have asked them to get back to me with when within those times would be convenient for them.

I can't work out if this person is trying it on somehow or is just totally inept with how ebay works.

Oh well. I guess the ball is in their court now.

OP posts:
Ifcatshadthumbs · 16/09/2013 15:05

Some people are tiresome and odd!

LilyBossom · 16/09/2013 15:28

and if they don't collect make sure you file a non paying dispute against them and add them to your blocked bidder list

nickstmoritz · 16/09/2013 15:37

yes, to be honest some people can be a pain, hope you get it sorted.

Original poster
Selks · 16/09/2013 15:42

Thanks!

OP posts:
specialsubject · 16/09/2013 17:02

be very careful about giving out your full address before agreeing a collection time.

and yes, any more messing about, file a dispute. Ebay now doesn't allow sellers to leave negative feedback (only negative words) so it is well worth reading feedback if there is time before the end of the auction.

Original poster
Selks · 16/09/2013 18:16

I've been cautious, specialsubject. Just gave postcode without house number so they could get an idea of the area but not exact house.
The auction has finished - the buyer placed a bid and won the item then started the emails about 'can I deliver' etc etc.

OP posts:
sarahtigh · 17/09/2013 18:46

they can get your address from ebay so you may as well give it them

email back saying collection for cash on saturday 21st or any evening except wednesdays between 6-9pm ( alter as appropriate)

you need to offer a range of times as saying collection only and then specifying it can only be friday between 3-5pm is not on ( not that i'm suggesting you would be that silly but some sellers are)i

if no time agreed within a few days open non payment dispute

any seller leaving negative words on positive feedback is liable to get knuckles wrapped and feedback removed do it a second time and you risk sanctions

lljkk · 17/09/2013 19:17

I don't get this reluctance to give out address, either. Confused
And Sarah is right, they can look it up in Ebay records if they google how.
Your phone number is there too, assuming you've gone one registered with Ebay.
I think you've been obstructive, OP. wouldn't be surprised if they report you.

Original poster
Selks · 17/09/2013 19:54

Well I've offered them any evening this week and next weekend, by arrangement. That offers quite a lot of options to them. The address thing was just because I got the impression that she was going to send her friend round to collect it at any time with no prior warning to me. Didn't know my address was visible anyway - no matter.

Last contact was from me to her yesterday. I've heard nothing today. I'll give it a couple of days and see what happens.

How exactly have I been obstructive Iijkk, and on what grounds could they possibly report me? I can't see how I have been - please explain Confused. That's quite a suggestion for you to throw at me!

OP posts:
Humuhumunukunukuapuaa · 17/09/2013 20:02

See I'm always a bit suspicious when someone is being a pain the the arse

If I've good them after 6pm then they could conclude the house is empty during the day and come and rob me. So I see why you wouldn't hand over your address and a list of times the house is empty

lljkk · 17/09/2013 20:09

Fair enough, not really obstructive, I apologise for typing that. But should have been more ready to be specific about full address (they have every right to know). I'd be slightly annoyed if you only gave a postcode, I'd want a street and a town name if not the number, too.

You cannot insist on cash on collection, either, btw. You have to accept Paypal if that's how they want to pay (this rule totally sucks, I agree).

Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 17/09/2013 20:13

Do not accept PayPal. They can claim that they never had the item and PayPal will believe them and refund their money. Cash on collection or it doesn't happen.

Original poster
Selks · 17/09/2013 20:23

I gave the full postcode Iijkk, which not only identifies the town but also the street and the block of cottages (rural). It only does not identify which of the four in the block is my cottage. That gives them plenty of info to go on until things are finalised imo.

I know I cannot insist on cash on collection and if they insisted on paying by paypal I would honour that, but all advice on here that I have read on numerous threads says to ask for cash on collection.

I am a friendly and helpful person in my dealings with people and always try to be fair - I just want to void this getting messed up if I can.

Thanks for all advice Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
Selks · 17/09/2013 20:25

*avoid. Sticky A key.

OP posts:
sarahtigh · 17/09/2013 21:35

most people advise if they pay paypal to refund them and insist on cash on collection

deep within paypal they actually know that and advise it their advisers will agree if pushed as they admit there is no evidence of collection for seller and so seller has no protection other than cash, they do not advertise this fact as it means no paypal fees

I will never ever ever take paypal for collection

you have offered plenty of collection times the only thing was not giving full address I get your point it is enough info but as they can get the info from ebay it is a bit pointless not giving it so understand them being a bit miffed

Original poster
Selks · 17/09/2013 22:56

I think she may have said I was being unhelpful because I declined to deliver. But I get your point about the address.

OP posts:
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