End and sell to someone who can collect now?

[AmIGoingMad]

Hi!

I've put a baby related item listed as collection only. After watching a few auctions its a bit of a hit and miss item- either goes for around £50 or not at all which I suppose is the way with collection only! We've got it on for £33 as of yesterday evening. I had a message asking what the least we'll take for it is and if they could pick it up today (it was listed last night for 7 days).
What would you do and will it cause problems to end the listing early but still sell? Will there be a comeback and more likelihood of a claim of non receipt? I've never done collection only before so am generally wary!

And there is another of this item on quite nearby but would be further to travel to to pick up for buyer based on where they've said they live.

Well if you end early you'll never know if you could have got more if you'd allowed the auction to run it's course. Many ebayers will just keep an eye on an item they want and not put in any bid until the very last second. It's up to you whether you value a quick sale and certainty over a potentially higher profit in a week.
If you sell an item for collection only you need to insist it's cash only so they can't cancel the payment after collecting the item.

True.

I think that as there aren't any watchers and we started it at £35 as we'd be happy with that, I'm tempted to take it but can't help wondering if we'd be better off waiting. That's the risk though I suppose!

most people bid in the last few seconds so I would be surprised if you don't get more money if you let it run. The person who wants it today is hoping you will sell it to them cheaper than normal probably.

And yes - only take cash, never paypal.

Am I right in thinking that they still need to place the bid, then I can end item early and agree to sell to that bidder?

yes if you want to - but I am sure you would be better to let it run. How much do completed items go for?

No more than around 40/50 max and I'm in a small village location so not that many local/ close by!

so why don't you tell them to bid like everyone else and just let it run?

If they're keen they'll bid & wait a few days extra to get it. The big advantage for them is if they get it for a cheaper price. The only advantage to you is if you let them come & pay soon is A) getting rid slightly faster, and B) if you finish the auction saying item was damaged or lost (so that you don't pay fees).

I recently sold an item (child item) which was bid up to £70 (collection only) with 2 days to go. Someone emailed offering me £100 to end the auction early. I refused and the item ended up going for £140 as I let the auction carry on. Usually IME it's better to let the auction run. I would just say that you'd prefer to let the auction run but good luck with bidding.