Can't pick up a collection only item

[GingerRodgers]

Seller arranged a collection day and time with me, when I arrived no one was there.
Transpires she's on holiday and had arranged for her mum to be there. She wasn't. So wasted journey.
She wants me to go again and I've suggested a time that's convenient to me but the mum won't be there for that.
Feel a bit peeved I've already been messed about and now I have to just go when it's suitable for them?
Can I just cancel? I wouldn't have minded if she'd explained they were away but I don't like being messed about.

I'd just tell them to cancel it if I'd been once, that's really inconsiderate

How far away are they? If it's only a ten-minute drive or something, and you really want the item, then I'd give them one more chance to let you pick up at a time convenient for you. If it's more of a hike or you have to go by public transport, then I would be really pissed off by the first no-show, and I'd ask for a cancellation.

She needs to give you a contact phone number of the person who will be there if you are going to be trying again. That way you can phone just before you leave home and confirm that the person will be there and hasn't forgotten. If you don't really need the item then I think it's fair enough to cancel, you went at the time you were told and didn't get your item so who's to say there will be someone there to give it to you next time you go.

It's a 20 mile round trip which I don't mind doing once to collect but not again, she's said she won't offer a discount either.
She's given me her mums phone number and her mum keeps asking if I can come on this day or that (at specific times) but I've told her when I can and she can't do it.
I'd waited 25 minutes on the arranged day so it's not like I fist give her a chance.
The sellers away so has had no communication- 1 eBay message a day and keeps saying she tried desperately to get in touch with me when I was waiting but there's no way she could have.

this is the second time you have been for this item - I think I would give up if I were you. Seems she is mucking you around and you will never get your item.

You're right butterfly. Her mum won't stop messaging me now I'm going to cancel transaction.
Thanks all for the help.

you need to ask them to send you a cancellation request - they then get fees back and you are relinquished from the sale. You can still neg though if you want to, and leave low stars. This is different to a non payer case.

Thank you