Bad feeling about a cash on collection buyer. Cancel?

[DirectorOfBetter]

I sold bedroom furniture cash on collection. It went for next to nothing which is fine. I just want it out and would be happy to take it apart and take it to the dump.The auction ended Sunday and the buyer wanted me to hold onto the furniture for a week and a day. Anyway after a lot of to ing and fro ing, it turns out she's not collecting it herself but sending 2 men and a van. Now it appears that this is a paid service. Isn't that a courier then? I've read on another thread today that it's not a good idea to let people arrange a courier. I'm confused.
Can anyone give an opinion please?

[19lottie82]

Nothing dodgy about this. If the men collecting it give you the cash before they take it away, then there's nothing to worry about.

Just don't let the buyer pay via PayPal then collect.

Again, as long as you get the cash in your hand, it's no problem.

[LittleMissRayofHope]

Essentially yes, that's a courier.

Personally I would say no, cancel it and bin the items as it sounds too much hassle.
Although if she is paying cash via 'the courier' then she can't claim a refund.

I'd still say no as I can't be bothered with the hassle and worrying it would cause me!

[LynetteScavo]

How else will she collect it?

I'm presuming a van is needed to take the furniture away....and most people don't own a van, and a lone woman may not be strong enough to carry the furniture.

I think it's normal for people to get a man (or 2) and a van for jobs like this.

[clam]

I did exactly this a couple of years ago (except they paid straightaway) - but have read since that it's risky, but I'm afraid I can't remember why! It turned out that the person who bought my stuff lived at the other end of the country in Scotland and was sending a courier, but it was quite near Christmas so was having trouble getting one (or so they said). In the end, I had to wait over 10 days, which was a right pain, as I had to decorate around it, and all the new furniture was being delivered. I ended up having to store it all in next door's garage, as couldn't get rid of it as it had been paid for.

[DirectorOfBetter]

When I've sold furniture before, the buyer has come to see it before it gets put on the van. I'm a lot happier about that tbh as I know the buyer is happy with the item. I thought cash on collection meant that the buyer collects. Whether they bring men and a van with them is up to them of course. LittleMiss that's just how I feel about it at the moment. I'll stick to Gumtree in future for big items.

[twistletonsmythe]

ask for bank transfer instead then?

[19lottie82]

I repeat, this is NOT risky, as long as you get paid cash.

Paying cash pretty much eradicates any possible scams from a would be buyer, unless they pay with fake notes!!!

Buyer wants to pay man and a van to one collect some bulky furniture, what's wrong with that, nothing?

(If it makes you feel any better I'm an ebay business seller with 8 years under my belt)

[19lottie82]

Clam - did your buyer pay via paypal fr a collection item? That's a big no no. You leave yourself wide open to scammers. Cash only when selling for collection. That's the golden rule!!

[NewTwenty]

Just interested as I have been getting into ebay a bit more lately. Why is it so bad to take paypal for a collection item?

[CaptainAnkles]

They can go to PayPal and eBay and say they never received their item. You have no proof of postage, they get their money back. You have no money and no item.