Selling collection only but buyer wants to arrange courier.

[Hazelnuttella]

Anyone had any experience of this?

I’m selling a table and chairs for collection only. I’ve had several messages from different people asking if they can arrange a courier (at their cost).

I feel like it will be a lot hassle negotiating with courier via buyer. Or will it be simple? Any pitfalls I should be aware of?

This is a scam. There is usually some sort of follow up where you pay for the courier and they say they will refund you, or because the courier wasn’t arranged via eBay they can claim they didn’t collect and ask for a refund

That’s what I was worried about. I’ve ignored the ones where the person messaging hasn’t got any feedback.
But this person has 300+ feedbacks so I thought they might be genuine..

Its a iongstanding scam, block them and ignore anyone who cant collect

I did it once, and in my case it wasn't a scam, but it was a massive pita. I had to package up the item, be there for the courier who could only give me a longish window and not a proper time, faff about with arrangements. It just wasn't worth the hassle for the sale price. I wouldn't entertain it again / collection in person means just that, the person being the buyer!

This is how I got my table and chairs. Bought it on eBay and then arranged a courier as I had no way to transport it myself. I arranged to meet the courier at the sellers house which was a good thing as it was really hard to find! Not saying it couldn't be a scam but they may also be genuine. Not many people have the ability to transport large furniture without help.

This isn't a scam if they are asking to arrange it at their cost! I have just bought a heavy piece of furniture on eBay using a courier that I sorted and paid for. Once the collection was booked I informed the seller of the time /date and job done. Not sure if PP are missing something but not sure what the problem would be?

It's a scam

If they mention PayPal then it's most likely a scam. They send you the money, then claim it back once they have your item.

If they are willing to send you the money by bank transfer first, then arrange a courier themselves it might be genuine. But as a pp said, you'll be waiting in all day and there is always the chance that they change their mind or say they don't want it after delivery. I'd wait for someone willing to buy in person.

Thanks everyone. I think I’ll decline. Even if it is genuine I’ll be too worried second guessing it, and it sounds like a massive hassle too.

It's not always a scam, there is a dodgy scam where someone pretends to want something by courier but if they've got lots of positive reviews then they might actually just want the table and chairs and can't get to you. I've done it before!

I've done it twice, first time buying something and another time selling. Actually just using uber both times, and all went well.

I have heard stuff like this can be a scam though. So probably not worth your while.

Another question.

I’ve now sold it to woman wanting to arrange a courier. Spoke to her on the phone and seems genuine.

And I just want this bloody table gone, even if it is a scam 😂

She’s arranged courier via Shiply. Courier is asking for 6 digit secure code. What’s that about? Can someone explain the code to me please?

They give you the code when they collect it because that is what proves they've got it and prevents the scam mentioned above. The buyer will need to give it to the courier and you mustn't let the table go without getting it.

How is the code generated though? Does eBay give the buyer a code? That’s the bit I don’t understand

And once the courier has given me the code I then input that somewhere on EBay?

I don't see a problem. If they pay you in advance. Not everyone has their own removal van. How else are they supposed to get it home?

Yes. And it’s normal regardless of courier. The buyer always has to provide the eBay-generated code to show they’re genuine

I have sold a couple of bulky items on eBay listed as collection only, but the buyer wanted to arrange a courier collection. On both occasions the items were collected and packaged by the courier at my convenience. It wasn't a scam, and I was asked for any money. I would only be suspicious if they wanted to pay after collection, or the buyer started asking me to pay the courier.

Yes - eBay gives the buyer a code and a QR code when they pay. They give the courier the code since they can't give the QR code. If they were collecting in person you'd be prompted to scan the QR code but you can click something to input the numerical code instead. I can't remember exactly but I think once it's sold the bits to click are fairly obvious in the eBay app.

Thank you for your patience in explaining it to me @BewareTheBeardedDragon i really appreciate it!

This has been my experience too

@Hazelnuttella I found it confusing the first time I did it 😂

I've done this but I viewed the items in person and paid cash (bank transfer ) up front, so no risk to the buyer at all.

No way would I do this. It has to be packed well, and if there is any damage on arrival you will have endless problems, especially if you don't get cash on collection.

I always put in capitals in a big font in the listing and caps in the title, 'collection in person only from place and postcode'. 'Cash on collection only'.

I wouldn't rule it out but I wouldn't have much faith in courier packing an item well that I find difficult to pack well.