What's the correct thing to do if you might be away when an item is delivered?

[snorkle]

I've seen something I'd like to bid on that ends tomorrow, but I'll be away for a fortnight from Sunday. It says it will be sent 1st recorded delivery dispatched within 10 working days of receiving cleared payment.

So, if I bid anyway, pay immediately, tell the seller nothing and try to collect item from PO on my return, I think the PO will only keep signed for stuff at the depot for 7 days, so there's a good chance the PO will have returned the item - is this right?

So should I:

a) Ask seller if she'd be prepared to delay posting if I bid before I do so,

b) Ask seller to delay posting only if I win the auction,

or

c) not bid at all? (I do want to though).

ask seller to delay posting

ask seller to delay posting

OR

ask them to send to an alternative address

but should I ask before or after I bid?

alternate address might work - but aren't they supposed to send to a registered paypal address?

Message withdrawn