Buyer collects - best way to pay?

[Cyclops]

Hi all, I've got a very large, very heavy item that I'd like to put up for auction. It will have to be a buyer-collect auction because of the item's size and weight.

What is the safest way for such a transaction to be paid for? Cash on collection? PayPal then buyer collects?

Incidentally, if a buyer pays by PayPal, then what are the rules about cancellation of such a payment? (I've heard about the scam whereby a buyer pays by PayPal, collects an item in person and then cancels the payment...).

Any help welcome, thanks.

I'm sure an ebay expert will come along but I think cash is best. I believe if they pay via paypal they could start a non-receipt of item dispute and because you don't have proof of postage(obviously!!) you would lose the case. Madness!

Thanks Eddas, I guess one way to cover a cash-on-collection auction (as a seller) would be to prepare an invoice (with the buyer's details on and the auction amounts) and have the buyer sign and date the invoice when they actually collect the goods?

Getting them to sign something means nothing Im afraid.

knickers, please would you elaborate and help me up the selling learning curve?!

Eddas is right (I am not an ebay expert) to eliminate any risk of the buyer playing silly buggers with paypal refunds.

Have the buyer inspect it to their satisfaction before they take it away. Get the buyer to sign an acknowledgment of receipt nonetheless. That is good under general law to prove receipt.

For bulky items, good to mention you will not pack it. But describe how you can dismantle it to make it easier to transport. When I sold a glass table, I suggested to the buyer they brought cushions etc., where they can park etc

I don't think there is any way to cover yourself 100% tbh but you can get them to sign something and maybe take a photo of them with the item and of them loading the item in their car...

blueshoes, thanks for your reply and info, it all helps!

knickers, yes I had thought of taking a photograph! And then, when the buyer says, 'oh no that was an imposter' you bring out the CCTV footage that was captured surreptitiously!!