Buyer wants to send a courier?

c_l_a_i_r_e

I've listed an item on ebay for collection only due to its weight . I've had a potential buyer email to ask if he could send a courier to pick it up from me. Now as i still have the box it came in and i work from home home i've no problem packing it up and waiting in for a courier.

What i am concerned about is as i've listed it collection only on auction how do i go about protecting myself with paypal ie normally i send items normal post with pop or by recorded delivery and to confirmed addresses. I've never listed an item collection only before so i'm a bit wary about what to do now but don't wan't to leave myself open to chargeback down the line.

colony

If you let the buyer pick up, then you are not protected by Paypal anyway.

A courier should provide proof of delivery, so you will probably be covered so you should agree.

StaffsSW

"Do not let the tail wag the dog".

You listed as collection only as that is what suited you. If you were happy to send by courier, then I'm sure you would have listed it as such.

I agreed to this once, and I'll never do it again. I had to spend ages faffing around to find packaging materials suitable for it, and then try to wrap the thing. I also took a day off work to wait for a courier who never arrived, and a second day off once the courier had confirmed they would turn up.

Far too much potential to go wrong, and as above, you are not likely to be protected by paypal seller protection.

At least if they turn up to collect the item, you can reasonably expect them to pay cash on collection.

oldtoolie

I have done this often -- asking if I could send a courier instead of collecting. I always ask the seller first, of course, as your possible bidder has done.

The advantage to the seller is they get the highest price possible since if I win I pay more than anyone else. I use PalletTrack - a national consortium of shippers and I arrange all of the details. The courier will collect on a morning or afternoon of the sellers choice and gives the seller a shipping reciept.

You can always check out the bidder. Are they experienced eBayers with good feedback. Do they sound polite and friendly when you talk to them on the phone?

So there is no real problem with the buyer arranging a courier.

StaffsSW

oldtoolie wrote: »

So there is no real problem with the buyer arranging a courier.

Does the courier package and label the items, and will they come after 6pm or at weekends when I'm home from work?

sunnysea83

The op has already stated she works from home and that is what we are discussing here not your circumstances Stevew.

I have often too asked a seller if i could arrange my only collection and never had a buyer say no. Ive also had buyers ask me if if they pay me would i arrange a courier for the time that suits me and package it or if they can arrange a courier and ive never refused.

If i have something on as collection only and someone wants to arrange a courier i dont see a problem and never had a problem with this )

ArmitageShanks

stevew8975 wrote: »

Does the courier package and label the items, and will they come after 6pm or at weekends when I'm home from work?

Parcelforce will bring a label. Also if you have your own account with PF you have a lot of flexibility on collection time as their cut-off in some areas is 4pm.

StaffsSW

Labels are one thing, packaging is another.

ArmitageShanks

Absolutely.

Quinny_2

stevew8975 wrote: »

Does the courier package and label the items, and will they come after 6pm or at weekends when I'm home from work?

In answer to that...no.

Do the Royal Mail package it for you?

Pallet companies like those mention by Oldtoolie,are usually on the road to the main distribution hub by then,and even if they were to collect it on a weekend,for which my 30 years in road transport will tell you it won't happen,then it would only sit in the collection depot until the first movements on Monday night.

The only couriers that move stuff on a weekend,are the small white van type,and you will pay a hefty premium if you go down this route,as they operate on a same day delivery basis.

You could either have a neighbour give it to the company,or if it's small enough to fit in your car,take it to the depot during your lunch break.