Any risk to me in paying cash on collection?

Mander

Hi, I have agreed to buy a relatively expensive camera on ebay and I would like to collect it in person because I want to see it first, and I don't really trust the courier that the seller uses due to past problems with them, plus just going to get it will cost me less than the appropriate insured postage. The seller is fine with cash on collection. Is there any risk of them being able to file a claim that I didn't pay because it won't go through paypal? Obviously if they do I can say well, I have this 200 GBP camera that matches this description, so...? But I feel a bit nervous about it anyway. I've never paid cash on collection so I don't know if there is a risk of being scammed in some way later on.

Crowqueen

No.

In fact if you are going to pick it up, it's better to use cash on collection if you don't mind carrying £200 in cash on you. I wouldn't, I'd put it on a card from a proper camera shop, but if you want this particular item badly then cash on collection poses very little risk. The seller would theoretically be able to open an NPB dispute, but if they are honest they won't bother. I think it's an outside possibility.

Make sure you insist on inspecting it beforehand though - don't just take it away and hope you can get your money back if something goes wrong. It is a sale by description, so you do have rights if there is a problem with it later on (although these would have to be proved in the small claims court, not through eBay or Paypal), but in using cash when you pick up if it is not as described you can just walk away and not buy it.

GregtheHammer

If you do not like the camera when viewing it, you have the option not to buy, this sale is firmly in your favour

iieee

The risk is that you can't get a refund once you've taken it away, unless the seller cooperates, so you need to make sure everything is 100% working before you leave. I wouldn't do it personally, but if you know what you're doing then it's no more risky than eg buying a car privately.

pulliptears

Some tips. (Im assuming this is a digital SLR?)

make sure the motor on the lens works properly, both in Automatic and manual settings. Make sure there is no damage to the lens or the body that will affect the photographs. Try every setting! If possible (and I realise it may not be) take along a laptop and upload a photo to it from the camera's memory card. This will tell you once and for all if the camera is working! Try and check that the serial numbers of the camera have not been removed/scratched which may indicate its stolen.

I apologise if I'm preaching to the choir but its worth mentioning. If you are not 100% comfortable, or if your seller objects to you doing any of the above, walk away.

Head_The_Ball

Why would the seller claim you hadn't paid? If the seller looks genuine and has good feedback take the cash along, check the camera carefully and only pay up if you are fully satisfied. Buyer beware applies to second hand goods so your chances of restitution for any fault you find afterwards will be very slim.

macfly

If it's cheap at the price, I would do Paypal and have it delivered. Gives you more time to check it out.
As far as NPB, what would be the purpose? You could pay, then he wouldn't have anything to send you.

Crowqueen

Head_The_Ball wrote: »

Why would the seller claim you hadn't paid? If the seller looks genuine and has good feedback take the cash along, check the camera carefully and only pay up if you are fully satisfied. Buyer beware applies to second hand goods so your chances of restitution for any fault you find afterwards will be very slim.

Sale of Goods Act would cover any misdescribed item even after purchase was complete.

Bowling_4_Gold

Crowqueen wrote: »

Sale of Goods Act would cover any misdescribed item even after purchase was complete.

Are you sure? Seems like a private seller, this one, so surely SOGA wouldn't apply....

Crowqueen

Bowling_4_Gold wrote: »

Are you sure? Seems like a private seller, this one, so surely SOGA wouldn't apply....

SOGA applies to all sales, business or private. Private sellers just have to sell the item as described, business sellers have more responsibilities (e.g. fit for purpose, satisfactory quality).

cyberbob

Crowqueen wrote: »

Sale of Goods Act would cover any misdescribed item even after purchase was complete.

It may cover it. But enforcing it on a private sale is another matter.