How to post wheels?

code-a-holic

Hi,
I sold a set of 5 alloy wheels on ebay - specified collection only but the winning bidder is trying to arrange a courier. Fine - but i specified collection becasue i couldnt work out how to package them. If he arranges courier they need to be packaged surely, down to me. Which will cost me....but i have no idea how to package them. Would they have to be boxed? Or can i just stick a label on each saying 1of 5 etc and address. Numbers i have phoned have not had a clue and winning bidder isnt giving me the information i need.
All help appreciated!

irishesman

code-a-holic wrote:

Hi,
I sold a set of 5 alloy wheels on ebay - specified collection only but the winning bidder is trying to arrange a courier. Fine - but i specified collection becasue i couldnt work out how to package them. If he arranges courier they need to be packaged surely, down to me. Which will cost me....but i have no idea how to package them. Would they have to be boxed? Or can i just stick a label on each saying 1of 5 etc and address. Numbers i have phoned have not had a clue and winning bidder isnt giving me the information i need.
All help appreciated!

Sounds fairly mad. Have they told you who they are sending. If so, can you ring the courier and ask them?

appleblossom

I bought one wheel last week from ebay, it was boxed very well,wrapped in bubble wrap and bulked out with paper and it was sent by courier - cost me £10 (seller had no collection,courier was only option offered). If they buyer really wants them and is prepared to pay then i don't see the problem - go to tescos etc and get some boxes, you could try parcel2go, I think they do a 7.99 service,so it could be done 5 x = £40 and just send it as 4 seperate parcels.

code-a-holic

I did a quote with interparcel and if they were all packaged together as they are it would be £39.50. But thats without the added size and weight of packaging. The wheels are 6kg each - thats hoping my scales are correct - havnt used them for yonks! Looking in to the parcel2 go idea!
Thanks all

tomstickland

I've looked into this and worked out that two packages of 2 wheels (for a set of 4) could be done for around £30 all in. I think it just fitted the Parcel2go £10 service, either that or £12 per package on interparcel.

It's not ridiculous anyway.

As to packaging, loads of bubble wrap, cardboard and tape. I get my wrap and cardboard out of the bins at work.
I've posted loads of car parts, even a glass sunroof, with just layers and layers of cardboard.

15lsp

what about some kind of netting to keep them together? Ask the courier when you know who it is. I recently bought some furniture from ebay and found a courier on ebay, very reasonable and very helpful.

tomstickland

Parcel 0.55 x 0.55 x 0.45 m (2 wheels), 16KG, £11.49 + VAT on interparcel.

boglin

What a problem!!! If the buyer is wanting you to use a mailing method that you have not offered then they must be willing to do it under your terms - and to pay the fees incurred. I would consider telling them that you will use a courier that packages the goods for you (and hence takes the responsibilty from you). I found this one that might be of some use. But I don't know if they are accepted by PayPal.

The well-known companies do offer free boxes but they would not be enough alone and each company accepts no liability for inadequately packaged items.

The likely cost of using a courier and paying for approcpriate packaging (and your time!) must surely outweigh the cost of the buyer collecting the wheels - even if they use a taxi - depending where they live.

I would be very cautious about agreeing to use a courier as you will also have to ensure that the courier is acceptable to PayPal for their tracking method, in case the buyer says that the package did not arrive or was damaged. It all sounds like a lot of trouble (and potentially more trouble) to me.

You could refuse to go ahead with the transaction on the grounds that the buyer will not comply with the conditions of the auction.

Hope this helps and good luck!

blue_haddock

I also sell wheels on ebay and always stipulate collection only - i have had a few requests for people to have them delivered but for me it's just a big hassle. By the time you have got the necessary packaging, wrapped them up, waited for the courier to arrive etc it becomes very time consuming.

code-a-holic

blue_haddock wrote:

I also sell wheels on ebay and always stipulate collection only - i have had a few requests for people to have them delivered but for me it's just a big hassle. By the time you have got the necessary packaging, wrapped them up, waited for the courier to arrive etc it becomes very time consuming.

Im with you - all this time worrying about couriers and he could have been and collected. If he didnt want to drives the 150 miles here then he shouldnt have bidded. Id like to do a second chance offer to the next bidder down who lives 10 miles away!