Why would a buyer ever want this?

stig

I'm amazed by the number of people who list Recorded Delivery as a postage option "if the buyer wants it."

Why would a buyer ever want recorded delivery? The only point of recorded delivery is to provide a signature to prove that an item was handed over to someone at a specified address.

In what circumstances could a buyer ever need to provide proof that he has received an item?

It doesn't provide any more insurance cover than standard post.

It isn't a trackable postage method approved of by Paypal.

It's a pain for the buyer who has to go to the sorting office and sign for a parcel which could have been put through the letter box in his absence

In fact the only purpose of recorded delivery is so the sender can challenge a fraudulent claim by a buyer that they didn't receive an item. It isn't any use as far as I can see for anything else.

So why do so many sellers still offer recorded delivery as a postage option at the buyer's discretion, as if charging the buyer an extra 68p is somehow giving them a better service? Are there really that many sellers who think that recorded delivery somehow offers some benefit to the buyer?

What do people here think?

sara2323

"It isn't a trackable postage method approved of by Paypal."

I did'nt realise it was'nt approved by Paypal? I'd always thought it was.

FloFlo

So is it approved by paypal?

John_T_5

Recorded delivery is considered by PayPal as an acceptable trackable method, I am not sure where the original OP got the idea that it wasn't.

Some people live in dodgy areas or properties, whilst it isn't perfect it discourages interference with their mail, it also makes me more comfortable refunding someone when the item clearly has not arrived, I am sure it is one of many reasons why buyers prefer to have the option knowing that if the item goes missing they can expect a swifter refund or replacement because their will be less abiguity over the items status in the post, recorded delivery protects me as well as the buyer and makes for a smoother transaction.

frivolous_fay

https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_help-ext&eloc=1879&loc=1868&unique_id=1716517&source_page=_home&flow=



Classic paypal fudging.

stig

My apologies about Paypal, I was under the impression this only recorded post on receipt so didn't track the post through the system. If Paypal will accept this as a trackable method of postage, all the better for sellers.

My original point still stands, though - why would a buyer choose to pay for a service designed to help the seller make a claim?

Stig

frivolous_fay

I wouldn't offer a choice.

Phatmouse

I can't believe people still buy anything off ebay, it only ends up costing more than it would new, years ago it was great but now it seems to be full of fakes and overpriced stuff once the postage is added on.

samtman

Until last week I didn't k now the difference between special and recorder so used to sell my items recorded delivery duh! now my expensive items are sent special delivery

TBeckett100

talk about paying more than you should, look at Bid TV. Yes the candles are a bargain at £1.00 but it costs a quid to call and £8 to deliver it.:eek:

i think there should be a law against overcharging P&P. I cancelled three ties today I bought on ebay as it would have cost £12.00 to deliver. scandal:mad:

Contains_Mild_Peril

Phatmouse wrote:

I can't believe people still buy anything off ebay, it only ends up costing more than it would new, years ago it was great but now it seems to be full of fakes and overpriced stuff once the postage is added on.

There are a lot of fakes (though fewer since BBC Watchdog recently highlighted the issue I think) and a lot of scams and overpriced stuff with excessive p&p charges, but there are still some real bargains to be had if you look hard enough. It's also useful for specialist items which buyers might not be able to find in their local High Street.
Any buyer who would pay extra for recorded delivery presumably doesn't undertand the principle that the seller is responsible for ensuring the item gets to them safely.