Buyer wanting to arrange own courier, when item listed as Collection Only

stormCat99

Hi,

Hoping someone one here with more eBay experience has some good suggestions on what I can do.

I listed a large unwieldy item as Collection Only, as firstly I can't see how I could safely package it to ensure no damage, and secondly it is actually too long for most couriers to accept anyway.

Was pleasantly surprised to get a lot of interest and sold the item. Great I thought. Then noticed the buyer location was a couple of hundred miles away and thought there might be trouble...

Soon as auction finished, I messaged the buyer to say thanks, and explained that although auction was listed as accepting Paypal, to please not pay as this was a cash on collection item (I know this is a grey area, but as eBay FORCE you to use Paypal, I had to do this as otherwise I am not protected if the item is collected as I cannot track online etc).

Buyer responded to say, he wanted to collect with their own courier. Didn't sound good. Thought I'd give him a chance though, asked which courier firm, and explained I needed to check their tracking facilities.

He replied asking for my mobile number, which I reluctantly gave. Said he would call me to arrange collection by 'his' courier. I again replied asking for courier details before agreeing to anything.

3 days later he has replied. Says he owns a courier firm, and it will be them collecting. Still doesn't provide courier firm's name. By now I'm fed up, he is either hopeless or purposely not giving me the courier firm's name.

So, having given the benefit of the doubt in offering to consider his courier option, I have now had enough. I am not happy for some random courier firm to collect from me, with no tracking and no further information. He also mentioned in his last email that he would pay via Paypal.

Have just sent polite reply. Said that as he still hasn't provided courier name, I am unable to check their tracking - also explained why regarding Paypal etc etc (although I'm sure he knows, he's had 2 previous eBay IDs I've noticed so must be a long-time user).

Said I will have to revert to what I said i listing i.e. collection only in person. Gave him until end of tomorrow to reply, thought that reasonable?

So, I'm assuming he won't travel a couple of hundred miles to pick up an item less than £50, and so I would like to cancel transaction and offer to second bidder (although prob too late by now after all this messing).

Any ideas how to approach this, how to word it so as not to upset him and get a negative? He has been polite enough so far, but I am rather suspicious of his refusal to provide further details so I do feel as though I am heading for a negative here (would be my first too).

Any ideas?

Thanks.

DomRavioli

First off, open a dispute. If it clearly stated collection only and cash on collection, it is a legally binding agreement, so they are breaching that, and it is them who shall get a slap on the wrist from ebay. If they refuse to stick to the agreement, you can give a 'second chance offer' to a genuine person.

jennypdolphin

DomRavioli wrote: »

First off, open a dispute. If it clearly stated collection only and cash on collection, it is a legally binding agreement, so they are breaching that, and it is them who shall get a slap on the wrist from ebay. If they refuse to stick to the agreement, you can give a 'second chance offer' to a genuine person.

As you can not refuse paypal the person in question can simply pay via that and then the OP would still be royally screwed. Sorry I can give no assistance myself then.

J_J_Carter

Def. don't let him use a 'courier' (i.e. his mate in a van), you'll be 99% certain to get an INR claim and lose both the item and Paypal payment.

custardy

if its his courier firm then he can give his driver the cash
so tell him its still cash on collection or nothing

soolin

DomRavioli wrote: »

First off, open a dispute. If it clearly stated collection only and cash on collection, it is a legally binding agreement, so they are breaching that, and it is them who shall get a slap on the wrist from ebay. If they refuse to stick to the agreement, you can give a 'second chance offer' to a genuine person.

This is ebay so a sellers terms cannot overall those of ebay and as has been said all buyer then has to do is pay by paypal. If seller refuses and returns the paypal payment it is them that gets the slap on the wrist, not the buyer, and a warning for breach of rules is far more serious for a seller. It also leaves the seller with all the FVFs to pay.

custardy wrote: »

if its his courier firm then he can give his driver the cash
so tell him its still cash on collection or nothing

I agree this is the only workable solution, I'd even go as far as to tell them to bring thei rown packaging as any 'collection' only buyer would have to do to make it safe in a car or van.

pinkshoes

As above, let him use his own courier, but say that the courier will have to pay the cash.

If he INSISTS on paypal, then explain that as per paypal rules, you'll have to use your own courier, so will need to get a quote - then re-invoice him for whatever it costs, regardless of expense!

stormCat99

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. The whole thing around not being safe to take Paypal for collection only items is a big issue, as it is completely at odds with the eBay rule that you MUST accept Paypal!!

Well looks like we have (hopefully) come to an agreement. He is sending a courier (still hasn't confirmed when though) but they will pay me cash on collection.

Provided that happens I'll be happy.

After all this I almost wish I hadn't bothered, I was only getting rid of stuff cluttering up the garage, but it's not really worth all this hassle!

Thanks for your help as ever.

stormCat99

Hi,

Sorry to post back again. But the guy still hasn't collected/sent his courier. He did offer to do so on one day, but I was unavailable. He has had over 2 weeks now so I have truly had enough and want to cancel the transaction.

If I do this, can I offer to the second bidder?

Also, and my main reason for posting, is how can I word an email to him so as to try and avoid a negative? I have a feeling that if I ask him to cancel he will not be happy. However from my perspective, I've been very accommodating - agreeing to accept his courier even though item listed as collection only, and have now waited for over 2 weeks. I now have a very large item that is still cluttering up my garage, and am fed up!

pinkshoes

If you ask him to cancel and he refuses, then you'll have to pay the fees. You could open a non paying bidder dispute, wait 4 days, then close it and offer it to the second highest bidder.

stormCat99

I'd wondered about that, but then couldn't he pa via paypal and collect, then claim not received? And also still leave negative feedback?