Collection Only Item - Seller didn't answer door!

Gleeful

Probably more of a rant rather than a question.

I won an item on ebay and made arrangements to collect. Turned up at the right place at the right time. Car on driveway. Rang the doorbell twice, no answer. Knocked on door, no answer. Gave them about 5 minutes to respond then left.

Came home and emailed the seller. Recieved 3 messages in quick succession;

'Doorbell doesn't work'
'Was sat in back garden'
'Someone else came to collect something ten minutes before and came round the back'

Now, I'm really annoyed.

1. If your doorbell doesn't work and someone is coming round, let them know that it doesn't work.
2. If you're expecting visitors, don't sit in the back garden if your doorbell doesn't work, or keep an ear out for people knocking.
3. Let your buyer know that there is a route round to the back of the house and that it's ok to come round the back if they don't answer the door.

I feel like the seller has wasted my time and petrol. They have since sent me 2 invoices. How do I get out of the sale without getting an NPB and what should I say to them, politely?

I feel like I am having terrible luck on ebay at the moment, as a seller and a buyer!

hermum

I'm taking it that you want the item & it isn't too far away? If so I would arrange to collect again but ask for their contact number so that if they don't hear the door you can call them.
Or ask the seller if they could meet you halfway.
The only way to prevent a NPB is to pay via paypal.