Is this normal ebay practice?

highlighter

I've recently sold a large item on ebay (table and chairs) i clearly stated the only two options for the buyer to receive the item they were- i could deliver within a 25mile radius or for the buyer to collect the item. I received an email from the winning bidder giving me his address and basically asking me to price up how much a local carrier would be. The buyer wont be collecting the item it will be through delivery. Is this normal ebaying so to speak, the buyer has +ve fb with over 40 transactions, this is the first thing ive sold.

stavros_2

Just refer him to your postage details and ask him to arrange the pick up himself if he wants to use a third party to deliver

soolin

Is it normal? Yes, buyers will do everything they can to get the result they want!

You have two options, stick to your original auction terms and insist they collect within a given time frame and at your convenience (give them a couple of options on days and time). Or tell them that you are happy for them to arrange a courier as long as they realise that you won't pack the item for shipping, nor will you give more than a one/two hour time frame to wait in for the courier.

They are unlikely to be able to find a courier who will collect loose items, so stick to your guns and refuse to pack or box the items.

After 8 days or so, depending on how the dialogue is going, you have the option of starting the NPB process which often spurs the buyer on a bit.

Soo

highlighter

Thanks for those (quick!) responses! i have e-mailed them the exact wording i put in the item listing. The reason i wanted a pick up from the buyer (not a 3rd party carrier) is for those reasons you put soolin. It is time consuming to wait for the carrier and how would i then receive payment? i am accepting cash or cheque, will i have to ask for the cheque to be sent and no collection to be made until it is fully cleared? P.s the distance between us is about 110 miles, anybody have any clues what a 3rd party carrier would charge?!

stavros_2

Given that they're 110 miles away it unfortunately sounds like your first sale is going to end in a NPB

motorguy

I wouldn't go down the carrier route at all. you stated your terms when selling its up to them to collect it. I would insist that a cheque has absolutely cleared before you allow collection too.

highlighter

Thanks pgilc1 for your input. In my listing i put no postage, meaning no carrier delivery. Do you think because i put buyer to collect that this could be taken that a carrier collecting it from me would be ok? Also if anyone has has any previous experience of carriers, how much it would be for a trip of approx 250miles.

bleugh

for a table and chairs it would be cheaper for you to drive it there. otherwise you're looking at £60++

soolin

highlighter wrote:

Thanks pgilc1 for your input. In my listing i put no postage, meaning no carrier delivery. Do you think because i put buyer to collect that this could be taken that a carrier collecting it from me would be ok? Also if anyone has has any previous experience of carriers, how much it would be for a trip of approx 250miles.

Even if you allow the buyer to use a courier you shouldn't be put to the disadvantage of finding one and arranging it, that should be the buyers problem.

Soo