Buying custom item.

sk00bie1

Hi all,

I've been trying to source an item for a while now and have resorted to asking eBay sellers who make similar items if they are able accomodate me.

A seller has replied stating that they are able to make the item I have requested and I am wondering what is the best way to proceed now.

Should I ask them to set up a listing for the new item? Or send an invoice through paypal? If they went with the latter could they get in trouble with eBay for fee avoidance as I found them through eBay?

Thanks in advance

theonlywayisup

Whatever you do, just remember you have no protection for custom made items with paypal buyer protection scheme.

originaladidas

What is the item? If you cant say for some reason, no problem, but I wouldnt be parting with any cash unless they show you it in a listing. If its something they would only make specifically for you and wont do it without you parting with cash... again I'd leave well alone...

theonlywayisup

originaladidas wrote: »

What is the item? If you cant say for some reason, no problem, but I wouldnt be parting with any cash unless they show you it in a listing. If its something they would only make specifically for you and wont do it without you parting with cash... again I'd leave well alone...

Aside of this being a customised item and therefore not eligible for buyer protection, if the OP bought an item and paid by paypal (for goods or services and NOT gift), there is no less protection than having bought via ebay.

Paypal offer the same protection for purchases on or off ebay (unless paid by gift), so long as they would fall under the BP scheme in any case.

sk00bie1

Thank you the for the responses so far guys.

The item is a variation on something they sell already, just larger in one dimension. So not 'customised' in that it has my name or something all over it and would only be able to be purchased by me.

If they set up a listing saying 'widget measuring X by Y by A' instead of their usual 'widget measuring X by Y by Z' how would this fail to be eligible for buyer protection?

I don't think the seller would require me to pay in advance of the item being manufactured but who knows. I would be happy to pay a deposit in advance however the item value is around £15 so I doubt it would be necessary. The seller is a business seller in case that's of any importance.

theonlywayisup

sk00bie1 wrote: »

Thank you the for the responses so far guys.

The item is a variation on something they sell already, just larger in one dimension. So not 'customised' in that it has my name or something all over it and would only be able to be purchased by me.

If they set up a listing saying 'widget measuring X by Y by A' instead of their usual 'widget measuring X by Y by Z' how would this fail to be eligible for buyer protection?

I don't think the seller would require me to pay in advance of the item being manufactured but who knows. I would be happy to pay a deposit in advance however the item value is around £15 so I doubt it would be necessary. The seller is a business seller in case that's of any importance.

So long as the listing or invoice doesn't refer to it as custom made - which means made to your requirements, not necessarily with your name on, think of custom made blinds etc - then you will be covered whether you buy on or off Ebay, so long as the payment is via paypal for goods/services and NOT a gift.

Paying a deposit means you FORFEIT your buyer protection. I would get the seller to either list with a long dispatch time, or send an invoice via Paypal once it's made.