Irritating ebayer not picking up goods - what to do?

superfran_uk

Oops - realised there is an ebay-specific forum. I will go there and post this and wait for a mod to close down this one!

In November, I sold my husband's drum kit(with his knowledge of course) on ebay for £420. They were collection only, quite straightforward, and I specified collection to be arranged swiftly as I needed the space for Christmas. The winning bidder paid promptly via paypal (which was annoying as I had stated cash on collection but you have to accept paypal these days) however it soon emerged that he is based in Poland (with a British-registered ebay account) and was relying on a friend to pick up the drums on his behalf.

We stayed in once upon instruction - no contact, no one turned up.

He has not re-scheduled the pick up despite several ebay messages. He has not responded to anything since mid-december. His registered phone number doesn't work.

We are now almost in January. I am not ashamed to say that I needed the money, as well as the space, and cannot afford at this point to refund the buyer his full amount having paid fees on the lot and being a bit short due to the time of year. Besides, all I want is the flippin drums gone. However, I don't see that he will come and get them any time soon.

I want to re-list them just to get them out of the way. I have told him as much in my messages. However, I don't think it is fair that I incur the fees and I can't even leave negative feedback! He doesn't count as a non-paying bidder, just a non-collecting, pain in the a*se one...so what can I do!

pinkladyof66

surely he will expect a refund if he is unable to collect he surely wont want to be out of pocket how can you resell when they are not yours to sell you as you said you have spent the money !!!

superfran_uk

As stated, he has failed to collect and I have incurred fees plus had to store them for two months. I am unable to refund him fully as I don't have the money anymore, but I need the space so I cannot wait for him to pick them up indefinitely.

arcon5

You can resell uncollected goods but there is a procedure. I believe thi requires issuing two notices to the other party. So notify him again and give him a time limit. Then resell them. Work out how much extra it cost you in ebay fees, PayPal fees etc and whatever is left over is technically the other parties.

Since there will be two lots of fees to pay if you resell the item, the guy won't receive a 100% refund as he will be covering your out of pockets... but so long as notice is issued correctly this shouldn't be a problem and is lawful.

superfran_uk

OK, thanks, this is what I had in mind. I have emailed him twice - once before Christmas and once after to ask what's happening and say i may need to relist. I want to give him opportunity to collect, as it's easier all round to go through with this sale than to re-list but I have a small house, the drums were returned by my husband's old band a few months ago and we really don't have the room for a full kit!

arcon5

This article is written for traders but the same principles should apply

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_common_problems_with_products_e/consumer_lost_found_and_uncollected_goods_e/how_to_dispose_of_left_behind_goods.htm

arcon5

I'd be inclined to put the money in an interest account until he contacts you for a refund . Although refunding straight away us probably the easiest thing to do.

Put a new auction up on say a 10 day listing, then email him giving him 7 days to collect. If he collects then pull the auction, if he doesn't then honour the highest bid. By the way if it sells for less this second time you could probably legally justify making up your shortfall from his payment - assuming you took reasonable steps to realise its value

superfran_uk

arcon5 wrote: »

This article is written for traders but the same principles should apply

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_common_problems_with_products_e/consumer_lost_found_and_uncollected_goods_e/how_to_dispose_of_left_behind_goods.htm

I would think that, having read these, I have done both of these things already. I am happy to re-message him and be more specific but these are the last two I sent.

Sent on 16th December:

No-one has contacted me. No phone call on Thursday and none since then either. What is going on? I sold the drums as I needed the money for Christmas and also needed the space that they are taking up.

I've tried to be patient and as accommodating as possible but this is getting ridiculous. Please arrange for the drums to be collected this week without fail.

If you can't collect them I will have to re-list them and refund you with the money we make from the next auction, minus all the eBay and Paypal fees I have occurred.

And then today:

Are you coming to get these? If they are not gone soon, I will have to relist them, I can no longer store them. It has been over a month now!

superfran_uk

arcon5 wrote: »

I'd be inclined to put the money in an interest account until he contacts you for a refund . Although refunding straight away us probably the easiest thing to do

Money is gone - had no reason to think I would have to refund it and Christmas has been awful money wise. My dog ended went in for a routine neutering, which I had budgeted for, but the vet made a mistake and I ended up £200 extra short for 'drugs' due to their c**k up. They told me (I quote) 'Sh*t happens' and it wouldn't be covered by insurance as it was their fault but they wouldn't pay it...But that is for a different thread!

arcon5

I meant the money raised from the resale which would legally be his, less above mentioned deductions.

As for the vet issue... Maybe post that up and see if people think you have a case or not

superfran_uk

arcon5 wrote: »

I meant the money raised from the resale which would legally be his, less above mentioned deductions.

As for the vet issue... Maybe post that up and see if people think you have a case or not

Maybe when I am less angry about it! One cancelled weekend away, five nights at the vets, four journeys to and from their 24 hour emergency vets 15 miles away and a £200 bill on top of the £150 for the original op. Merry chuffing christmas! Oh and we couldn't leave him alone even on Xmas day to visit rellies. *&$^%^%!