Buyer paid but not collecting - what to do?

cubegame

Good morning.

We recently sold a collection only item and it turns out that the buyer can only collect at restrictive times which are not at all suitable for us. They didn't let us know this before the auction.

They've already paid by paypal.

I can see this going back and forwards for weeks and weeks and as the item is quite bulky we need to get rid.

What would people advise?

Flyonthewall

If it's collection then you are best stating you want cash only as being paid through Paypal and collecting means they can open a case for item not received which they would win due to you having no proof of postage or proof of delivery.

However, the best option would be to politely tell them that you are refunding them and send them a cancellation request as it's clear they won't be able to pick it up. You could give them a time limit in which to collect if you wish. If it seems highly unlikely they'll be able to collect in the near future it's pointless dragging it out, especially as you have their money.

If they do agree to pick it up soon then you can still refund them and ask for cash on collection.

bxboards

When you re-list the item, make sure the next buyer is not able to pay by Paypal, as you should never accept Paypal for collection items.

When you re-list the item, mangle your Paypal e-mail address in the listing so it's not possible to pay (make sure the mangled address does not exist!), and make sure your listing clearly states 'cash on collection'

Flyonthewall

bxboards wrote: »

When you re-list the item, make sure the next buyer is not able to pay by Paypal, as you should never accept Paypal for collection items.

When you re-list the item, mangle your Paypal e-mail address in the listing so it's not possible to pay (make sure the mangled address does not exist!), and make sure your listing clearly states 'cash on collection'

Ebay force sellers to include Paypal as a payment option on all listings (except vehicles). If you do not want to be paid that way then you will have to refund the buyer if a payment is made that way and ask for cash on collection. However, the buyer may so no and they can leave feedback. Still, a possible neutral/neg is better than the risk of losing the money and your item to a possible scammer.

That is the worst advice ever. It doesn't stop people paying through Paypal. It just causes more problems and leaves you with an unhappy and confused buyer who has no idea what has happened to their money and is likely to leave a neg due to the hassle and stupidity of the seller not giving a correct Paypal address. Not to mention that would be far worse if more than one item is being sold and the others are not for collection.