Is it Ok for buyer to arrange courier?

Cyclamen

Hello

I have used ebay on and off for a few years and have always either had things posted to me or collected them. Same when selling I've arranged postage or the buyer collects.

I no longer drive and have my eye on a £500 ish auction that is collect only and too far away to travel. I have contacted the seller and they are happy for me to arrange collection by courier but is this safe?

The ad says collect only, seller doesn't want to organise courier due to paypal fees.

Does this sound ok? Obviously I am concerned as I wouldn't be able to see the item before paying but have accepted that is a risk i will have to take although not happy about it.

soolin

Sellers would be daft to accept a buyer sending their own courier as they lose full seller protection. As the buyer you also potentially have issues, what if item is not wrapped properly and to the exact specifics that your courier expects and is smashed on arrival? What if you pay for the courier and seller isn't in when they arrive, what then?

Cyclamen

Thanks Soolin..

The seller suggested i arrange the courier .. which i thought strange.

I hadn't thought about packaging and so on.

Ok will walk away .. drat these mobility scooters don't come up often but it's a lot of money to waste when i have been saving for it.

Slayerx

Where is the item located?

Cyclamen

Hello Slayer it's in the south east and I am in the south west, just too far for me to get to see it due to poor health.

I will wait until one is up for sale closer to me or a family member, will message seller an dthank them for there help in answering my questions and apologise for not bidding.

soolin

Cyclamen wrote: »

Hello Slayer it's in the south east and I am in the south west, just too far for me to get to see it due to poor health.

I will wait until one is up for sale closer to me or a family member, will message seller an dthank them for there help in answering my questions and apologise for not bidding.

I would not buy an item like that unseen and untested, especially not if it was going to be thrown around by couriers and left in damp warehouses overnight.

Cyclamen

Thanks Soolin

I think you are right .

I am just getting carried away as it's the make I like.. never been very good at patience.

tpsjrm

Cyclamen wrote: »

Hello Slayer it's in the south east and I am in the south west, just too far for me to get to see it due to poor health.

I will wait until one is up for sale closer to me or a family member, will message seller an thank them for there help in answering my questions and apologise for not bidding.

*******
Cyclamen, don't know where you live but in my area, (Gloucester), the local paper usually holds several mobility scooters for sale in the Classified Ads, usually at a very reasonable price. Do you have a local paper which could prove fruitful in your search?

*Rainbow*Warrior*

I've bought a couple of items recently and arranged the courier myself. No problems at all. I can see what others are saying about the risks - but I've not had a problem. The 2 items I bought were things which needed restoration anyway so I wasn't too concerned if they did get a bit damaged, but as it turned out they were absolutely fine. Couriers do offer a wrapping service to protect the items as well - for an extra charge, of course.

Just wanted to say, I do understand the concerns, but my experiences were great so personally I wouldn't let the distance put me off - mind you I would recommend getting a few quotes before you bid as the prices can vary quite a lot.

Cyclamen

tpsjrm wrote: »

*******
Cyclamen, don't know where you live but in my area, (Gloucester), the local paper usually holds several mobility scooters for sale in the Classified Ads, usually at a very reasonable price. Do you have a local paper which could prove fruitful in your search?

Thanks.. i keep an eye on gumtree, preloved and try to see local paper. I want a specific model that isn't that common but has a chance of going over grass etc but still comes apart for car boot.. so basically i'm a fussy customer.

I think the cost of a courier an dpotential of same charge again to return it if its faulty is beyond my budget.. the seller was really lovely though so i hope he gets a good price.

ira.hath

For something like that I wouldn't use a traditional courier, but a "man with van" type arrangement I would trust. I've had good expereince getting buly items shipped through Shiply, AnyVan, uShip and similar - you can see the feedback from people before you accept their quotes.

Would it be cost prohibitive for you to travel on the train or simialr to view the item? It might be worth it if it is exactly what you're after (no idea how often they come round)