Money Moral Dilemma: Should I refund the postage fee?

BaldacchinoR

I don't understand the argument about posting it to avoid the buyer claiming they did not receive it. Lots of people sell items saying for collection only, so I assume they would get a receipt if they are worried about proof of collection.

As the seller obviously knew the address before posting it, they must have realised it was nearby and could go round and offer a refund of postage.

timt

The fee should be seen as a delivery fee, not just postage. If you tot up the cost of your time (even at minimum wage) and mileage (say at the HMRC rate of 0.45p/mile to include wear and tear, depreciation etc) it all adds up quite quickly, and will probably exceed the cost of posting the item, unless they are closer to you than your post office. So you aren't stealing from them, and it is probably also cheaper to pop it in the post in any case.
The risk of the buyer claiming non-delivery etc is a seperate issue for you to decide upon.

gaving7095

Don't refund it, because they paid for the convenience of having their item delivered (as opposed to having to come and collect it) and that's what they're getting. Presumably faster than if it was sent in the post so it's a win-win in my opinion.

happyinflorida

I would be really annoyed if the person charged me p&p for an item, which is normally a few £'s and then had the cheek to walk it around the corner to me and keep the p&p charged.

Refund it immediately as it's theft otherwise.

I'm disgusted that you even have to ask this question.

BobbinAlong

P&P is for your time and trouble and materials wrapping of the item as well as actual postage/transporting cost. Yes hand deliver but contact the buyer and arrange a time when they can personally receive and sign for the item then pre-print a receipt and a delivery note for them to sign as accepted in good order - just as you would for a "buyer collects" sale. Going to that extra trouble is what they are paying the "postage" for.
And since they could see where you are located, they could have enquired during the auction whether you were local and they could collect ,so it's not your fault.

Pound

happyinflorida wrote: »

I would be really annoyed if the person charged me p&p for an item, which is normally a few £'s and then had the cheek to walk it around the corner to me and keep the p&p charged.

Refund it immediately as it's theft otherwise.

I'm disgusted that you even have to ask this question.

But they still have to package it right so why should you get the packaging for free?

Also you're presumably getting the item much quicker than anyone can offer, I personally would be very impressed if I ordered something and it was in my hands within 5 minutes, as opposed to 5 days. You're getting a better service, doesn't make sense to me that you think you should expect to pay less.

What if the delivery charge was built into the item cost? Would you expect them to knock a bit of money off if they hand delivered it?

JayD

The simple answer is 'Yes!'

How miffed would YOU be if you had paid delivery charges on an ebay item only to find it has been popped through your letterbox by hand???

Pound

JayD wrote: »

The simple answer is 'Yes!'

How miffed would YOU be if you had paid delivery charges on an ebay item only to find it has been popped through your letterbox by hand???

I expect you'd be equally miffed if you got "free" postage and someone from Royal Mail put it through your letter box?

Wizzbang

BobbinAlong wrote: »

P&P is for your time and trouble and materials wrapping of the item as well as actual postage/transporting cost. Yes hand deliver but contact the buyer and arrange a time when they can personally receive and sign for the item then pre-print a receipt and a delivery note for them to sign as accepted in good order - just as you would for a "buyer collects" sale. Going to that extra trouble is what they are paying the "postage" for.
And since they could see where you are located, they could have enquired during the auction whether you were local and they could collect ,so it's not your fault.

I have never, ever made someone collecting an item sign anything! Nor given them any kind of receipt. LOL

Wizzbang

happyinflorida wrote: »

I would be really annoyed if the person charged me p&p for an item, which is normally a few £'s and then had the cheek to walk it around the corner to me and keep the p&p charged.

Refund it immediately as it's theft otherwise.

I'm disgusted that you even have to ask this question.

Yes, it's theft to charge a buyer for your time and trouble in personally delivering an item, that is suitably packed and wrapped. How dare Royal Mail charge us for this privilege!!!!!!!! 0_0

The buyer pays you for the service of having their item delivered, by whichever means the seller chooses. Otherwise, they pick it up at their time and expense and normally without packaging, which is also their duty to provide.