Posting a "Collection Only" Item

MR1988

Hey all,

I have a question regarding collection only orders.

I have sold an item that was set as collection in person but I agreed to have it posted at my own expense.

I have bought the fully tracked label and have added tracking number to order details in eBay.

Would I be covered if let's say the buyer decides to say he did not collect/receive item?

I have asked an ebay representative who was a bit confusing in giving me an answer. First they said I should cancel order and relist with a postage price or send an invoice in PayPal including postage price. But when I told them that I am ok paying for postage myself they said I should be covered in this case as long as the item is tracked.

Thought I would check with someone here who's got more experience with something like this.

Thanks!

GadgetGuru

As long as you have a tracking number that proves the item was delivered, then you are covered. You've already added it to the eBay transaction, so thats all you need to do. 

Once the buyer receives the item and the tracking status shows as delivered, then the buyer cannot claim otherwise - eBay will decide in your favour. 

If the buyer doesn't doesn't take delivery and the item sits in the local delivery office, after a while it will simply be returned back to you - you will be out your postage fee and cannot reclaim this. 

If the buyer receives the item and claims it was not as described, or is faulty, then you will need to pay the return postage by sending a pre-paid returns label via eBay, or paying for the postage in another way. Either way, eBay will side with the buyer in this case. 

cymruchris

What kind of item is it? Is it fragile or bulky based on why you'd selected it as collection only? 

If not collected or accepted at point of delivery - it should be returned to you. Have you put a return address on your parcel?

Have you checked the address on google maps to see if it's a residential property?

Has the buyer raised any red flags in any of their communications that makes you feel uneasy?

MR1988

Thanks for quick responses! I know about items not being as described and returns policy and I'm ok with that. I just wasn't sure how collection only/posted items work.

It's a damaged item that I decided to post after few exchanges with the buyer. Buyer agreed to assume the risk of it getting damaged further in postage. It didn't raise any red flags and from what I can see buyer got a high feedback score and positives left as a buyer and seller as well.

cymruchris

MR1988 said:

Thanks for quick responses! I know about items not being as described and returns policy and I'm ok with that. I just wasn't sure how collection only/posted items work.

It's a damaged item that I decided to post after few exchanges with the buyer. Buyer agreed to assume the risk of it getting damaged further in postage. It didn't raise any red flags and from what I can see buyer got a high feedback score and positives left as a buyer and seller as well.

Then as long as you've got your return address clearly on the parcel, the worst that should happen is that it gets returned to you. There's a risk that the buyer opens a 'Significantly not as described' when they receive it, and again worst case is that you'll have to pay return postage as well. From your own gut instincts, their feedback, and the comms you've had, I'm sure you'll have made the right call in posting it. Fingers crossed it'll all go smoothly  

MR1988

Sucessful story, buyer received item, it did not get damaged further and he/she was really happy with purchase.