EBay buying advice

Deedoodee

I’ve seen a piece of furniture on eBay that I’m interested in. I’ve never used eBay so apologies if this is a stupid question. It’s collection only, which is fine, and condition just described as ‘used’. I want to send my friend to check the condition of it first, and if it’s ok, she’ll let me know and I can pay for it via eBay, and then she’ll take it away. Is that a ‘normal’ thing to do? I don’t really want to pay in advance in case it’s damaged. It’s quite awkward to get to a cash point. 

GadgetGuru

You can purchase the item via eBay, selecting the collection option, which would give you a collection code. 
Give the collection code to your friend, who will then go and inspect the item. 

If the item is OK, your friend will provide the seller the collection code and take the item. Deal complete. 

If the item is any different to what was stated in the listing, then just don't provide the collection code, and ask the seller to refund via eBay (failing that you can raise a claim).

Note though, this shouldn't be used as a 'try before you buy' service. If the item is as listed you should provide the code and follow through with the deal. 

Deedoodee

IftiBashir said:

You can purchase the item via eBay, selecting the collection option, which would give you a collection code. 
Give the collection code to your friend, who will then go and inspect the item. 

If the item is OK, your friend will provide the seller the collection code and take the item. Deal complete. 

If the item is any different to what was stated in the listing, then just don't provide the collection code, and ask the seller to refund via eBay (failing that you can raise a claim).

Note though, this shouldn't be used as a 'try before you buy' service. If the item is as listed you should provide the code and follow through with the deal. 

Brilliant! Thanks 

diystarter7

IftiBashir said:

You can purchase the item via eBay, selecting the collection option, which would give you a collection code. 
Give the collection code to your friend, who will then go and inspect the item. 

If the item is OK, your friend will provide the seller the collection code and take the item. Deal complete. 

If the item is any different to what was stated in the listing, then just don't provide the collection code, and ask the seller to refund via eBay (failing that you can raise a claim).

Note though, this shouldn't be used as a 'try before you buy' service. If the item is as listed you should provide the code and follow through with the deal. 

Hello

If I may interject

Would it not be more appropriate to view the item before offering, etc?

Just a thought

Many thanks!

Deedoodee

They’ve asked if I can pay bank transfer. Im buying a table to pretty ‘low tech’ so considering inspecting and then bank transfer once confirmed. Any glaring problems with doing this? 

soolin

diystarter7 said:

IftiBashir said:

You can purchase the item via eBay, selecting the collection option, which would give you a collection code. 
Give the collection code to your friend, who will then go and inspect the item. 

If the item is OK, your friend will provide the seller the collection code and take the item. Deal complete. 

If the item is any different to what was stated in the listing, then just don't provide the collection code, and ask the seller to refund via eBay (failing that you can raise a claim).

Note though, this shouldn't be used as a 'try before you buy' service. If the item is as listed you should provide the code and follow through with the deal. 

Hello

If I may interject

Would it not be more appropriate to view the item before offering, etc?

Just a thought

Many thanks!

There is no facility for doing that on eBay, a seller can’t send address details until the buyer buys, the rules are strict so as to avoid people selling ‘off eBay’. 

soolin

Deedoodee said:

They’ve asked if I can pay bank transfer. Im buying a table to pretty ‘low tech’ so considering inspecting and then bank transfer once confirmed. Any glaring problems with doing this? 

Yes, firstly the seller can’t insist on a bank transfer and since there is no financial benefit in doing so it suggests that they are expecting a problem and do t want you to have any way of getting your money back if you turn up and the item is not as stated. 

Either pay via managed payments and be careful with the code as suggested above or tell them you will pay cash when you collect if item is as described.

martindow

Using a bank transfer on their doorstep is the same as paying cash really.  I certainly agree that you shouldn't do the transfer until you've seen and inspected the item, but I don't think that is what is being suggested by the OP's seller.

soolin

I'm older and I can't just pay via bank transfer on a doorstep which is why I assumed they would want it in advance.

Firstly I don't even have a banking app on my phone. For me a bank transfer means I log into my ipad  or PC, then I need a card reader to actually access anything, then if I need to send a transfer to a new payee I have to go through several steps on my account, all of which need my card reader. I then have to confirm I know the person and I'm not being scammed, and then, and only then, can I make a transfer. If I was collecting then I would only consider cash or paying in advance via managed payments. 

martindow

soolin said:

I'm older and I can't just pay via bank transfer on a doorstep which is why I assumed they would want it in advance.

Firstly I don't even have a banking app on my phone. For me a bank transfer means I log into my ipad  or PC, then I need a card reader to actually access anything, then if I need to send a transfer to a new payee I have to go through several steps on my account, all of which need my card reader. I then have to confirm I know the person and I'm not being scammed, and then, and only then, can I make a transfer. If I was collecting then I would only consider cash or paying in advance via managed payments. 

Yes, I agree with you, and would not want to pay like this myself. 

But my experience with customers (not Ebay) is that about half offer to pay by bank transfer.  I'm delighted to accept this as I don't then have to pay card transaction fees.  These people obviously are well practiced in the procedure and are able to send the money in seconds.