Question re collection in person and returns

stormCat99

Hi,

I only sell occasionally on eBay, and usually only small bits that I can post. I have listed 3 large kitchen appliances as collection only, as certainly cannot post them.

I understand that there is now a code that eBay sends the buyer, which they must show me on arrival. And that this gets around the old scam of paying via Paypal then collecting in person and claiming a 'not received'. So I'm happy on that front.

However I have someone who says they want to buy all 3 appliances, but are driving up from London(4 to 5 hours away!). 

Being ever suspicious, I just wanted to check that if this person comes and collects, then decides for any reason he doesn't want them, that I won't be stuck having to collect them back from him? As long as any returns would be up to him to do then that's fine. But just wanted to check before I agree to sell to him. He does have 100% positive feedback from over 20 years selling on eBay, he has a similar profile to me, clearly an occasional seller and mostly a buyer. Profile appears genuine.

Many thanks.

savergrant

I guess it depends what you're selling. If it is unusual and they have been waiting for one to come up then it's quite understandable.
To play it safe make sure you get a separate collection code for each item and confirm each code before handing the appliance over.
As I understand it you could only be responsible for return carriage if the items were 'significantly not as described' in which case you would argue 'the buyer was happy to take them away at the time' so it wasn't an obvious misrepresentation.

stormCat99

No not at all unusual! Just some Siemens built in ovens and microwave. They are priced on the low side simply as I'd like to get rid of them.

Via ChatGPT, I've since found some thread on eBay forums (didn't know these existed!), which are saying that even though it's unfair, for a collection only item the cost of any return is still on the buyer. 

Reading the collection only information page on eBay itself, it doesn't specify either way.

So unless I can find something categoric then I think I will have to refuse the sale :-(

savergrant

"Via ChatGPT, I've since found some thread on eBay forums (didn't know these existed!), which are saying that even though it's unfair, for a collection only item the cost of any return is still on the buyer."

That was what you were hoping for, in the event of a return the buyer would have to bring the items back to you. Of course you'd have the inconvenience of having to be in to take delivery of them, but not the cost of transporting them.
I would guess it might be considered unfair if i had travelled to collect something, not had a chance to inspect it before taking it away and then found it had been misrepresented but in my experience that isn't usually how collection only works (if for no other reason than I don't really want an irate buyer turning up at my door at 11pm a day or two later)

stormCat99

D'oh sorry! Typed the wrong word. I meant to say the cost of any return is still on the SELLER.

Sorry for causing confusion.

Spoonie_Turtle

Did that eBay forum thread cite any sources or was it people saying what they thought?  And, how old was the thread?

stormCat99

It was from this year. And no didn't cite a source which is why I'm not taking as gospel. But so far have been unable to find anything written anywhere that confirms the situation either way.

Veey annoying as I dont want to lose the sale but also dont want to put myself at risk of issues.

steveE2

With a collection item 
If a buyer changed their mind before taking the item seller can cancel sale and refund is issued
If a buyer changed their mind  after geting it home the buyer is responsible for returning the item
If a buyer states item not as described,ie oven didn't work after getting it home seller is responsible for return postage or collection

All collection items need to be paid via eBay checkout before contact details can be exchanged and collection arranged.
If a buyer sends a courier or doesn't collect in person they are not covered by the eBay Moneyback Guarantee,though you may have to remind eBay of this should it come to that.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/selling/posting-items/setting-postage-options/local-pickup?id=4181

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/buying/returns-items-not-received-refunds-buyers/returning-item/return-postage?id=4066

stormCat99

@steveE2 that's perfect, thanks so much! Unfortunately that confirms the worst case, so I can't risk selling a collection only item to someone who is travelling 5 hours to collect it. I know that the items are in full working order as have been happily using them until we put our new kitchen in. But there's nothing to stop someone from devising a fault if they change their mind. Seems a very unfair policy for this situation.