Buyer Expecting Delivery On Collection Only Item

heskpesk

Before I start I will answer a few points that are bound to crop up: Yes I have a lot of problems, yes Im very unlucky and no I cannot find the answer in Ebay help areas. lol (only joking)

Well I sold some tables on Ebay and chose the "Local Pick Up Only" option when listing. Also in the write up I stated " Item is available for collection in person from...(my home town) etc"

When the auction finished I sent a message to the buyer asking whether he wanted to pay cash on collection or via Paypal.Also sent hime my address and telephone number.

I received a reply stating that he lived in .... and worked in ...

By the tone of the message I have a feeling (he is new to Ebay) that he is expecting me to deliver to his home or work address (both of which are about 40 miles away). The tables sold for £10 so I was surprised when I first saw his location as it does not seem financialaly viable to come all that way to collect (unless as hinted he was expecting delivery)

I have replied to his last message stating quite clearly that I suggest he calls me to arrange a time to collect from MY home etc but as yet have not heard back. He wishes to pay cash on collection which I guess would make it hard to open dispute if this one turns complicated (or more complicated!!!)

Any views?

Thanking you all in advance

StaffsSW

If they do not pay, then simply open an unpaid dispute against them. If they pay via Paypal, then message them to suggest that they arrange their own courier, at their cost, but at your convenience.

There is also the possibility that they travel a lot with their job.

Premier_2

Does the OP have to accept a courier to collect?

In the description, the OP said "Item is available for collection in person from..."

Whilst couriers offer a pick up service, it is not quite the same as "collection in person"
e.g. a courier usually doesn't specify a collection time, only a date, meaning the seller may have to wait in all day awaiting their arrival.
Most couriers will only accept items adequately packed. I presume the seller has not charged anything for packing. If the seller was willing to provide a packing service free of charge, could it leave the seller open to a potential claim due to damage in transit because of inadequate packaging?

Personally, if I were selling, I would expect a buyer to clarify before bidding if a courier pick-up would be acceptable.

In the case as described by the OP, I would remind the buyer the item was sold "collection in person", and if the item was not paid for within 7 days, start a npb dispute.

heskpesk

stevew8975 wrote: »

If they do not pay, then simply open an unpaid dispute against them. If they pay via Paypal, then message them to suggest that they arrange their own courier, at their cost, but at your convenience.

There is the possibility that they travel a lot with their job - I travel extensively with my job, and if I am going to be spending a day or two elsewhere in the country I'll often look at Localbargainfinder to see if there are any goodies I could pick up whilst i am there!

Thanks for advice the only problem is buyer has stated he will pay on collection so I have not sent an invoice therefore would be difficult to open an unpaid dispute I think?? Should I send him an invoice anyway with a note stating that he can pay on collection but must be within 7 days? Thanks

StaffsSW

I'm pretty certain you do not need to send an invoice to open an unpaid dispute, but it may be worth sending one anyway - just to clarify the sale and conditions.

heskpesk

stevew8975 wrote: »

I'm pretty certain you do not need to send an invoice to open an unpaid dispute, but it may be worth sending one anyway - just to clarify the sale and conditions.

Thanks again I really appreciate your advice I have sent invoice with the following note attached. (I think he may now realise that its colelction from me):

I have sent the invoice in order to complete the process. However as you will see there is no postage as you are collecting from me in Chippenham in person.As arranged you can pay for the items in cash when you come to collect from Chippenham.You have my telephone number so please contact me at your convience to arrange collection within 7 days of the auction end date. Thankyou for bidding on this item and I will no doubt speak to you soon.

katec_2

i had this with a collection only, sent the invoice asking them to contact me to arrange a good time to collect (noticed she lived in sheffield, I'm very South but thought maybe they have family here, benefit of the doubt and all that), sent her a reminder after 5 days, opened a dispute, got my fees back. I never heard a word from her though so my experience was a little more hassle free I guess.