Ebay: Seller paid auction cost, but not sorting postage!

[JimClark49]

Hi All,

I listed an item on ebay (auction style) with two options for postage:
1) £15 P&P
or
2) buyer collects in person at a mutually agreeable time.

On auction end, the buyer paid the auction price quickly, but chose the 'collect in person' option. They then contacted me and asked if I wouldnt mind if they sent a courier to collect. Even though I would lose money on packing, I didnt mind doing this out of goodwill.

However, on the day the courier was arranged, I waited and no courier arrived. This happened twice.

I contacted buyer and asked if he can just pay the £15 and I will post out, but he is not responding despite several days having elapsed. Ebay dont seem to have an option where I can open a case to get this sorted. I can 'report' the problem - but i dont think this is the same as them actively resolving it.

What options do I have now? The seller has paid the auction cost, but I want him to resolve the posting so that he can actually have his item.

[catman]

Can't you refund his money and re-advertise? Tell Ebay that he hasn't paid for the full cost of the item.

Tim

[littleredrooster]

Keep the money; it's his problem to collect. Give him a 'reasonable time' to arrange collection to your satisfaction (14 days?) and if not fulfilled, re-list it.

Edit: BTW - you're getting 'buyer' and 'seller' mixed up - makes it difficult to follow, especially the thread title...

Edited by littleredrooster on Friday 18th April 20:19

[C. Grimsley]

littleredrooster said:

Keep the money; it's his problem to collect. Give him a 'reasonable time' to arrange collection to your satisfaction (14 days?) and if not fulfilled, re-list it.

This is what I would do, but knowing ebay I can imagine you being the bad guy should he want to collect at a later date.

eBay is set up for the buyers and sellers do get a hard time.

Carl

[marshalla]

Refund and relist without the collection in person option. You're leaving yourself open to fraudulent claims if you accept Paypal for collection in person items.

[JimClark49]

If I refund will I get back my paypal fees and the 10% cut ebay take from the sale?

[Axionknight]

Release the hounds!

[Impasse]

Keep the money, keep the item. Win win.

[Saleen836]

marshalla said:

Refund and relist without the collection in person option. You're leaving yourself open to fraudulent claims if you accept Paypal for collection in person items.

This! ^^^^^^^^

[JimClark49]

ok spoke to ebay support agent and he has told me to refund on paypal, open a cancelletation case on ebay and the seller has 4 days to accept. If he doesnt accept, then as long as I can prove I have refunded I will get back my 10% fee.

Only thing is I don't have anything in my paypal balance as I transferred it to my bank account. I will have to give a mate cash and then get them to pay into my paypal tomorrow so that I have enough to refund the buyer!

Next time I will re-list with no option to collect!

[campionissimo]

why can't you replenish your paypal account from your own bank account?

[northwest monkey]

JimClark49 said:

Next time I will re-list with no option to collect!

Collection is ok but ask for cash "once the item has been inspected" and never, ever let someone arrange their own courier for collection. Paying cash is perfectly allowed as long as you word it right. I picked up something earlier today which I paid cash on collection for.

If you're going to the bother of packing it up for a courier, you're better of sending it yourself (parcelmonkey or similar). If the buyer arranges their own courier then you've got no proof it was ever delivered....

To be honest, your buyer sounds like a retard. When you open your cancellation request, select the reason about buyer requesting shipping to an address blah blah. It's probably the closest one to what you want.

[JimClark49]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I have just refunded the buyer, and have opened up a 'cancel transaction' case. He has 7 days to respond, and if he accepts (or doesnt respond) then I get back the final value fee.

If he rejects cancellation, then I think I think I have to show ebay the paypal reference number for refund and they will credit me back the final value fee.

In any case, I have learn't a valuable lesson i.e. no collection in person.

[Schermerhorn]

Did he leave a contact number?

I am an Ebay Power Seller and I usually call them if I think there is going to be any funny business going on.

[Adam B]

You can always get a buyers phone number, they can often change their tune and become cooperative when they know this.

I will always offer cash on collection for larger items, saves PayPal fees and no danger of buyer claiming they never received item.

[Nickyboy]

northwest monkey said:

If you're going to the bother of packing it up for a courier, you're better of sending it yourself (parcelmonkey or similar). If the buyer arranges their own courier then you've got no proof it was ever delivered....

Err, yes you do especially as most of the Interparcel, Parcel 2 Go couriers require you to print the label therefore giving you all the shipping and tracking information.