Should sellers be saying - collection only - in time of lockdown or should eBay pull that option?

[blenglen]

More of a what do you think sort of question but I've seen some larger items that I would've bid on even during the present medical crises yet the seller is clear - collection only, will not post under any circumsatnces - so I've avoided, although the items I've been interested in could have posted. So should eBay be allowing the collection only option in a time of lockdown?   

[red_magpie]

Couriers are still collecting items, where it's possible to maintain social distancing.

Why should eBay put a blanket ban on items being collected? Some items will obviously be unsuitable, but where collections can be made safely and legally it seems to me that eBay's advice below is sound, if a little out of date in detail:

• If you’re buying an item for collection, please keep the government regulations in mind.
• If your purchase is urgent, or if you are buying and collecting on behalf of a vulnerable person, arrange sensible social distancing rules with your seller and ensure you stick to them.
• Please keep collections restricted to your local area and abide by government rules of social distancing

[rusticrye]

Yes, of course Ebay should pull that option - and should be forced to do so by the government. Collection items are non-essential purchases, and involve non-essential journeys and banned meetings with those outside one's own 'bubble'. 

Couriers are essential during this time, to ensure the running of what is left of the economy.  Flogging off our old no-longer wanted possessions for personal collection is not comparable in any way.

Don't get me wrong, folks - the government's handling of the situation has grown ever more ludicrous and is doing far more harm than good, so I personally have no objection whatsoever to personal collection; but rules are rules, and should therefore apply across the board. 

@blenglen 

@red_magpie 

@ruby*tuesday 

[ruby*tuesday]

Is ok as long as you stick to Social Distancing and wear a Mask. According to what the Item is, you could maybe just stay outside on the Door Step. Pay with Cash. If the Item doesn't suit your needs you can then walk away and the Seller can Cancel selecting "Buyer Requested Cancellation" their EBay Final Value Fees will then be Credited back to their Seller Account and they can Relist.

[*guinevere*]

The whole subject is rather subjective, as  some people would regard one item as 'essential' and others would not.

If you want to discuss it further, I suggest you post on the discussion boards here:

https://community.ebay.co.uk/t5/Buyer-Central/bd-p/21900000767