Collection code required beforehand?

[sandpiper434]

I am buying a couple of larger items from a seller at the other end of the country so am sending a courier to collect them. The seller is now demanding the collection codes BEFORE the collection takes place and says they will cancel the sale unless I do this. Surely this can’t be right, in order to protect the buyer? Please does anyone know of any wording onEbay that spells out the correct process where a courier is concerned? Thank you.

[tressygirl]

Be aware,   if you send a courier and do not personally go to collect your item , you void all protection for yourself,  under eBay's 30 day MBG,  Money Back Guarantee policy.

The seller is not being awkward,  but the system has changed for collection items,  and to collect, a code has to be presented to the seller, they need this to scan or manually enter the numbers,   this is their only proof the item has been collected.

Check your email messages, and messages from eBay that 6 digit QR code should be there,  give it to your courier driver who must present it to the seller.

@sandpiper434 

[sandpiper434]

That’s not the issue. I have no problem providing the codes to the seller - I DO have a problem providing them days beforehand. What’s to stop the seller saying the items have been collected when they haven’t? I’ve told the seller she can have the codes when the courier arrives, but she’s unhappy with this.

[sandpiper434]

That’s not the issue. I have no problem providing the codes to the seller - I DO have a problem providing them days beforehand. What’s to stop the seller saying the items have been collected when they haven’t? I’ve told the seller she can have the codes when the courier arrives, but she’s unhappy with this.

[papso22]

You should not give the seller the code until the courier arrives.

They may just be nervous about it being a courier and they do need the code to get paid quicker.

Did you ask about courier collection before you bought?

[sandpiper434]

Yes, absolutely - I wouldn’t buy without making sure that was convenient for the seller.

[sandpiper434]

The seller also tried to make me use a courier of their choosing but I got a better value quote with a more convenient delivery date. Bearing in mind that I’ve paid for the items and they are therefore already mine, I think how I transport them is entirely up to me?

[dch2112011]

This seller is being a little awkward for no apparent reason, the seller has no say in who you use to collect the item, it all depends on how much you want the items as to whether you want to proceed.

I often think that these misunderstandings can be easily remedied by talking to each other on the phone rather than going backwards and forwards on email - if you can amicably agree a way forward simply confirm what is agreed in email and ask the seller to confirm that this is what you agree.

If you have any doubts as to the selller's insincerity  you can simply open an INR case for a refund when the time allows BUT if you give them the collection code before collecting this option will not be of any use to you.

[zoomingmouse · Accepted solution]

Just thinking about this scenario in general, what Ebay could do to help alleviate some of the worry/risk for the seller when a buyer chooses to send their own courier/3rd party, is to introduce a tick box for the buyer to confirm this method of collection <which could also explain to the buyer the implications of this>.

This would remove the burden of proving that the MBG is voided to Ebay if a claim is later made from the buyer.

Maybe it would be possible to extend it to buyers when using freight forwarders, even auto closing a chargeback too.

It may help collection sales proceed more smoothly now cash is not available.

[myriad*seller]

Bear in mind that if the item is damaged when it arrives or is not as described, or the seller gives the courier a housebrick instead of the item you paid for, you have ZERO eBay protection

Sending a courier to collect removes ALL your eBay buyer protection

I hope it isn't a high price item... 

[sandpiper434]

The seller has now cancelled the sale because I declined to provide the collection codes three days in advance. I spoke to customer support who said she was out of order and had breached seller policy. They advised me to report her, which I have done.

[tressygirl]

Oh that is disappointing and  bad selling but then, suppose you may have ended up paying a courier and the seller when they arrived,  may have well refused to see them.

Bad selling,  bad seller,  me thinks though,  you had a lucky escape.

Hopefully you'll find a better seller next time.

@sandpiper434 

[sandpiper434]

Thank you, I’m sure I will! She was exceptionally dreadful so I’m glad she doesn’t have my money anyway. 🙂

[walpurgiswitch]

Actually  I agree. As a seller awaiting release of funds but the buyer isn't providing the collection code I have to wait 14 days for the money. I offered postage OR collection and apparently the buyer chose 'collect' when paying although we had already agreed the item would be posted and eBay tell me no facility to add the tracking number. Easy solution,  ebay send both parties the collection code and both sign the printout. When I sell something privately I prepare two receipts, one for each of us. This has been such a hassle I won't offer the option any more