Collection

[gideonch_0]

hello, somebody is interested in purchasing my item and I want them to pick it up so they can check and confirm everything is working properly before proceeding. So how do I inform ebay if the collection went through successfully? I want the client to confirm everything in my presence rather than posting the item and later receiving unnecessary complaints

[**peaseblossom**]

eBay don't allow cash on collection these days and blocks messages containing contact details until after payment has been made online via ebay.    So buyer has to pay first.   If they are not happy with the item you can always cancel the transaction.

Also see "Proof of collection" on here:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/selling/posting-items/setting-postage-options/local-collection?id=4181

[*vyolla*]

You need to set up your listing as collection in person, and the buyer then buys and pays for the item and eBay issue them with a collection code.

They give this to you when they come to inspect and collect their item. If they're not happy, you cancel the transaction by selecting the 'buyer asked to cancel' reason. If they're happy then they give you the code which proves they've collected.

However, the buyer still has the same eBay buyer protection as if you posted the item out - if they get home and decide that it's not as described they may return it, and you need to organise and pay for the return.

[tressygirl]

This is not possible before actual purchase and payment is made.

For a listed collection item,  buyer buys,  pays through eBay checkout, cash on collection is Not allowed.

Only then can contact details be exchanged.

They come and inspect and if all is well, they give you a collection code which you scan or enter the numbers manually in the order details,  this is your only proof the item was collected,  do not release the item without receiving this code.

If after inspection they do not wish to proceed with the purchase,  you cancel the order citing Buyer Requests to Cancel,  this fully refunds the buyer.

@gideonch_0 

[gideonch_0]

Thanks for your response. The customer has already made payment via the
platform and he is expecting me to ship the item and I’m not comfortable to
ship it because of his message.

Customer message:
Thank you for accepting my offer. I just wanted to confirm whether you will
be shipping this phone, as this is the fifth time I’ve attempted to
purchase the same phone, and previous sellers on this platform have failed
to ship.
Please, if you do not plan to ship the phone immediately upon payment,
kindly let me know. I genuinely need this phone, and I’m disappointed by
the experiences I’ve had with other sellers here.
I apologize if my message seems persistent, but I would greatly appreciate
your confirmation. Once you give me your word, I will proceed with the
payment immediately.

[*vyolla*]

You've no more protection as a seller if the buyer collects the phone. It's the same difference whether they collect or it's posted out to them. A tracking number showing delivery prevents an item not received claim.

However, you mentioned that your buyer has paid but in his message he says "Once you give me your word, I will proceed with the payment immediately." So, is there money in your eBay account, or not?

[tressygirl]

Are you sure they've paid?  Last line in their message states if you ' give your word ' you will dispatch the phone, they will proceed with payment.

Do not post the phone before payment.

As above the buyer cannot come and collect without paying,  but they are not mentioning anything about collection just a confirmation from being previously disappointed with non deliveries, that you will send out the item.

@gideonch_0 

[gideonch_0]

The customer has paid the money to eBay but I’m not comfortable with his message so I will prefer collection where he will have the opportunity to check the item rather than posting it. 

[tressygirl]

Would the buyer be happy to come and collect,  do they live nearby.

You can certainly message and ask them this, but in the same message make sure you make it very clear you need to cancel the order which will refund them, and then relist it as a Collection only item.  They would need to buy it again from your eBay listing ( ensure that is on your message that it IS to be relisted on eBay) and they must bring then,  the collection code which you scan , this is your only proof the item was collected.  Do not release the item without this code.

All the above depends on whether it is convenient for them to come and collect the item from you.

@gideonch_0 

[red_magpie]

where he will have the opportunity to check the item rather than posting it.

It really makes no difference. Provided the buyer has either proof of collection (eBay collection code) or tracking proof fo delivery they have up to 30 days in which to open a case for a refund because the item was not as described. eBay will accept their word, whatever the reason.

The fact that the buyer may have inspected it on collection or even left positive feedback will count for nothing.

Don't delude yourself into thinking that there's some way to be sure that a buyer won't claim a refund. You can refuse to complete a sale, or dispute the money back guarantee case, but either would probably result in a defect on your account. It doesn't take many defects to be banned from selling. Selling on eBay is not risk free. (Neither is buying.)