Untrustworthy buyer

[christopher5854]

I advertised an item for sale as cash and collect. The buyer has paid through EBay but has made various feeble excuses about when they will collect and I have answered many questions about how it works and if I am prepared to demonstrate it which I said I will. I’m worried they will come and take the item but complain later, asking for a refund. They have paid EBay for buyer protection. 
I just have a bad feeling about it.

[tressygirl · Accepted solution]

There is no cash on collection unless you are selling a vehicle? They paid correctly,  through eBay checkout.

Send them a message when they come , they must bring with them a Collection code they will find either in their eBay messages, email , or in the order details,  that you will not release the item without this code.

Scan the code or enter it manually alongside Confirm Collection in the order details,  and do so in their presence to make sure it works.  This is your only proof the item was collected.

Complaining later?  Yep, that option is always open to any buyer who later wishes to complain that an item was not as described.

@christopher5854 

[jckl1957]

The buyer had to pay through Ebay and had to pay for buyer protection.

The Buyer Protection Fee is added to every listing from a private seller and the buyer has no choice.

Ebay no longer allow cash on collection - the buyer has to pay before you can exchange contact details.

The buyer is covered by the Ebay Money Back Guarantee so, if after a day or two, they realise the item doesn't work properly or is not as described, they can start a return case.

These conditions apply to all Ebay sales (apart from motor vehicles) - buyer has to pay BPF, no cash on collection, right to return under the MBG.

[christopher5854]

Thanks for your reply. I haven’t used eBay regularly for a few years and when I did, cash and collect was allowed. It gave the buyer an opportunity to try the item and agree that it was as advertised. Now, it allows the chance of a buyer saying “it’s fine” and later changing their mind and getting a refund.