buy it now payment prior to inspection and collection

[scotoutdoor]

I am buying a used bike advertised with a buy it now price and only collection as an option. Ideally I would want to check out the bike prior to committing to purchase but the buy it now/make an offer option appears to preclude this. How should I proceed?

[61stephenuk]

You can't 'check out the bike prior to committing to purchase' eBay requires payment before allowing the seller to give contact details,if the bike is not acceptable to you on collection the seller can cancel the order and your payment is refunded.

eBay will issue a collection code when payment is made and this must be presented to the seller to confirm you are the buyer and the seller receives their payment,without giving the seller this code many wont allow you to take the item so make sure to take it with you when collecting.

[scotoutdoor]

Thanks, v helpful. If at point of collection I Decline the purchase "seller can refund purchase". Does this arrangement work such that refund is guaranteed and not simply at discretion of seller. Seller has indicated "no returns" which I accept  but don't want this to apply if I decline the buy it now purchase?

[papso22]

If you don't want it, you don't give the seller the collection code.   If they then don't cancel and refund you, you can make a claim  for item not received and get your refund that way.

[john1297576 · Accepted solution]

No returns does not cover not as described or fit for purpose.

If seller does not cancel and refund, then you simply open a not received case to get a refund. Do not provide seller with the collection code until you are happy.

You can also leave appropriate feedback if seller is not cooperative.