Cash on collection - what if buyer pays via eBay (and/or requests courier) before collecting?

[irt303]

Hi, I'm preparing to list a couple of vinyl record job lots for collection only.

I haven't done a 'collection in person' listing before, and feel rather nervous about how things could go (assuming a sale, of course). It seems a bit 'Wild West', with all manner of potential pitfalls!

My strong preference, after having read various posts on the subject, is for the buyer to pay cash upon collection. I have expressed this preference in the listing, but I know that sellers cannot insist on this, which is why eBay includes other payment methods in the listing. I've also made it clear that I will neither send the records via courier, nor accept the buyer arranging for a courier to collect.

Although the listings aren't even live yet, and I'm not in an awkward situation (as yet!), I do like to be forearmed with some information. So, what options would I have if a buyer ignores (or doesn't even read) my payment preference, and makes payment through eBay prior to collection? Message the buyer, and politely ask if they'd consider accepting a refund, then paying cash when they collect? Presumably, this would involve having to relist, too. I also believe that eBay would not allow me to cancel the sale without dishing out a defect or two. And what if the buyer refuses my request? Would I just have to accept the eBay payment, and cross my fingers and toes that the buyer won't open a claim once home with their purchase?

And what would happen if the buyer requested that I send via courier, or asked if they could arrange collection via courier? Would these be acceptable reasons (i.e. without me incurring defects) for me to cancel the sale?

If anyone has any tips, advice or answers, especially from recent experience, I'd be very grateful - I'm all ears!

As usual, I'm trying to anticipate problems that may not even arise, but if things were to go wobbly, I'd like to have at least a general idea of what I could do, rather than heading to these pages in an absolute panic!

Many thanks!

[dancewithadingo]

Hi TG

I am in hiding taking copious amounts of valium.

Dingo

[tressygirl]

It's wine o clock here,  @dancewithadingo 

[dancewithadingo]

I've gone ro Woolloomooloo to escape from you know who.

Dingo

Ps. Only joking Irt

[*vyolla*]

I like the listing text, it makes it clear how you want this sale to proceed and I can't see how a buyer could misinterpret it. I would, however, remove the bit about 'sold as seen' only because it's a meaningless statement. If your buyer is paying cash it's a moot point and if they're paying via eBay checkout they can get their money back no matter what. 

[irt303]

@dancewithadingo& @tressygirl  - Ha ha, no worries! Hope you enjoyed the valium / wine! Thanks again, both of you, for your patience and advice.

The job lots are going live at 10pm tonight. I "just did it".

[irt303]

@*vyolla*- Thanks for looking at the text. I followed your advice and removed "Sold as seen". I initially included it as I'd seen it on another vinyl job lot listing, but you're right, it doesn't really count for anything.

[dancewithadingo]

Good Evening Irt

Your soul record pictures have a red tinge to them. The first one shown ie The Way I Feel shows nipples which may contravene eBay's nudity policy.

On the three listings you haven't actuall said just how many records there are in the bundle. You really need to make a play on that ie tell prospective buyers there are 100 (or just how many there are,I can't be bothered counting them) records which equates to 10p a record etc. 

Finally if it was me selling them then I would do a video of flicking through them.  I would certainly re-take the pictures.

Neither would I list them record by record, I would just list 3/4 and add something along the lines of plus many additional desirable records. 

[irt303]

@dancewithadingo - Hi, yes, those photos are a bit pink-ish. They seemed okay when I took them, but I wasn't in the best lighting conditions. I was trying to do the best I could in less than ideal circumstances!

I'm reluctant to revise the listing now, as it was listed during a FVF promo period.

I did originally state the number of records in each bundle, but I was afraid I may have miscounted, and was too frazzled to go through them again. I deleted the number as I didn't want a buyer saying "Your listing said there were 165 records, there were only 164!".

I agree, a video may have helped.

As for listing each record, I've already done it, so too late for those listings, but it's something I'll bear in mind in future (especially considering how long it took to itemize each record).

Thanks for looking at the listing and offering helpful input.

[*enterprise-ncc-1701*]

Normalacy is about to change on October 1st
from that date onwards seller is expected to hand over the item but does not get any money until buyer goes home and tells ebay they have received their item. ( assuming they can be bothered, after all how many buyers bother to leave feedback ? unless it's negative )
and even then ebay will make you refund the buyer in full if buyer makes an item not as described claim (for whatever reason they fancy) upto 30 days after collecting the item.
an exchange of cash for goods will no longer be allowed as that is somehow deemed "unsafe for seller"
1984 doublespeak !
let's see how that works out when millions of sellers quit selling on ebay.
those sellers are usually also buyers, so ebay is going to loose millions of buyers as well as millions of sellers.

[irt303]

Yes, I've read that update (only because it's been mentioned on these boards - I haven't had an email from eBay about this, or about the other recent/imminent changes), and I share your and other sellers' concerns.

I was planning on doing quite a few collection-only listings (e. g. large magazine job lots), but this has put me right off.

I totally agree about the 1984 doublespeak. This change is detrimental to sellers, and tips the already unbalanced scales even more in favour of buyers (not that I have any problem whatsoever with the majority, who are decent folk).

eBay selling already involves a lot of trust, hope and uncertainty, especially for smaller volume / genuine private sellers who cannot absorb a loss; this is going to make it even more stressful.

The thought of having to arrange a return for several heavy boxes of magazines, or whatever, fills me with dread, and it would feel all the more personal for the fact that the buyer has come to your home, chatted with you, and left apparently satisfied and happy.

If there is one recent change I desperately wish eBay would reconsider (some hope), it's this one.

[*vyolla*]

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@*enterprise-ncc-1701* wrote:

Normalacy is about to change on October 1st
from that date onwards seller is expected to hand over the item but does not get any money until buyer goes home and tells ebay they have received their item. 

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Buyers will receive a collection code, they give this to the seller when they go to collect their item. 

eBay then know that the sale has been concluded. 

[*enterprise-ncc-1701*]

why does ebay need to know ?
previously i would have thought it was to prevent fee avoidance
as i know some sellers cancel a sale after an item has been collected to avoid fees.
however after todays srprise announcement, which I had to read 3 times because i could not believeit was true.
"no selling fees"
so why the "no cash on collection" ?
and also why the " Ebay 30 day money back guarantee" on COLLECTION items ?
which allow a buyer to buy a piano, pay for it online through ebay, take it to Cornwall, then 29 days later make an " Item Not as Described" claim wanting a full refund, for whatever reason,  and youthe seller  has no choice but to refund them in full and send a prepaid return label, or let them keep the item.

[roger_roger_over_and_nowt]

I'm guessing that the MBG will be even more 1 sided for the buyer now.

As you say,they can claim not as described,weeks after collecting and the seller would have to pay returns cost which can sometimes cost more than the items value.

[*vyolla*]

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@*enterprise-ncc-1701* wrote:

why does ebay need to know ?

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Because without that code there's no proof that the buyer has collected their item, thus eBay won't release their payment. 

[*enterprise-ncc-1701*]

did you read the question ?
cash on collection, solves all problems without creating new problems
same system we have succeessfully been using for over 2000 years