Collection in person + refunds

[messiaenrules]

I have recently had a sale for a large item which is collection in person only. A buyer has paid and the money is sitting in my account, and has agreed a date to collect. 

In their messages they have made passing reference to trying out the item before collecting, which makes me think in their mind they have paid a deposit rather than committed to buying the item.

I'm trying to get my head round how this works. If this was a postable item, the seller would pay and I would send it. If the buyer wasn't happy with it, it would come down to whether the item is as described or not, and if it came to a dispute I guess ebay would side with the buyer.

In this instance, if the buyer turns up and decides they don't want the item or starts to haggle the price down, am I obliged to refund or partially refund? I'm thinking in theory no, because they agreed to buy given what I think is an accurate description of the item. But in practice, if I refuse and they raised a dispute, eBay would probably side with the buyer anyway? At least if I do it willingly then its by mutual agreement by two people in person who can see and touch the item, rather than eBay deciding, who has never seen the item.

Hopefully it won't come to this, but I'm trying to understand how this normally works.

Thank you.

[*vyolla* · Accepted solution]

Buyers can't pay deposits at eBay checkout, they have to pay the full sold amount.

When your buyer comes to collect they'll have a 6 digit code (or a QR code if you're both using the app) which they bring along with them. You do not let them take the item until you have that code and have added it to the order (to make sure it's a real code).

If the buyer looks at the item (the bike, presumably) and doesn't want it then you simply cancel the order.

The danger lies in your buyer taking the bike and then deciding that it's not as described, then you have to arrange and pay to retrieve your bike. 

[cobwebcottage]

Collection only items are sold subject to buyers inspection. They are within their rights to make sure an item works and is as you have described it before they take it away. This should give you peace of mind too as the buyer will be happy with the item and you are less likely to have an INAD case opened. If this happened, it would be your responsibility to have the item returned to you and at your cost.

I'm sure everything will be fine but don't forget that you need the collection code before they take it away. Best to remind them of this before they turn up.

[roger_roger_over_and_nowt]

Buyer comes to collect and if all is good they give you the 6 digit code to prove collection and leave with the goods.

If they are not happy you can cancel the order,refund and relist.

Haggling is between you and the buyer.

[cobwebcottage]

There shouldn't be any haggling at this stage. They have agreed a price. The only reason to haggle is if it is not as described and they both come to an agreement. 

[messiaenrules]

Thank you for your help everyone, much appreciated.