Endless cancellation of collection only items...

[daviddchb]

I'm trying to sell more of my stuff as collection only. But about 50% of what I sell I have to cancel the transaction because the buyer says 'Oh dear, I didn't realise it was collection only' or 'surely you can post it'. Is there something I'm doing wrong. I just cancelled one which was very predictable because their postcode was a long way away; I tried to message them to confirm before accepting their offer but ebay barred that. I always stress in the description that it's collection only. Help, it's really p'ing me off. 

[ed_58611]

That is an attractive print indeed, and if I lived a bit closer I would certainly make you a reasonable offer. Viewing from a laptop it is immediately clear that there are no options/details regarding Postage and it is "Collection in person only", never mind your second image in clear block caps, which is a clever idea... surely no-one could miss that?

But shouldn't it state in Item Specifics that this is a "Licensed Print", no. 17 of 50 in fact, rather than an "Original", or are you saying that it's an original etching from the plate? 

[selective_distribution]

 I posted about exactly the same problem a couple of weeks ago, and got some great advice on here. I sold the same item FIVE times to different buyers, the item was clearly marked as collection only! Each time I had to refund and waste time with endless emails. The worst one was a woman in London, I am in Leeds. When I contacted her to ask how she intended to collect from Leeds? I was told to `Take it to Postage Locker`! I explained again that it was `Collection only`, to which she responded `Take to Post Office!`. I then had to refund and relist, during which time she left abusive feedback that eBay removed for me. But even selling the item to a local person there were problems. I told them that they could collect anytime Friday / Saturday/ Sunday, to which they replied `I`ll come on Thursday!` After telling them that I was not available on Thursday, they responded by telling me to `CALM DOWN!`. I nearly cancelled the order, but was fed up with it all by this time. Ah, the joys of online selling.

[kyanyama]

If you have space in the title put COLLECTION ONLY.  I know it takes up a lot of characters but you could leave off the 'only' in the title but you must put it prominently otherwise you will get those wanting it collected by a courier.

There is also the 'description box' under above the price.  You could put:

Used:
“Good Condition, looks really good” COLLECTION ONLY - MAIDSTONE, KENT

It should be easier to see although it will also be below the price in the postage section.

In your written description box at the beginning before you start about the item information put:

COLLECTION ONLY IN PERSON Maidstone, Kent:  Sorry, No courier collection.

Then start the warts 'n all description.

You could also make your own Item Specific.  I do when there is something really important I want emphasised - eBay loves the use of Item Specifics!

[daviddchb]

Wisniewska was primarily a printmaker. There would not have been an original painting for this etching – as well as the artistic skill in designing the overall compositioin, the printmaker’s skill here is using etching techniques to create the different shades of light and the overall atmosphere. Once the plate was created she would have hand-made 50 etchings plus some artist proofs as the overall edition. The plate would then have been cancelled. The art market afaik refers to this edition as ‘originals’. The quality of her work is incredible, but I find the etchings a little dark for my taste.

[daviddchb]

To be fair, all the dialogue with buyers has been friendly for me thus far. I had one customer who was dumbfounded I wouldn't post, but remained amicable. We'll see what the future holds!

[ed_58611]

Thank you very much for your well-worded response... and most interesting & informative too. 

It IS quite dark I noticed but I am nonetheless very drawn to it; but then I do have a penchant for etchings... I shall be doing some research into the artist and printmaker.

Best of luck with your sale!

[daviddchb]

That's a good idea using the Seller's Notes. I've added it into my example listing. I'm not

sure anything will stop the 'can i send a courier?'  but tbf nearly every time I've been asked that has been before the customer actually bid.  

[xyz307xyz]

No, the buyer does not/cannot choose RM or Evri under Simple Delivery. Ebay chooses; and you can turn off* Evri (or RM) if you want to. You cannot turn off DHL. https://www.ebay.co.uk/ship/prf/simpledelivery

(*) "There may be exceptions where preferred couriers are unavailable due to your location or package size."

[daviddchb]

Thanks for that. I'm coming back to ebay after a long absence so still learning about simple delivery. I also need to buy something from a private seller so I can see what the customer experience looks like.