Cancelling an order due to Tier 4 restrictions - and bad vibes?

[rmykelley]

Had an item sell last week (older iMac). Buyer used Buy it Now. They have paid, but have been slow to respond to messages. It was collection-only and they asked if they could collect on Monday. Since then, Tier 4 has come into effect where we both live.

Before this happened I tried to arrange a video call so they could see the computer is working ok before they collect. Today I’ve had a message along the lines of “yes send a video but we are returning it if it doesn’t work”. And they are asking questions they should have asked before committing to buy. I’ve just got a bad feeling about it. And we know eBay always sides with the buyer!

This is a 9 year old computer. It has a few minor issues that I’ve described in the listing. But it’s working fine. Nothing to hide.

Under Tier 4 restrictions I don’t think I should be meeting up with them and I definitely don’t want to deal with a return right now. It’s hardly essential business. So I have decided to cancel the order and give them a refund.

Am I likely to get a defect on my seller profile for this? Tier 4 didn’t appear in the list of reasons for cancelling (!) but interested to hear of people have ever cancelled to due to bad vibes about a sale?

[tsmgmd]

Interesting response from someone legally trained.

Does that mean that a eBay member could sue every non paying bidder as they have broken the contract.

[rmykelley]

It would be a hassle to pursue but a great deterrent for time wasters! Had a few this year.

[john1297576]

Sounds most impractical,it is not possible to get blood out of a stone and most non payers come into that category. If it was possible to sue, what would be the point, it would just cost the seller more when the inevitable "Not As Described " case was opened.
I think I have had more non payers this year than in the previous 17 years, but unpaid strikes and Blocked Bidders List ensures I never see them again.

[jillybaby66]

I don't know how you Seller's do it ! I'd been thinking of Selling for awhile ( when normality returns ) but reading some horror stories on here and I'm running scared 😬😂 You have to really have your wits about you !

I wonder if there's been more new buyers attracted to eBay because they are unwilling or unable to buy on the High Street but having no idea what is acceptable on eBay ?
Or, financial difficulties ( though if you can't afford, don't bid , surely ?! )

I've had lot more item not received or cancellations ( and no comms ). I wonder if it's for the same reason ? ( Though some were clearly not happy with the final auction price as they immediately relisted ) That's why I was interested to learn that a buyer who cancels will almost always get penalized ?

I've been adding a note to every purchase saying : please let me know if you can't post
straight away or do so safely etc as I don't want anyone taking undue risks with their health, breaking isolation or the law ! MOST sellers have been lovely and have said, either they were fine or, yes, they'd need a few days so could post when it was quieter or when someone could go for them if elderly or vulnerable.
eBay have a least altered their policy to allow for extra postage time in these instances and are warning of it on the Help pages. I just hoped maybe they may be helping sellers by waiving some fees and penalties when items can't be sent ?
I'm just a **bleep**-eyed optimist, I guess 😂