Help needed. Unusual buyer request.

[journeyman]

Contacted by a buyer interested in an item.

Message states they would like to buy my item, but during the current outbreak they do not believe its right to be buying luxuries (its a Roleplay Book).. So, they ask, if they were to buy it now would I hold onto it until all this over?

Gut reaction, there's something I'm missing here. Also gut reaction, repeat buyer, and if its not unreasonable, I will help.

First thing is the late delivery strike, not a major issue, I can ride one out, but the chances of getting it overturned are slim, with CS being crippled.

But, the major problems are, how will eBay and Paypal behave, and what rules will still remain in place, if this lasts 6 months or even longer? What if something happens to either myself or the buyer or the delivery system in that time.

I think, and this is only what I think, buying the luxury item is not the issue, as they are willing to pay. Recieving the item now is more likely the issue.

I am not getting into a debate about what's a luxury item in the current crisis.

I just want to know if I am missing a trick, I don't want to do this and end up getting stung at the end of it.

Please help. Thank you and stay safe

[john1297576]

Can't see anything on this ID to see what money is involved.

Seems very muddled thinking on the "buyers" part. I could understand not wanting delivery, but not buying "Luxury goods" but then wanting to buy seems weird.

If me, I would be inclined to say that you are unable to hold for what could be months.

[journeyman]

Thanks for all your helps guys and gals.

You've told me what I needed to hear, and I appreciate your time.

Oh and John, like many, I don't actually use my selling account to post to community.

Thanks again, I know what to do. Stay safe

[plpmr]

"but during the current outbreak they do not believe its right to be buying luxuries (its a Roleplay Book).. So, they ask, if they were to buy it now would I hold onto it until all this over?"

If they think its wrong to buy now why are they offering to buy now?

[papso22]

I don't think it's the buying as much as using delivery services to deliver luxury items, that the buyer thinks is a problem. Just a guess though.

[m25jet]

Personally I would explain to the buyer that it is not possible for you to hold onto the item after payment has been made, as it will result in you picking up a late delivery defect.  If the buyer were to commit to purchasing the item but then kept you waiting for payment so that you didn't get the notification to despatch it then you could be waiting for months for all we know - there's no telling as to how long this state of affairs is going to continue before life starts to return to some degree of normality.  In addition to that, if the buyer were to do that then it would also be preventing another potential buyer from buying the item who would have been prepared to pay up and just let the item be posted out during your stated despatch times.  Therefore, if I were you I'd give this buyer two options - either he/she buys the item, pays within an acceptable timeframe and the item is then posted out as soon as possible so as to avoid picking up a defect for late despatch, or he/she decides to hold off of purchasing the item and risk the item being sold to somebody else in the meantime.  It may not be what your buyer wants to hear, but are you really willing to risk picking up a defect on your selling account just for the sake of doing the buyer a favour?

[**peaseblossom**]

As you say, who knows when things will get back to normal.  Personally I wouldn't want the risk or hassle.   If you decide not to put their ID on your blocked bidder list to be on the safe side.

http://offer.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?BidderBlockLogin

If you decide not to sell anything for the time being you could just tell them you will relist the item when everything is running normally again.

[journeyman]

Cheers Peaseblossom.

I'm not taking a holiday, not at least whilst I'm breathing lol.

The buyer tbuys it now under the current terms, or they can wait in the Wicnhchester for all this to blow over and buy it then, should it still be available.

I don't want to be unreasonable, but you're right, its not worth it.

Thanks, and stay safe

[**peaseblossom**]

All the best. 🙂