Hi, If the buyer arranges own carriage, who is responsible for the costs if returned?

[lemon_cluster]

Hi,  i have a couple of items on auction that i have described as "for collection only".    I have had many enquiries about this and have added that I am happy to allow buyers to arrange and pay for their own carriage. I will be happy to pack and take to a collection point.  

In the event that it must be rerturned (could be damaged during transit or found to be "not as described"), who is responsible for the carraige costs?  

Regards, 

[red_magpie · Accepted solution]

In the event that it must be rerturned (could be damaged during transit or found to be "not as described"), who is responsible for the carraige costs?

As has been said, if the buyer sends a courier, there is no buyer protection, so you don't have to accept the return.

However, eBay's money back guarantee does apply if the buyer pays by paypal and collects in person.

In that case, your question - who would pay for the return - is not explained anywhwer! The buyer can't just return it themselves, as eBay requires tracking proof of delivery. Whether the buyer or seller pays for a courier isn't stated. But it's a fair guess that, as in the case of items that are delivered, eBay will make the seller pay for the return if they want it back.

If so, it's likely to cost more to pay for many items to be returned than they sold for. Which is the second, very good reason why you should try to get payment in cash when items are collected. (The first is that, without any postal proofs, there's an easy scam by which the buyer can have a paypal payment reversed, and still keep the item.)

For full details of eBay's money back guarantee see: http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/money-back-guarantee.html