Ebay - Collection only Payment

[muchlovex]

I am a new Seller on Ebay andhave sold 2 items to 2 separate customers. I stated on the advert for them to pay via Paypal, but both people have emailed me to ask when they can pick the item up.

I've emailed them back to say when they can pick up but have not yet received paypal payment.

Is it normal expected for more experienced buyer to pay on collection?

Thanks, as always

[NOX]

If you are collecting something it is in fact the norm and to be preferred. As long as you get their money it doesn't matter how you pay and lots of people won't touch paypal with a pole unless they can avoid it ( me included).

[muchlovex]

Oh, dear! I've emailed one buyer yesterday saying I will give him my address once payment has been received and he has not yet replied yet!

I hope he hasn't changed his mind. I don't know what I Should do now...shall I email back and explain i am new to al of this?

[Kathyan]

I always insist on cash on collection. Otherwise you have to pay Paypal fees.

[alavahalf]

Whatever you do dont accept payment by Paypal and then allow the winner to pick the item up from you.. it's a well known scam.

Here's the scam:

1. The buyer pays for the item via Paypal and arranges to collect the item in person - say for example it's a TV sold for £500 - but once he has taken possession of the TV he files an item not received complaint with Paypal.

2. You have no proof to show Paypal that the buyer received the item because it was collected in person! The "buyer" now has your TV and Paypal refund him the £500 from your account.

Another thing ... it's not a good idea to start handling cash on your doorstep with a total stranger.

[muchlovex]

Alva' - How would you propose payment if not via Paypal or cash?

[alavahalf]

You said ..'' I've emailed them back to say when they can pick up but have not yet received paypal payment .. ''
Therefore you were expecting payment by Paypal .. I was merely pointing out the Paypal scam that I thought you may not be aware of, due to having only sold 2 items on ebay.

When you are accepting cash on your doorstep (possibly for a higher value item), are you capable of instantly identifying fake notes ?

My advice is accept Paypal only... point this out in your listing.
Anyone can use Paypal to pay for an item, you dont need to have an account, just a credit card.

Good luck with your sales.!

[sinderella]

that sounds like paranoid ramblings to me. anybody could pay by papal , pick it up then say they have not received it.so the paying cash argument doesnt hold.
a customer picking up nearly always pays cash.paypal will want a cut if you use them.
if you are unsure about the authenticity of the person picking it up send them a number on the paypal receipt which they quote when they arrive

[johnk]

Yes, usually it is pay on collection which I prefer as it avoids Paypal fees.

[munchie63]

I doubt very much that they want to scam you, more a case of preferring to collect the item, see it close up to check it''s as described, then pay you cash to avoid paypal fees. many items are listed as 'pick-up only'.
If you stipulated that payment method was paypal only, then you're within your rights to re-list or sell to someone else (the next highest bidder using 2nd chance option).
If you're comfy with someone knocking to collect the item fine, but dont be bullied into it. that said, it can often be easier to deal face 2 face

[MoonRocker]

if it's an expensive item then most will want to verify it is as described before actually paying. Eg I have sold many cars and all of them pay cash when they collect.

[cathfromsaron]

however he pays, make sure he signs a receipt of collection, stating the item description and sold as seen x

[EDDIE51]

The argument about cash on collection and then saying the item has not been recieved applies to standard post as well . I buyer could say that an item sent by standard post had not arrived and claim. I have a 750 +ve rateing on ebay but only once did I suspect someone was 'trying it on' 99% of ebayers are honest in my expierience. Look at the buyer profile if you are not sure any negative feedbacks need to be looked at .

[cathfromsaron]

i've had one fishy bloke and refunded to prevent negative feedback!

wasn't worth the fuss for a second hand hat, but i KNOW it got there as he left neg feedback for other sellers accusing them of the same thing!