eBay Dilemma - Buyer Can't Pick up

FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 19:53
Last edited 25/02/2017 - 09:43 by 1 other user

I sold a amplifier and 9 speakers including 2 subwoofers which are quite heavy. The 2 front floor speakers are large and tall as well. So I obviously state that its pick up only. the person was suppose to pick them up today. I get a call for him this afternoon saying "I'm near the hume high..where is your house?" I say.. "I live near the gold coast, I don't live near Sydney" he says (in broken English) "oh can you send to me, I am in sydney for one day, but live in Melbourne, can you send? I say "It will cost a lot of money since there is a lot of speakers and they are heavy" old-mate says " I don't care, I want"

There were other buyers that have bidded on the auction and I am considering doing a second chance thing on ebay, which I will have to pay fees for. I took the promotion were I didn't have to pay fees for 10 items. So it looks like now I will because people don't like reading or paying attention. Anyway, what would you do? It will be such a hassle couriering it, I don't even have any boxes (not that most of the stuff would fit in them anyway. Thanks. The buyer was pretty nice sounding and I kind of feel bad for selling it to someone else, but its still annoying.

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Comments

  • robbyjones on 22/02/2017 - 19:59
    +13

    Find out how much it would cost to send it to him (include packaging) and tell him you will organise if he pays the cost upfront (to cover yourself do all the of the communication within Ebay email). If he doesn't want to do that then go with the plan you suggested of offering it to under-bidders

    • EightImmortals on 23/02/2017 - 07:19
      +19

      Then watch out for the when the guy claims he didn't receive them and paypal doesn't give you your money?

      • Galvatron on 23/02/2017 - 11:19
        +3

        This is what tracking is for.

        • EightImmortals on 23/02/2017 - 13:01
          +11

          Yeah, nah. Plenty of reports around where goods were delivered and signed for but paypal/ebay reverse the transaction because the buyer 'claims' they didn't get arrive.

        • Moral hazard on 24/02/2017 - 12:57
          +3

          @EightImmortals:

          If australia post says delivered to the persons address on paypal, then ebay and paypal with side with the seller.

          I know because I was a buyer and australia post showed delivered to my address. but I didn't receive the item or sign for it (it was sent without signiture on delivery).

          Opened cases on ebay and paypal and appealed as well with no luck.

          Not sure how everyone thinks the buyer always wins these cases, when I do find examples here on the forums of cases where the buyer loses out.
          No item and no refund.

          For the OP I would not bother sending it because it's a lot of work. He should pickup if that was the only option in the listing.

        • BookerDeWitt on 24/02/2017 - 16:48

          @EightImmortals: This just happened to me :(

  • BigTed on 22/02/2017 - 19:59

    So long as he pays, what's the problem?

    • ChillBro on 22/02/2017 - 20:31
      +12

      Wasting time.

    • El Cap on 23/02/2017 - 11:28
      +2

      I think the OP is trying to be kind.

      • payton on 23/02/2017 - 13:32

        Would be sad to see kind/nice people get stuffed around or scammed just because

    • Marty131 on 24/02/2017 - 10:58

      paypal / eBay reversing the transaction? (Worst case scenario, if buyer is fraudulent).

  • SnoozeAndLose on 22/02/2017 - 20:02
    +12

    it may be a scam, ask you to pay for the postage first and he never wire any money back to you.

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 20:05

      That wont be happening! It would of been so much easier if the person lived within range. I just measured the speakers and they are around 90 cm long, so they should just scrape in for auspost. I don't know about the weight allowance though.

      • Rifraf on 22/02/2017 - 20:08
        +49

        And what if they get damaged in transit?

        They are a time waster like a lot of people.

        Flick them off

        • Pratty on 24/02/2017 - 15:25
          +1

          This. Absolutely this. Fork off.

      • harkoliar on 24/02/2017 - 17:39

        Do you really have to send it via auspost? There are alternative senders.

        I used http://www.e-go.com.au/ once and they did a pretty good job.

        Of course its the hassle doing it when you expected a pickup though. I would personally go with second chances.

        • FeRGan on 24/02/2017 - 20:27

          I put them up 2 days ago and no one has responded to them.

  • Rifraf on 22/02/2017 - 20:07
    +34

    Who could be bothered packing all that?

    Time is money.

    Either he's picking up or he isn't.

    Ask him if he's picking up and forward the answer to eBay.

    Imagine if you went through all that work packing and he then finds an excuse to not pay.

    He's either an idiot or a scammer.

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 20:08
      +14

      I agree. I think he needs a strike against him. There is so much more work for me to do. And if I make a mistake in the calculations, I'm out of pocket.

  • DR-JEKL on 22/02/2017 - 20:09
    +1

    get a quote through pack & send

    They collect from your door but you'll have to package everything…

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 20:12

      Thanks, I may look into it. I guess I could find some packing material. Its so annoying though.

      • ShortyX on 23/02/2017 - 09:04
        +5

        Pack'n'Send can do everything for you including packing material and boxes.

        But I wouldn't deal with this seller.

      • eyeballz2770 on 23/02/2017 - 14:31
        +1

        If you want to help the buyer out, pack & send is highly recommended by me. I've had to use them twice for bulky interstate ebay purchases and I've been delighted every time as the buyer. For the service they provide and the lack of headache to the sellers, they are value for money. My sellers arranged the pickup for their convenience, as well.

      • woteva on 23/02/2017 - 23:46
        +1

        +1 for pack & send
        They are not cheap.

        • Jackson on 24/02/2017 - 09:05

          And therefore the buyer in this case is likely to not want to pay

        • stumo on 24/02/2017 - 16:36

          @Jackson:
          The buyer organizes and pays it themselves.

        • woteva on 24/02/2017 - 17:20

          @Jackson:
          Measure and weigh the pieces for a quote.

  • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 20:10
    +6

    There is also another small issue where the amp hums and makes a quiet but high pitch whine when turned on. I will assume he didn't bother reading that either, even though it is clearly stated.

    • payton on 23/02/2017 - 13:29
      +3

      He may make a Not Described dispute later, forget this buyer and sell locally

    • coolhand on 24/02/2017 - 20:37

      Try contacting eBay support about the issue, could be a lot easier if you're able to do second chance offer and still not pay the fees.

  • holdenmg on 22/02/2017 - 20:23
    +1

    The whole thing sounds dodgy.
    Try phoning greyhoundfreight on 1300 65 65 32

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 20:24

      I will check it out, I will try pack and send too. The guy seems quite scattered and didn't even know what day it was today. He may of been doing a lot of travelling.

  • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 20:28
    +3

    It was actually hard to understand him since English was obviously not his first language. He might of said "cheque" at one point. So what… I have to wait for him to send it to me and then allow it to clear… And all the while I having trouble free ebay buyers who missed out. This sucks.

  • ronnknee on 22/02/2017 - 20:30
    +15

    I would probably stand my ground and insist that the item is pickup only. If they still disagree then I would cancel the order and issue a full refund. You will only get more trouble from buyers like them.

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 20:36
      +25

      They haven't even paid. I am thinking of lodging a "non paying bidder" tomorrow so they cant leave negative feedback

      • Rifraf on 22/02/2017 - 22:33
        +3

        Now your thinking

        • schwinn on 23/02/2017 - 15:21
          +1

          Now his thinking what?

        • Rick Sanchez on 24/02/2017 - 10:00
          +1

          @schwinn: his thinking is what will get him out of this pickle

      • D C on 23/02/2017 - 07:07
        +5

        Pickups should be cash only (or bank transfer).

        No Paypal protection for pickups, you collect your item and promptly file a 'not received' claim to get a refund.

      • YellowDieselGolf on 23/02/2017 - 15:47
        +3

        Hasn't paid?

        Crack him off.

        If you're feeling kind, give him the measurements and the phone number for pack and send. Tell him he's got 24h to pay you or it's being relisted.

        He's wasted enough of your time.

  • slknv on 22/02/2017 - 20:30
    +5

    If you do relist, just make sure you block the idiot who won the auction without reading the description of "pickup only"!

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 20:37
      +2

      I will be doing that and more… I want to set it so that people with 2 strikes cant even bid. I have another pair of speakers sitting here from another auction because people don't like reading.

      • godofpizza on 24/02/2017 - 15:48

        have you tried listed them on gumtree. i usually don't have many issues with bulky items with local pickup there.

        • FeRGan on 24/02/2017 - 16:04

          I have got them on gumtree and facebook classifieds. I just got someone asking if I will deliver to a location 50mins away. I'll be glad when these bloody things are gone to be honest with you.

        • godofpizza on 27/02/2017 - 10:45

          @FeRGan:
          jesus, bet when you get there they would short change you aswell :(

  • beaver2233 on 22/02/2017 - 20:42
    +12

    yeah I wouldn't bother trying to send it. way too expensive and not worth your time. the sale was pickup only for a reason .

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 20:44

      Is there a way of doing this without getting negative feedback?

      • beaver2233 on 22/02/2017 - 20:52

        Been a while since I've had to deal with anything like this. But I think as you mentioned, open a case or whatever for non-paying buyer and just state it was a pickup only sale.

      • Aniseed Steed on 22/02/2017 - 21:06
        +2

        I'm afraid not. I was in a similar position a few years ago and the items I was selling were a couple of armchairs. I copped a negative feedback for cancelling the transaction.

        From eBay:

        "If you cancel a transaction, it is considered a transaction defect and may affect your seller level. Learn more about seller performance standards.
        If you cancel a transaction, the buyer can still leave you negative or neutral Feedback about the transaction.
        When you list an item, you enter into a legally binding contract to complete the transaction if the item is sold. If you cancel the transaction, there could be other negative ramifications. See the eBay User Agreement.
        Once the cancellation is complete, you can't ask us to step in and help with the transaction, and you can't reopen the cancellation request."

      • whooah1979 on 22/02/2017 - 21:10
        +3

        Is there a way of doing this without getting negative feedback?

        don't worry about the neg. you can reply with the buyer wanted shipping for a collect item.

      • Innately Incognito on 23/02/2017 - 02:31
        +4

        You can appeal this but only over the phone. eBay has a specific department for member-to-member feedback appeals :)

        One of my eBay stores had a guy purchase an item thinking it was free shipping (eBay can see it's never been free shipping) and that delivery of his 60kg+ item to a rural area was going to cost 50% of the purchase price. Asked us to cancel the transaction (which we did) then negs us complaining about the lack of free delivery.

        Called up eBay and they removed it within about five minutes.

        AFAIK if you choose the 'User requested cancellation' you avoid any defect. And if the buyer is clearly wrong about the seller's terms then I think eBay will protect you from the neg feedback.

      • YellowDieselGolf on 23/02/2017 - 15:50
        +2

        Who cares? I never hesitate to buy from a seller with a small % of negs. They disappear after a while.

        • Rick Sanchez on 24/02/2017 - 10:02
          +1

          How they deal with them is the most important thing. But it is nice to have a clean sheet

  • altomic on 22/02/2017 - 21:01
    +1

    Run away. Too much hassle.

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 21:03

      What about the negative feedback?

      • whooah1979 on 22/02/2017 - 21:13
        +9

        What about the negative feedback?

        100% pos fb are meaningless for casual sellers. just reply with the truth. other buyers will understand the buyer was a pita.

        • MrGareth on 23/02/2017 - 17:42
          +1

          If he posts negative, just respond back with "item was PICKUP ONLY, he lived in another state, and wouldn't pick up".

          When I buy from someone, I check their negs and see what the response is. Sometimes the buyer is just a pain.

        • Rick Sanchez on 24/02/2017 - 10:04

          @webbiegareth: just sound diplomatic when you do so, without actually having a go at them. Ie sorry but unfortunately I could not afford to pay more than the item value for shipping a Pick-up only item.

      • altomic on 22/02/2017 - 23:00
        +1

        Cancel the sales due to "an issue with the buyers address" - it's a legit reason.

  • whooah1979 on 22/02/2017 - 21:06

    open an uid. wait four days to close. then relist the item.

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 21:08

      I had other bidders that were close to the high bidder. If I open an unpaid item case, can I still do the second chance offer?

      • foxmulder on 23/02/2017 - 03:45

        You need to do cancellation first with first buyer. Once completed you can then sender indicating chance offer this second chance offer.

  • Randxyz123 on 22/02/2017 - 21:07
    +1

    First off do a quote with pack and send. There are a couple of other courier type sites that will pick up as well.

    E.g https://www.smartsend.com.au

    Next send him a firm email. Basically tell him he has 3 choices

    1) Pay and come and pick them up

    2) Pay for speakers + postage cost

    3) You'll cancel the auction and report him to eBay.

    Give him 48 hours to respond. If he doesn't respond with a yes or no answer contact eBay. Since it is the weekend give it till say Tuesday morning. Wednesday I'd do second chance offers and have eBay deal with him.

    I always put this the bottom of my items on eBay

    "By bidding on my items you are entering into a contract with me whereby you agree that you will pay for the item that you have bid on. If you don't wish to buy or aren't sure PLEASE DO NOT BID. Furthermore if you don't pay within 48 hours of the auction ending I will open a case with eBay".

    Touch wood I'm yet to have a issue.

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 21:12

      But what if he pays by paypal and disputes the sale once he receives it?

      • Randxyz123 on 22/02/2017 - 21:13

        Why would they dispute it?

        • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 21:16

          He could say that the items weren't what was described.

      • whooah1979 on 22/02/2017 - 21:18
        +5

        But what if he pays by paypal and disputes the sale once he receives it?

        you sound like casual seller. don't over think this. never ship an item that has been listed as pick up only. there is neither a seller nor buyer protection for items collected in person. the buyer can however file a chargeback.

        just open an uid and go from there.

  • KaTst3R on 22/02/2017 - 21:08
    +1

    Maybe the other buyers might do the same thing…"im on my way to Christchurch, can you send here?"

  • garetz on 22/02/2017 - 21:24
    +4

    If the guy is stupid enough to bid on an auction that is pickup only, and he is in a whole other state, do you really want to deal with someone with that level of stupidity ?

    He is either trying to scam you, or he is genuinely that stupid. Either way i wouldnt deal with him if i was you.

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 21:28
      +1

      I don't want to deal with him. I just wonder if I can give second chance offers at the same time as an unpaid item case. I don't want to waste my time getting quotes when who knows what this character is going to decide. I don't even have an address to give the courier company because he in travelling. It wouldn't surprise me if he gave the wrong address.

      • garetz on 22/02/2017 - 21:29

        If you want your fees back so you can relist you have to mark him as a non paying bidder. Then relist.

        • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 21:31

          I went with a promotion where I got 10 items with no fees at all,besides paypal. So if it was pickup, I wouldn't of paid a cent. The second chance offer will make me pay a final value fee though.

    • FeRGan on 22/02/2017 - 21:37

      He must of thought "NSW…oh I will be in Sydney, they must live near there."

  • CyberMurning on 22/02/2017 - 21:28
    +4

    Don't bother even considering. Just re list.

  • Baebs on 22/02/2017 - 22:10
    +2

    "I don't care, I want"

    Sounds like a wise fella.

  • Cave Fire on 22/02/2017 - 22:21
    +2

    Pretty sure you can cancel based on the fact that your auction was pick up only and now you are being asked to deliver. Anything electronic is kind of hard to sell on eBay. As you mentioned that the item has slight issue, it is better if the buyer inspects and is happy before paying for the item.

    Also, there's heaps of electronic item scams on eBay. A classic one would be getting the items delivered and claiming not received or damaged in transit. If you look into previous cases, something like 90% of these cases go in favour of the buyer. Did you try Gumtree or local Facebook groups? There's also Facebook marketplace on mobile. No fees and you still have a chance of getting someone local.

  • Ughhh on 22/02/2017 - 22:29

    If you're doing pickup, I assume you are only accepting cash on hand. If you and the buyer are nice to each other, the buyer might agree to cancel the transaction on ebay after handing over money, therefore no ebay fees, no charge backs, no ebay returns.

    The buyer was pretty nice sounding and I kind of feel bad for selling it to someone else, but its still annoying.

    It's not your fault he (as well as 60% of the people on ebay/gumtree) can't read. The postage fees will probably way out of his budget/expectation anyway, so it was never really his to begin with.

  • Axelstrife on 23/02/2017 - 00:06
    +2

    Cancel his sale you stated PICK UP ONLY simple as that he broke the rules not you. contact ebay they should sort it out since the buyer is in the wrong.

    • FeRGan on 23/02/2017 - 00:36

      I am unsure if I should cancel or go the unpaid item route. I have already sent out the second chance offers. I am done with this guy. Which option would suit me best?

      • Axelstrife on 23/02/2017 - 00:38
        +1

        whatever is easiest and doesn't cost you money.

        • FeRGan on 23/02/2017 - 01:05

          I like the cut of your jib.

  • gstfree on 23/02/2017 - 07:40

    Explain to the buyer that the shipping term is Pick Up only. The buyer may arrange his courier to pick up.
    Alternatively quote delivery plus insurance with 50% mark up.

  • BartholemewH on 23/02/2017 - 07:43

    You realise 9 speakers that size are going to cost 300+ to send to him unless you can palletise them.

  • kolorijo on 23/02/2017 - 08:56
    +6

    Had a similar experience with op and this is what I did:

    1. Point it out that it was pick up only as mentioned in the ad.
    2. Ask them to send you an Ebay message to cancel the transaction, refer to point 1 for reason. Cancel the transaction once you received the request from the buyer.
    3. If that didn't work, no communication back from the buyer (like in my case), file an unpaid item claim through ebay. See this page http://pages.ebay.com.au/help/sell/unpaid-items.html
    4. The buyer will receive an unpaid item mark on their ebay when you close the case.
    5. Block the buyer from your ad in the future to avoid similar drama.
  • theHMASfriendship on 23/02/2017 - 09:09
    +2

    "Pick up only, buddy"

  • pikapika on 23/02/2017 - 11:07
    +3

    You stated pick up only..That's what you stated so stick to your guns and put a complaint through to eBay and tell them the problem you're experiencing with the buyer.

    Also neg feedback..eh…if you get one or two it's not the end of the world tbh…However, the buyer is completely in the wrong. Don't bow to their wishes especially if you found them hard to communicate with as it could bring more issues.

    I'd be half tempted to say well shipping is over $600 just to scare them off.

    • guysmiley on 23/02/2017 - 11:46

      Agreed, if the listing was pick up only. The potential buyer should have contacted you beforehand to see if you would be amicable to the possibility of shipping/posting.

      I have done this previously to items that were listed as pick-up only, I have confirmed the details with the seller and arranged my own courier, within the sellers convenience and availability.

      It's not hard to be polite, if the buyer didn't understand or wasn't prepared to ask questions, he shouldn't have bid on the item.

    • uzz30 on 23/02/2017 - 12:11
      +1

      Also agree. You offered pick up only precisely to avoid the time, hassle and expense of shipping.

      If you had offered shipping in the original listing you would likely have picked up a much larger audience of bidders and fetched a higher price for your much greater trouble.

      No way I'd be shipping to this 'winning' bidder, the shipping wasn't in the original offer and if you were willing to do shipping I'd scrap this guy and relist with the shipping option and get a higher price on the listing with a broader audience.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 23/02/2017 - 11:47

    Here's what to do; think for yourself what you want to do? Send it to the guy or sell it to someone who can collect. You can't go through life not being able to make simple decisions by yourself.

  • pln on 23/02/2017 - 12:18

    Meep Meep it!

    https://www.meemeep.com/public/home/consumers

  • altomic on 23/02/2017 - 12:46

    I recently sold a bulk lot of books. Listed as "pick up only" in title, in the description and in the postage details. Person from far away still bought then and then emailed me with "oh, didn't realise it was pick up only" FFS. They then orgainised a courier to pick up. I just had to put them in a box. Slightly annoying but worked ouy and I only had to do minor extra work.

    But these speakers…they sound like trouble and a hassle. Send off a second chance offer to the next highest budder. The original seller isnt going to pay so open an unpaid item dispute when you can.

  • giventofly on 23/02/2017 - 13:00
    +6

    This is a scam. Don't do it.

  • theguyrules on 23/02/2017 - 13:25

    I lost an auction for a computer on eBay once, but the winner couldn't pick it up, and I was able to pick it up that day, so I got the 2nd chance offer.
    I was stoked as it was an awesome price.

    • HoracePinker on 24/02/2017 - 13:03
      -1

      I see this differently. This scenario would set off alarm bells of a shill bidder. I never accept 2nd chance offers (unless there was only 2 bids)

      • theguyrules on 24/02/2017 - 13:09
        +1

        Maybe. I still got it for way cheaper than it was worth.
        I went and picked it up and I dont think the guy that sold it is the type of guy to shill bid.
        I could be wrong but it all worked out anyway.

  • triviums on 23/02/2017 - 15:01

    If you happen to relist it, I suggest you accept thisebay offer. It will lower the final value fee percentage from 9.9% to 5.4% or 7.2% (depending on the price of the item).

  • rich545im on 23/02/2017 - 15:24

    Not worth it mate, to many variables can go wrong. Just relist and state very clearly "cash on pickup only"

  • lddv04 on 23/02/2017 - 16:08

    Get them to arrange their own courier. I did that once with a set of golf clubs I couldn't pick up. That way the buyer has to pay the courier, not you.

    • FeRGan on 23/02/2017 - 16:11
      +6

      I get the feeling this guy couldn't arrange a root in a brothel.

  • jellykingdom on 23/02/2017 - 16:28

    You could get a basic quote online for courier like Pack n Send. Its very easy. Then add 10% and tell him that price. I've sent a big heavy amp and some big heavy speakers and it was surprisingly cheap - like $20 for a 10kg amp

    I do agree with most people that its MAYBE a scam, but its easier with ebay - just check his feedback. If he has 0 feedback, yes its a scam. if he has 200 positive reviews, he's probably legit

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