What would you do in this situation ?

wjd283 · July 3, 2005 3:24PM

I had a few items end on ebay last night.Recieved this email a little while ago from one of my buyers.

<< I live in Damascus where and when could we meet to compleate the transaction >>

Damascus is about 50 mins to an hour drive from where I live and I'm really not to sure how to get there.
I distinctly remember NOT saying I would deliver jack **it.It was $3 S&H.

Should I go out of my way to deliver this ($27) item or should I politely insist that they send me payment + S&H ?

LucyBop · July 3, 2005 3:31PM

i would ship it out, and collect the shipping fees that were termed in the auction...

Bochiman · July 3, 2005 3:33PM

I would say that "we could meet at your receiving address but please forgive me if I am busy so my representative will meet you instead. You will be able to recognize him as he will be wearing the USPS uniform and will have your package from me. Thanks"

michael · July 3, 2005 3:34PM

meet him at a fast food place really close to your house

you both can sit down and talk for a few monites and tell him to bring some extra gelt as you will bring some other choice items for him to look at for purchase

nederveit · July 3, 2005 3:34PM

Perhaps the buyer thinks you are closer to him/her than you really are. I would respond to the message, and offer to meet him at a convenient location (for you), otherwise you will mail it for the advertised shipping price.

2bits · July 3, 2005 3:35PM

You are under no obligation to meet with anyone, In fact that is a very dangerous thing to do!! The person has no claim to an explaination, just send the invoice and wait for the funds .

Rick

wjd283 · July 3, 2005 3:35PM

<< I would say that "we could meet at your receiving address but please forgive me if I am busy so my representative will meet you instead. You will be able to recognize him as he will be wearing the USPS uniform and will have your package from me. Thanks" >>

I like that.

dthigpen · July 3, 2005 3:36PM

Gas for a 50 Minute drive is more than $3 anyways.

LucyBop · July 3, 2005 3:37PM

Now if I win your coin and tell you to meet me in person, you better jump in that car, drive the 50 minutes, and meet me in person!

numonebuyer · July 3, 2005 3:42PM

There is no way I would ever complete an eBay transaction in person.

wjd283 · July 3, 2005 3:42PM

<< Now if I win your coin and tell you to meet me in person, you better jump in that car, drive the 50 minutes, and meet me in person! >>

I would you.

You could teach me how to Bebop.

I am on night shift for about another month.I could tell him:

I'm currently working night shift so I could only meet you between 2 and 4AM and since I'm not to hip with that alternative I must politely ask you to send payment via the USPS.

dthigpen · July 3, 2005 3:45PM

I have completed one Ebay transaction face-to-face in person back. This was back in 2000 though, the buyer had over 100 feedback (all positive), lived in Mexico right across the border from San Diego and the item was fairly bulky. The buyer also asked me before bidding if it would be possible and I said yes. He came and picked it up at my casa, paid me cash, shook my hand, and went about his way.

With that said, if I had to do it again in person, I wouldn't meet at my house.

wjd283 · July 3, 2005 3:45PM

<< There is no way I would ever complete an eBay transaction in person. >>

Why not ?

KurtHorn · July 3, 2005 3:47PM

I'm with Michael here, if it could be done where it doesn't inconvenience you and where you could get cash, and have it be in a Public location. I would say meet the guy. I have picked up some stuff that I bought off Ebay. The sellers are always a little nervous when I suggest it, but it always goes well...

mgoodm3 · July 3, 2005 3:52PM

<< I would say that "we could meet at your receiving address but please forgive me if I am busy so my representative will meet you instead. You will be able to recognize him as he will be wearing the USPS uniform and will have your package from me. Thanks" >>

Great response.

arlea1957 · July 3, 2005 5:10PM

I have done several transactions in person though they were bigger and bulkier items so I was glad not to ship. In all situations I got their phone number so I could call them (some level of security). My wife also worked at a local retail establishment and have had buyers pick up their items there. So far no problems and even met a couple of nice guys that I sold other stuff to. For the amount of the auction, and if you get a phone number and meet at a location convenient to you I really don't see a problem. If you have a problem with it the ball is in your court so as one of the other members stated I'm sending an associate...

ms70 · July 3, 2005 6:28PM

<< There is no way I would ever complete an eBay transaction in person. >>

I've done it a couple of times. Both times the item was very heavy & would have been costly to ship. One of those times, by coincidence, I was taking a day trip in the direction
of where the seller lived only 2 days after the auction. It worked out very nicely since I know the item got to the hands of the new owner without being beaten around by USPS.

mozin · July 3, 2005 8:17PM

<< You are under no obligation to meet with anyone, In fact that is a very dangerous thing to do!! The person has no claim to an explaination, just send the invoice and wait for the funds .

Rick >>

DorkGirl · July 3, 2005 9:23PM

I've done it on several occasions, but I had the person go to my husband's business and pick up the coins there. I didn't really want to meet them somewhere or have them come to my house. Also they did the driving, not me, and asked beforehand. I just didn't feel comfortable enough to do it myself. Too many crazies out there

Barry · July 3, 2005 9:27PM

I've completed a couple of Ebay transactions at a local coin show, no problems.

BigD5 · July 3, 2005 9:35PM

If there was a coin show you could conveniently meet at, or coin club meeting, then fine, complete the transaction in that way. If you care to meet this person, then a public venue (Michaels suggestion is fine) would be appropriate, but other than that, I would let the buyer know that you are busy (do NOT be specific about your job and times available) and would just as soon get the package in the mail. No time for driving to meet someone, and then suggest meeting at a local show or club meeting.

Stork · July 3, 2005 9:39PM

<< I've completed a couple of Ebay transactions at a local coin show, no problems. >>

Before I saw that one, I was about to say "I'd NEVER want to meet someone..." Then I remembered that I have--but it was a coin show in Tokyo, and I had to take the train...but it was a great excuse to the hubby for me to go to the show

. "Really honey, this saves us all kinds of money on shipping--just ignore all the other extras I buy

".

Seriously though, I have to agree with DorkGirl..there are alot of crazies out there. Meeting someone at a coin show makes sense, but unless you really have the time, inclination, gasoline, and the ability to ensure your own safety, I would think more than twice about it.

Cathy

Robgetty · July 3, 2005 9:56PM

Offer to meet at the library or some public place in your home town. If they want you to meet them half way, tell them that you don't own a car and only use the bus and a bicycle around town.

FullStrike · July 3, 2005 10:52PM

I have completed a number of eBay transactions by traveling to the sellers location ( none of them Coin related). The distances involved ranged from 2 - 150 miles.

The advantage to the buyer in completing the transaction in person is that it allows them to inspect the item before paying. Also, it allows them an excuse to get in the car and take a relaxing drive.

Of course, they could always be a

CRAZED AXE KILLER !

run to your bed FAST and pull the covers over your head
THE DANGER WILL PASS
in due time

Seriously now. If you really don't want to meet the buyer in person just say so. But since they are probably willing to drive anywhere you specify, I can't see where the problem might be. Unless of course you are selling a wizzed super coin.

But I'm sure you're not

wjd283 · July 4, 2005 3:39AM

I sent them this email:

Hello,
I've gotten almost 400 completed transactions on ebay and have never had a request such as yours.Therefore,I am at a loss.I guess there is no harm in meeting a complete stranger but for security purposes I must graciously request that you take a moment to fill out this brief questionare.
Are you male or female ?
Do you have a criminal record ?
Do you or have you ever taken psychiatric drugs such as Klonipin or Lithium ?
Have you ever robbed anyone or even thought about it ?
Have you ever killed anyone with an axe ? Firearm ? Cinderblock ? Fingernail file ? or toothpick ?

If all of your answers except the first one are"no"then I will agree to meet you at your residence.However,I will need payment beforehand to buy gas with so your total will be $30.You can send a money order or I will take paypal.Also,I am quite busy so I must send my representative to deliver it for me.He will be in a small white truck and I'll have him put it in your mailbox.: ) Thank you for your purchase ! WJD. >>

At least I'll see if they have a sense of humor.

morgannut2 · July 4, 2005 3:47AM

Here's my address-feel free to stop by anytime, murder me and steal my valuable coin collection. PS- We go to bed at 11 PM if you prefer not to wake up our neighbors when "visiting".

Neptune · July 4, 2005 4:14AM

Possibly that customer does business near you on a regular basis. I would offer to meet them at local spot (fast food, etc.) at "said time", and be SURE to tell them to be prompt as you will *NOT* wait more than 5 minutes because you have another appt. at that time.

Often by getting to know people, whether online or in person, I have found this brings repeat business. Also you never know, you may meet a new coin buddy and have something in common. Just play it safe - day not night - don't carry any valuables and when you leave - make sure you are not followed. It's better even to take someone with you - someone BIG.

Altho I have never completed an eBay trans. like this - I have met someone at Whataburger to buy a 50-roll box of Speared Bison. I had to wait 3 hrs. because he ran out of gas. Then I had to make another trip back because he didn't show the first time at all. Over all tho, it was def. worth the 6-7 hrs. and 120 miles.

TorinoCobra71 · July 4, 2005 4:24AM

Ship it Via Mail the way you stated in your auction, you are in no way under any obligation to "meet" this person anywhere!

TorinoCobra71

Russ · July 4, 2005 4:32AM

<< There is no way I would ever complete an eBay transaction in person. >>

I've done it many times. If a local buyer wants to come by and pickup the item to save the shipping cost, I have no problem with that.

Russ, NCNE

LindeDad · July 4, 2005 5:00AM

Should I go out of my way to deliver this ($27) item or should I politely insist that they send me payment + S&H ?
I politely insist that they send me payment + S&H ?
The correct answer is allready there. IMHO

Shamika · July 4, 2005 5:42AM

Tell him you work odd hours and he'll have to meet you during your lunch break which happens to be 3 A.M. on a weeknight.

Shamika · July 4, 2005 5:44AM

One other idea; you could meet him where ever he wants, but you'll have to charge him mileage which I believe is federally mandated at $0.40 per mile. Don't forget, mileage should be computed both there and back.

wjd283 · July 4, 2005 5:48AM

<< Tell him you work odd hours and he'll have to meet you during your lunch break which happens to be 3 A.M. on a weeknight. >>

That is true.My awake hours are usually 3PM to 8AM.

I'm just not a very trusting type of guy,and I'm anti-social.Don't really care to make new friends.

The only reason that I may consider it is I think It's a female.

wjd283 · July 4, 2005 5:53AM

<< 

<< There is no way I would ever complete an eBay transaction in person. >>

I've done it many times. If a local buyer wants to come by and pickup the item to save the shipping cost, I have no problem with that.

Russ, NCNE >>

Don't you worry about thieves casing your joint ?
They already know you own some high dollar items just by checking your feedback.

Just about everything I own of value could be carried out of here.I surely would'nt meet them at my house.

FullStrike · July 4, 2005 6:16AM

Only an idiot would agree to meet someone at their home. Of course in 3 of the cases where I met my sellers they wanted me to meet them at their homes - turns out they wanted to sell me more stuff - in 2 of the cases I did buy more stuff. Also turns out one lady was looking for a "business" partner

hmmmmm

too bad she wasn't my type

Why don't you just tell the buyer

<< I'm just not a very trusting type of guy,and I'm anti-social.Don't really care to make new friends >>

And also state that your Doctors and Probation Officer are frowning on you "meeting" people you've made contact with on eBay. They just think it's too soon after your "vacation" at the "resort".

i just love these emoticons

291fifth · July 4, 2005 6:17AM

Inform the winning bidder that you are strictly mail order.

Russ · July 4, 2005 6:20AM

<< Don't you worry about thieves casing your joint ? >>

They can case away. I have them come by the shop, so only a thief that could afford a tank could get in when I'm not here. When I am here, there are a few dissuaders strategically placed for easy access.

Besides the bars, (which are bolted all the way through the building frame), I have video surveillance, motion sensors, flood lighting and both a silent alarm and a 150 decibel siren that'll make their ears bleed.

Russ, NCNE

wjd283 · July 4, 2005 6:50AM

<< Besides the bars, (which are bolted all the way through the building frame), I have video surveillance, motion sensors, flood lighting and both a silent alarm and a 150 decibel siren that'll make their ears bleed. >>

I don't think I'd worry much with that set up either.

CheckersFred · July 4, 2005 10:02AM

I bought my Alabama PCGS MS-63 on Ebay. As it turned out the stranger I bought from lives near me and works near my place of work. I picked it up from him at his office on my lunch hour. Smooth transaction.

wjd283 · July 5, 2005 5:52AM

Well,after a couple more emails,I went ahead and met my buyer.

He was a country,grandpaw,salt of the Earth type.

Definitely was no reason for the angst and tribulation I put myself through worrying about it.
We met about 5 minutes from my house 1/4 mile from the PO that I had to go to anyway.

He allowed he was just "trying to save a few bucks on S&H".

So if I'm asked to meet smoeone again,I'll still be cautious,but I doubt I'll worry about it.

robertpr · July 5, 2005 7:22AM

I actually had the same thing happen once. The guy emailed me and said he would want to swing by and pick up the coin as he was in a hurry to get it for a birthday present or some lame ass reason. My email to him was that I would not do that but he could pay extra for express mail. Nope, he didn't want to do that. Too much money.

I sent the coin regular mail and he left positive feedback shortly thereafter. I thought for sure someone was gonna try to break in for about a month after that, but noone ever did.

RobJ · July 5, 2005 7:43AM

You might get a bullet for your troubles.
tell him to stuff it and ship it

wjd283 · July 5, 2005 8:09AM

<< You might get a bullet for your troubles.
tell him to stuff it and ship it >>

<< Well,after a couple more emails,I went ahead and met my buyer.
He was a country,grandpaw,salt of the Earth type. >>

UncleJoe · July 5, 2005 8:17AM

Wow, I am amazed at the number of responses that say they would meet someone in person.

There is no way that I would meet an eBay buyer that I didn't know personally in person. I don't need to make a sale that bad. I treasure my security much more.

Joe.

wjd283 · July 5, 2005 8:20AM

<< Wow, I am amazed at the number of responses that say they would meet someone in person.

There is no way that I would meet an eBay buyer that I didn't know personally in person. I don't need to make a sale that bad. I treasure my security much more.

Joe. >>

That's about how I felt.Lots of fruitcakes out there.

Turned out just fine though.

Dog97 · July 5, 2005 12:52PM

I would telum "Have your mo for $30 meet me in my mailbox in a #10 envelope to complete the transaction. Thank you very much for doing business with wjd283."
Now if they wanted to meet me to buy me a beer that would be a different story.....................

ddink · July 5, 2005 1:16PM

<< Seriously though, I have to agree with DorkGirl..there are alot of crazies out there. Meeting someone at a coin show makes sense, but unless you really have the time, inclination, gasoline, and the ability to ensure your own safety, I would think more than twice about it. >>

For every crazy there are 1,000 normal people. For every angry customer that calls my phone, I have 100 nice customers who make my day brighter. I once dated a wonderful girl that I met on the Internet. Turns out, she wasn't an axe-murderer after all!

FullStrike · July 8, 2005 9:01AM

Glad to see this transaction went well.

Tomorrow 7-9-05 ( Saturday ) I'm pulling my trailer up to Jersey to meet another of my sellers. This time I'm pulling a stair elevator out of a house so my Dad can get up his stairs easier.

The way I look at it, buying/selling on eBay is like selling in the classifieds of your local paper except you have a much wider audience, and it costs less.

Anyone nervous about meeting a buyer just needs to have someone nearby to hold their hand.

If you live your life in fear - what kind of life can you really live?

I've never met a Coin seller mainly because I don't buy many Coins ( except for US Mint ) and also shipping is so darned cheap. Nothing like $80 for a new Truck bumper that I once paid.

What would you do in this situation ?

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