Question about eBay sales and local pickup

WhiteTornado

Have you ever sold something on eBay and then had the buyer pick it up? If you do this, how do you prove to eBay that the buyer retrieved the items? Couldn't the buyer just file a complaint later and say you never sent them to him?

I just completed a sale (not sports related) and the buyer messaged me, wanting to meet at a point about halfway between where he and I are located. I did not specify local pickup as an option when I posted the auction. I'm inclined to say no, and just mail the stuff as I had originally intended. Meeting the person would be a bit out of my way to begin with, plus I think that mailing the items will be less likely to result in problems after the fact.

FavreFan1971

If you are going to meet treat it like a Craig's List transaction and meet at the police station and cash only.

MULLINS5

I sold a Treadclimber a couple years ago on eBay and the buyer lived two hours away and picked it up at my home.

Overall, the transaction went smoothly. I don't know how to prove that with eBay and/or Paypal ~ maybe snap a picture of their car and license plate while in your driveway or simply write on a piece of paper the eBay ID and Item Number and have them sign that they picked it up?

When I sold the Treadclimber I didn't take pictures or have him sign anything.

WhiteTornado

I appreciate the feedback, guys. I'm going with my initial plan and will tell them I'm going to mail it. Less hassle and worry for me that way.

jfkheat

<< <i>I appreciate the feedback, guys. I'm going with my initial plan and will tell them I'm going to mail it. Less hassle and worry for me that way. >>



That is what I would do. Unless it is a large item that would cost a good bit to ship it would cost you more in fuel and your time to meet the buyer.
James

ReggieCleveland

If you do local pick up just do the transaction in cash. EBay can't fault you for failing to provide delivery when the buyer can't prove payment was sent.

Arthur

pclpads

<< <i>I appreciate the feedback, guys. I'm going with my initial plan and will tell them I'm going to mail it. Less hassle and worry for me that way. >>



Smart move. Why expose yourself to poss. hassle and headache + inconveniencing yourself on the drive? Dunno where you live, but gas in SoCal is over $4. So, you'd also have to weigh that cost vs. shipping the item.

miwlvrn

I sold a car on ebay back several years ago. The buyer met me at my house to pick it up, which I did not have a problem with. Obviously with something like that though, there is record of it being in possession of the buyer since they file for vehicle registration with the State.

mtcards

Yeah, cash is a great option for local pickup. Would make sense too as paying by paypal and then driving to your location to pick up would be silly.

CollectorAtWork

I think it's better to just send the item and have the tracking information as others have said, especially if the location is out of the way. However, as others have mentioned, you can do the payment via cash. I did this once in the past, and also had the buyer sign a paper saying that they picked the card up and were satisfied with it.

WhiteTornado

It's far enough away -- about 20 minutes each way -- to make it inconvenient for me. Plus I like the idea of having the tracking information. Thanks all for the replies.

basketballcollector

Send it only by registered mail !!! USPS never lost a package ever this way !!!

cavalier

You can also meet at a Starbucks or McDonald's (some place that has wi-fi) and they can send you a paypal gift right there if they don't want to carry cash. Obviously the size and the value of the item play a part in the decision, but remember delivery confirmation is only a confirmation it was delivered -- it is not a guarantee it was received. If the item has value you should get signature required and even then if the person is dishonest there can still be issues.

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