Big Item for Sale on Ebay???

[DNBois]

My husband has a big screen hi-def tv to sell and we do have an account and have been selling lots and lots of things to pay for our upcoming trip. However, this one item is a huge dilemma for us - we are hesitant to post it on ebay or run an ad in the local paper as it would have to be local pick-up and you just never know who you will come in contact with. We have some friends putting out the word for us but no bites as of yet - has anyone sold a huge item on ebay with local pick-up.
And we also thought we could meet them somewhere else with the tv in our truck which I guess we could do but just not too certain about that as well - anyone have any ideas or similar stories that can be shared???

 

[tmli]

What if you offered local delivery instead of local pick up? Specify maximum area...it may actually be a nice feature for someone who wants to buy it but has no truck.

 

[Shelby5514]

We've sold a Hammond Organ and also a couch. The Organ we ended up delivering ourselves but the couch was picked up. My only suggestion if you list on E-bay is to offer "Free Delivery" within a certain area with the Buy It Now option. Make sure your Buy It Now price reflects your time and gas to deliver the item.

Good Luck!

 

[Shelby5514]

One other thing that I just thought of. You may want to list it as Pick-Up ONLY. My Sister and BIL just moved from OH to IN and in the process of moving their 52" TV the jets "leaked" and now they have a permanent red and green spot in the middle of the TV. It wasn't like that when the left OH but the first time they turned the TV it had the spots. If you do Pick-Up ONLY the buyer can at least test the TV before they move it and if ANYTHING happens to it in transit it's their problem not yours!!!

 

[DNBois]

Thanks for all the great ideas - we just don't know if we want anyone we don't know in our house. So we thought the idea of local delivery sounded good until I read Shelby's post and realized that was a very good thought. I may first post it at work and see what happens and then take it from there - thanks for the ideas guys!!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Last year we sold a 34 year old car on eBay for over $3,000. We lived in th Washingotn DC Virginia suburbs and the purchaser was from Northern New Jersey. In the ad we stated the car was not in driveable condition and the purchaser would have to make all arrangements for transport.

The purchaser came down with three $1,000 bank money orders plus some cash. After he inspected the car we went to my bank, where they called his bank to confirm the validity of the money orders. I then turned over the title, keys and all recods to him and assisted him in getting in on the trailer he had brought with him.

I would suggest that you list it on eBay and state that the purchaser would be responsible for all arrangements for shipping. Also, I would suggest that they must pay at least a 25% down payment via PayPal or some other method before you will even allow them to your house. Also, talk to them by phone to make final arrangements, and try to have a friend or neighbor present when they come to pick it up.

 

[lailah]

We sold a huge swing/gym set to a wonderful couple in Toledo. My husband took it down and we called back and forth and I gave directions. They came the same day they bought it. No problem what so ever. All information was given over the phone and everything went just fine.