eBay Question... What would you do?

[toystoryduo]

I had a potential buyer e-mail me tonight and ask if I would consider meeting them to pay for and pick up an item. This person only lives one city over from us and it wouldn't be a problem to do it, but it makes me a little uncomfortable. What would you do in this situation? Thanks!

 

[ceecee]

I have done it two times. We met at a McD's in the parking lot, felt a little shady but all went well.

 

[imsayin]

Unless it is a big item that I have listed as pick up only, I don't do it. I just email back "Sorry, due to my busy schedule, I cannot do pick ups". I find them time consuming - arranging times, etc.

 

[graygables]

I did this, sold her the items, made arrangements to meet and she never came. We emailed back and forth a few times, she finally agreed to send me the money to ship, but she never did. So, I have her money and the items and it's loooong past the time to do anything w/ eBay (feedback, etc), so, my rule now is, you pay to ship.

Anyone have any ideas what I should do with these dishes in my closet???

 

[tlbwriter]

Keep in mind that if you use Paypal, you must get delivery confirmation in order to have buyer protection. I've seen suggestions that you send a receipt (with delivery confirmation) after the buyer picks up the item, but I don't know if that would actually work.

 

[~Kathie]

I used to go and meet people to pick up or deliver goods all the time, and it was cash only, but that was years ago. I always met in a very public place. Since I sell Disney items, one of my favorite places to meet was in front of the Disney Store.

Now my schedule is too busy so I just ship everything.

 

[tinan]

I wouldn't do it! I had met someone once and after that time said I never would again. She had purchased a homeschool curriculum from me and had ample time to look the curriculum over. I pointed out where the workbooks were written in pencil (which was listed on the listing). The next day, she said she had looked over the books and felt they were more written in than she expected. I was shocked as I took the time to specifically point out where they were marked. The books were like brand new and the workbooks were only lightly used. I also saw her bidding on the exact same grade level curriculum that was lower in price and felt she was trying to get a refund from me in hopes of securing the cheaper package. After the cheaper package closed and was not the winner is when she dropped complaining about the curriculum. I realized then that had she complained to Paypal, I had no way of proving that I met her to drop off the books. She could have had the books and my money too. Although it was a good ending......I'll never do it again!

 

[toystoryduo]

Thanks everyone!

I've decided to e-mail the person and tell them that we are too busy and can not schedule pick-ups at this time. Thanks!

 

[ChristyJ]

I've done this twice and it's worked out well both times, BUT, I would NEVER have someone come to my home. I met in a medical buidling parking lot (on my way to an appointment) and also stopped by someone else's business (on my way to work). I made both appointments so that I wasn't driving out of my way-they worked for both the buyer & for me.
I know the first time someone asked me about meeting, I was very apprehensive though. The funny thing is, both times, they were irregular sized boxes, and it was definitely easier not to have to ship them out.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I've only been asked to do this once and I declined as well. I feel that my time is worth money. It costs me money to drive to an mutually agreed upon site and then wait around for a buyer who may or may not show up on time. (My experience is that most people are NOT prompt.) And this would be so that the buyer can save herself a few dollars on the shipping? Nope. Won't do it. I guess I'm not a nice person.

 

[spoon2003]

Since I also sell on Craigslist, I'm used to meeting at a mutual place to exchange. I live in the city so usually it's the parking lot about 5 minutes away, I always get their cell phone number and let husband know where I will be.

Sue from Boston

 

[ButterflyJen]

I know you've already made your decision, but we did pick-up once. We bought DD a used play kitchen and picked it up from the seller. My DH met the seller in broad daylight in a busy parking lot, gave them cash (as a check wouldn't have cleared, so they wouldn't know if we were legit or not, which made total sense), and we were done. Saved us a ton on shipping costs and the seller offered pick-up for semi-local buyers, too.

 

[disneysteve]

I had a potential buyer e-mail me tonight and ask if I would consider meeting them to pay for and pick up an item. This person only lives one city over from us and it wouldn't be a problem to do it, but it makes me a little uncomfortable. What would you do in this situation? Thanks!

I've done this several times. I just arrange the meeting at a very public location, like in the center courtyard of the local mall. If you are really paranoid, arrange to meet him at a local police station.