Collection Only...... Another eBay "Scenario"...... Buyer Pays But Doesn't Collect!!!

[Flying10uk]

So I sold a bulky item on eBay and the buyer paid immediately. My listing clearly stated "collection in person only by buyer". The buyer lives at the other side of the country and has made no attempt to contact me so far. I have messaged the buyer 3 times and so far I have been completely ignored. What does one do?

[jonnyc]

I'd try to make contact once or twice a month for 6 months, and then try to resell it. If successful, I would offer him his money back. If no contact...you make twice the price.

[dodge15]

Cancel the sale and refund seller.

[Aragorn243]

I'd give it a little more time. You don't mention how long it's been from the sale, or how far he is away. In the states, we drive pretty far to pick up things and do things simply because driving is part of our culture and everything is spaced out pretty far apart. Weigh in shipping costs vs driving and time costs and depending on the item, I'll drive 2/3's of the way across the state which is about how wide the UK is.

I'd do it for a rifle I was interested in simply to verify condition before purchase, plus we don't require government interference on person-to-person sales of long arms.

[MAC702]

Check your spam folders carefully for any emails from him. eBay should also have phone numbers available for buyers/sellers.

But it's sold and paid for. How badly is it in your way while waiting for him to decide what he is going to do with HIS PROPERTY?

[Flying10uk]

Thanks for all the replies and advice.

Prior to starting this thread I did look online for advice. Apparently, it would appear that it is more common than one would imagine, people paying for items that are for "collection only" and then not collecting the item, something that I've not heard of before with eBay. There seems to be a multitude of differing advice online as to what to do.

The buyer has now made contact with me, offering an explanation, and I am currently looking into to see how the item can be best delivered to the buyer.

[MAC702]

...The buyer has now made contact with me, offering an explanation, and I am currently looking into to see how the item can be best delivered to the buyer.

Is he paying you for this significant extra service? He can "look into it" easier than you can, seeing as he has to foot the bill and decide which option to do when he sees the one he wants. You can be the nice guy, but decide now where you want to stop being taken advantage of, because they will take you to your limit.

[Flying10uk]

I've quoted a price to the buyer for me to send the item to them and it's up to them to decide if they wish to proceed. I've tried to give them a "little bit of slack" after the buyer explained their "personal circumstances" to me.

In very general terms it does surprise me how many people don't read things or look at pics properly online.

[browningautorifle]

In very general terms it does surprise me how many people don't read things or look at pics properly online.

Some catch fever when they see something they like or have been waiting for. I had a rifle sell and when it was received the buyer scalded me with how many things he found wrong with a 1948 issue hunting rifle...that he had seem pictures of. He didn't ask for more pics, and it was an as is sale. He was very fast to decide he wanted it. I eventually gave him I think two hundred back off eight hundred and suddenly it was fine. Fortunately I won't be encumbered with dealing with him again. Buyers remorse...