What's with $4 pick up fee being placed on items ?

[aps1080]

The other week I bid on a couple of items, then noticed they had a pick up fee of $4 in the answers to questions section.

I purcahsed them anyway as I wanted them and first time was charged $4 per item, second time they forgot to charge me.

I then noticed somewhere close to where I am selling something I want and again, a $4 pick up fee.

When did sellers start putting these pick up fees on items and is this in response to Ebay or just a paying for time thing ?

Admittedly they are more often than not $0.99 cent items !

Thanks and look forward to your replies

[bigbrickshop]

The seller may be using a Parcel Collect point. The service usually costs $3-$5 per item.

[aps1080]

Thanks for that, I didn't know that was the case so good info.

I don't think it applies in these cases.

The seller I purcahsed from had a warehouse / shop.

The one I am looking at purchasing from has a shop near me.

Interestingly enough, ebay doesn't apply a fee to it !!! (Although I am sure they will find a way !)

 Life (buying and selling) on ebay was so much simpler back in the early 2000's !

[phorum_junkie*]

Sellers have always been able to charge a fee for pick up it is just that most don't. The ones that do are usually businesses where there is a staff cost with the time taken up to find and hand over the item.