How many chances do you give a no-show buyer?

[dewdrop24me]

Just how many chances do you give a buyer to pick up item?

I sold a pick up only item. As my place is not easy to get to, I arranged for pick up to be at a relative's place. So made a time to be there. No show by buyer, no contact. When I rang to see where the buyer was, said he couldn't make it but would  come around early evening. Again no show. So I went home. Wasted afternoon.

Then got message that night saying would come around in morning. Sent a message stating this would be the last appointment. So went back to pick up address - and again, was no show. Only later did I get an SMS saying 'couldn't make it - I will ring later to arrange a pick up time'. I tried ringing back numerous times - only got message bank, with 'convert to text' message, which I find are pretty useless. Tried sending SMS - all failed. Wasted morning, went back home again.

Early that afternoon, I sent message (all communication via Ebay) saying i was cancelling sale. 24 hours later, the buyer pays via paypal, then lodges a complaint with Ebay saying he wanted to get item, but seller (me) was refusing to communicate with him. I then rang Ebay, but was told it was up to ME to try and resolve the matter with the buyer, and that if I pulled out, it could affect good feedback rating!! However, I issued the refund, and removed the item from the property (as I don't want  them turning up as they have the address).

How many chances should you give a person? Had they rung prior and advised, or been a little bit more appreciative of the time i was wasting, then perhaps.. maybe. But a fourth chance? - I don't think so. I usually avoid pick ups like the plague - now will never do again. What do others think?

[chameleon54]

Sounds like you have a " very special" buyer there. I think you have been more than patient with this time waster. The actions you have taken all sound fair and reasonable to me. The problem is that ebay havnt heard of "fair and reasonable" when it comes to these sorts of idiots. He may well still leave a shiny red dot for you. I would first try contacting customer support by phone if this happens, but it is unlikly they will withdraw the dot especially considering communication was by phone and not ebay messages. I would just cop the dot and leave a factual response such as "arranged to meet buyer three times. He never showed" or something similar. It would then be off to the blocked bidder list for this guy.  It is unfortunate that ebay are not a bit more responsive to these types of issues. At times thier "buyer is never wrong " responses wear a bit thin. These are exactly the reasons I rarely offer local pick-up. Hope some of the posters on the boards who grizzle about sellers not offering local pick-ups read this one.

[dewdrop24me]

Yep - he has negative feed backed me (not under this account name)... Despite having over 2000 all positive feedback, this is my first one. And I don't mind. He had left the most vile message that I have forwarded to ebay, but don't expect anything to be done about it.  You are right - will never offer pick up again.

[phorum_junkie*]

After the first no show I would have told them they would have to come to my place, however rural it was and I would not have asked for a mutual cancellation, if they didn't turn up a second time I would have opened an unpaid item dispute, if they paid with Paypal then they could only get their money back if they funded the payment with a credit card and they did a bank chargeback, there is no buyer protection for pick up items.

[lotzrgood]

I've learnt a valuable lesson - no thanks to Ebay policy. I sought reversal of the negative feedback - of course buyer said no. The buyers feedback was (in captials) - CHEAT & LIAR (amd worse). Which I strongly object to - but Ebay confirm his negative feedback will stand, stating the feedback does not meet their 'Feedback Abuse Policy'.  I wonder what DOES count as abuse? I feel calling someone a cheat & a liar is pretty abusive - but as Ebay don't, will remember that for when I am a future buyer!

[springyzone]

phorum junkie wrote:

After the first no show I would have told them they would have to come to my place, however rural it was and I would not have asked for a mutual cancellation, if they didn't turn up a second time I would have opened an unpaid item dispute, if they paid with Paypal then they could only get their money back if they funded the payment with a credit card and they did a bank chargeback, there is no buyer protection for pick up items.

-------------------------

Brilliant answer.

I am a buyer but i was shocked that someone could fail to show up so many times, then call the seller a cheat and liar and ebay would let it stand as feedback. The seller was more than reasonable with them.

I actually like pick up being available for local items but i never dreamt a buyer could just not turn up and get away with it. Not sure of the point of that anyway-if you bid on something, presumably you would want it.

[davewil1964]

I would be reluctant to return his money in this case. After all he has already tarred you as a thief.

The key is to ensure ALL communication is through eBay messages. That way eBay can see that he was a continual noshow. Or don't offer pickup. Or state the exact terms of pickup in your listings. In LARGE font, RED, near the top. That way 50% of prospective buyers might notice it.

[jawsnine]

You have the right to reply to the negative feedback and should do so. Say how many times they didn't show up etc. Someone else here will be able to word it really well for you. As the feedback sticks for a year you need to answer it properly not nastily.