Inspecting an item before paying

[ironman88_au]

I auctioned an item for local pick-up only.  When I emailed the successful bidder requesting payment so that we could organise a convenient time to pick-up the item, the buyer's response was that he wanted to inspect the item before paying for it.  This seems totally unreasonable and contrary to the payment obligations associated with eBay's auuction process.  I note that the buyer did not request to inspect the item at any stage prior to the conclusion of the auction.  As more than 4 days have passed I have opened an Unpaid Item Case and am now waiting for the buyer's response.  I feel that I provided a very fair and detailed description of the item and its condition and am not disposed towards arguing the toss with a buyer who thinks that he can win an auction and then try to renegotiate the selling price.  I suspect my best option is to cancel the transaction and re-list.  Any comments?

[saarzi]

I would NOT have opened a unpaid item case. This might scare the buyer into paying - this allows them to then come to pick up your item and lodge a item not as described case, or give you negative feedback, because on inspection they decide they dont want it, and you will get a defect.

Id let them inspect... if they like it great, if they dont you will only have to cancel and relist anyway.

If you really dont want them to inspect, cancel the sale as "Buyer changed mind", and EMAIL THEM explaining that clicking commit to buy means they MUST pay.... but by cancelling and relisting the item, you are giving them the chance to inspect before purchase (if you dont want them to, block them after they confirm the cancelation).

That way it looks as if youre helping them out, rather than forcing them to pay for something they might not want, and theres no chance of a defect for you.

[kopenhagen5]

This seems totally unreasonable and contrary to the payment obligations associated with eBay's auuction process.

That is incorrect, the onus is on the buyer to not pay before item is seen as being as described.

If it is not as described the buyer is well within their rights to walk away.

It is what ebay and PayPal recommend as there is no protection on pick up items.

I don't where from you think it is ebays process to do otherwise.

I suggest arranging a time with the buyer as the buyer may simply want to pick up and pay without re-negotiating the price.

An assumption on your part?

However seeing as you have given totally incorrect information and opened a case against the buyer with no just cause, the buyer may not wish to purchase from you even with an apology.

[onekiwi0]

in my experience seems a bit daft to pay when you're going to pickup.  I prefer cash on my pickups.  why pay a fee to accept the payment when they're coming to collect anyway.

I always show the buyer the item they collect so they have the opportunity to ask any questions and ensure its the item they paid for prior to taking away. I believe the paypal guarantee doesn't cover a buyer for pickups anyway (correct me if I'm wrong).

also bear in mind you have to face them...and they may be collecting from your home address?  

(pickups can be tricky I've had two buyers be very pleasant and chatty to my face and then a week later leave a neutral or negative).  I had ebay remove the negative as they said they showed they were happy with their purchase by making payment and colliectng the item. turned out this person had done the same to all pickups.

[joethenuts · Accepted solution]

genarally most buyers in my experience as a total pick up seller most buyers pay on pick up, you should be working out a pick up time  not asking for the money , buyers are entilted to inspect an item , its the best for you , as after they take the goods they do not have any come back and say it does not work anymore or what ever , you sound you might have something to hide.  also when he comes and its not as discribed he does not have to take it.

[gladman5316]

I agree that the best time to inspect the item is prior to bidding. They are bidding to buy, not bidding to inspect. I would let the unpaid item case run it course then relist if need be or relist elsewhere as a classified ad stating a price which is negotiable in person upon inspection of goods. Cancelling may incur fee's.  Don't be afraid to offend, tell 'em their dreaming. 

[ironman88_au]

Thank you for your input.  Most of my experience with eBay has been as a buyer and I always pay sellers promptly. That is why I was quite put out by the bidder demanding to inspect before paying.  I was not aware that this was recommended for pick-up transactions due to lack of buyer protection. 

[lyndal1838]

The seller has no paypal protection either for pick up items.

If the buyer has funded their paypal payment with a credit card they can do a chargeback through their bank and you lose the money as well as the item.

It has always been policy to pay for a pick up item in cash after it has been inspected.   Your buyer knows the ropes....too bad you have now left yourself wide open to a negative.  

[ironman88_au]

Well we can learn from our mistakes.  I will now seek to resolve this matter amicably with the buyer and either get payment in cash or agree to cancel the transaction.

[*tippy*toes*]

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@saarzi wrote:

I would NOT have opened a unpaid item case. This might scare the buyer into paying - this allows them to then come to pick up your item and lodge a item not as described case, or give you negative feedback, because on inspection they decide they dont want it, and you will get a defect.

Id let them inspect... if they like it great, if they dont you will only have to cancel and relist anyway.

If you really dont want them to inspect, cancel the sale as "Buyer changed mind", and EMAIL THEM explaining that clicking commit to buy means they MUST pay.... but by cancelling and relisting the item, you are giving them the chance to inspect before purchase (if you dont want them to, block them after they confirm the cancelation).

That way it looks as if youre helping them out, rather than forcing them to pay for something they might not want, and theres no chance of a defect for you.

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You can't lodge a not as described case with a pick up as there is no buyer or seller protection. A buyer is well within their right to walk away without paying if they inspect and it's not as described.