seller wants to view items

[*lotuslady*]

is it the norma these days for buyers to want to view items you have on auction??

I have sold and bought off ebay for a number of years and my idea of ebay is as it's mainly an

auction site, you do not get to view items instead you read the sellers description,look at pics

provided and ask any questions if you need more info.

I have an item selling and was asked by a potential buyer   for more pictures and answered a few more questions.

Then he asked if he could come and have a look at the item, I responded as a no as Ebay is an auction site and

I think it's unfair to other people who may be interested etc.

what are thoughts and opinions of others on here regarding this?

do other sellers let buyers come and browse before?? sort of defeats the purpose of online shopping

thanks

[phorum_junkie*]

For pick up items it is not only quite usual it is preferred by most sellers. It is much better for them to come and see if it is exactly what they want before they bid than to have them win and then change their minds on coming to pay and collect which they have an absolute right to do with a pick up item.

As you have a BIN on the listings then they may be prepared to pay that amount there and then or if they make a reasonable offfer and the BIN is still available you could change it to the price you agree on and they can buy straight away.

[chameleon54]

It depends what the item is. I am dubious about people wanting to come to my house to look at small value items for security reasons, and the disruptions to my private life. If the item is of signifigant value and condition is a subjective thing. ( ie. a classic car, high end camera etc. ) I welcome and prefer inspection before some-one bids.

[*sparklz*]

Is it a pickup item?

If you do not mind them coming to the house or if it is easily moved you can arrange a meeting place if you do not want them at your home.

If it is a big priced item then it would make a potential buyer more comfy to bid then why not let them see it?

In the end your choice but it might mean a lower end price by saying no.

[extra-keen]

It is quite normal for buyers to want to view an item that is up for auction - for instance, would you bid on a home you hand't viewed and inspected?

However it is totally up to you whether or not you allow the bidder to view the item. It would largely depend upon what the item is and what it's value is.

I don't sell a lot via auction, but on the few occasions that I have it has been perfectly fine when the bidder/buyer has come to inspect. Why not give them a phone call - or let them phone you by supplying your phone number first. This way you can guage whether or not they are the sort of person you want viewing your item at your property.

Good luck and let us know how you go

[harley_babes_hoard]

I don't allow it, which is why I have BIN only items, also

A. because I don't want anyone at my property seeing what goodies I have. Vehicles and toys etc

B. for the most part I'm here alone.

C. I live rural with no close neighbours.

[phorum_junkie*]

Harley the OP is selling 2 largish furniture items with pick up only so of course buyers are going to be coming to their house and as I said before it is better they make their minds up before they bid rather than after they win.

[*lotuslady*]

thanks for everyone's input, after the 3-4 emails of this person asking about every detail of the desk and new photos of the parts he wanted to see,    when he finally did ask about viewing I did get a feeling that if I did let this person come to my house I would get mucked about etc.

I know now that some people may want to see what they are buying but I had to judge on my gut instinct

[k1ooo-slr-sales]

I always trust my gut instinct, never let's me down.