Question on ebay etiquette

Raymond Lin

Raymond Lin

Raymond Lin

Caporegime
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I just saw an item i wanted, it is quite large (digital piano), and auction ends Sunday Night. I would love to have the item this weekend, and pick it up in person due to i don't trust couriers with something this big and fragile, so am wondering is it a common practice to send the seller an email asking him how much he would accept to take the item off the auction if i pick it up in person with cash on the weekend.
 
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Get asked it constantly (as a seller).

It's usually easier if they collect, so he shouldn't mind at all. Might even be able to wangle a deal if he's looking to get-rid quick.
 
Its quite common although ebay will strongly advise against it.

The only time I'd do it is if it was a cash/collection arrangement, which it obviously is in this case. Provided you make sure it's working as described before handing over the cash you should be fine.
 
iaind said:
Its quite common although ebay will strongly advise against it.

The only time I'd do it is if it was a cash/collection arrangement, which it obviously is in this case. Provided you make sure it's working as described before handing over the cash you should be fine.
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Of course they will, they lose potential fees!

Cash/collection should be fine, you might do well to take a friend with you *just in case*, but no doubt you'll be fine :)
 
Word it differently by asking if they would consider adding a buy it now price. That way both parties are protected :)
 
The seller has replied back.

Hi,

A auction recently sold on ebay for £340, and I'm hoping for something in the same region as that - it's still got the original box & it's condition is like new, plus it has all the extras etc, which is why I'm hoping for that sort of price. I don't have an exact price in mind, but if you make me a reasonable offer then I'm quite happy to arrange things outside of ebay & have cash on collection etc.

By coincidence, we're actually coming over to Hereford on Sunday...it's possible we'd be able to bring it over to you, but it would depend on how easily (or not) it would fit in our little car! It's a possibility anyway.

Many thanks.

All the best,
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Is it okay if she turns up at my place??? It would still be cash in hand.
 
Well, it turned out fine.

Met the seller at her house (really PRETTY :D), checked out the piano, did the deal and I have got it home safely !

I said to her if i could give her a positive in ebay if i could, the whole thing went through really smoothly bar trying to find her house in the maze of cul de sacs.

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Thanks all !
 
As a seller, with a while still left on the auction, I'd offer to take the auction down as soon as they turn up with the cash. Then it's theirs.

Otherwise, I've dealt with a lot of time wasters, so I'd be suspicious.

So in summary, if the seller gives you a screenful of vitriol and swear words, don't be surprised.
 
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