posted on December 1, 2004 07:47:27 AM new
Hello all you smart, funny people. I've been reading and learning from this board f o r e v e r. I don't feel like a new person here, but I guess I am!
I was selling on ebay years ago when pic hosting, launching, etc. were all free (remember those days?) I've just started selling again to make a little extra money. Boy, things sure are different these days. $$$
Anyway. Did any of you ever discover, at the end of an auction, that you've sold your item to someone who lives in your same city? It just seemed so silly to charge the person for Priority shipping when they live or work not too far away.
Did you hand deliver the item or did you ask the person to pick it up from your house? It looks like I'm going to be the one to deliver the item to the buyer.
I gave the offer to save on her shipping costs by just delivering it. It didn't seem right to say, "Okay, you want to save some money-- well then come and get it then."
Anyone ever sell to someone in your own town? How did you handle delivery?
Don't know if I'm being stupid or nice. I'm sort of leaning towards stupid.
posted on December 1, 2004 07:53:22 AM new
I've delivered an item, but met them at a public place at a designated time. I was uncomfortable having them come to our home and did want them to feel uneasy by my offering to go to theirs.
posted on December 1, 2004 08:10:39 AM new
I have sold items to people living within 10 minutes of my house/shop. One decided to come and pick it up himself at my antique shop and the other decided she would just have me mail it. I would never go to a buyers home to deliver it. However, I have gone to pick up something that I purchased on line, but again, it was at her shop. I think if someone has a shop they can sell out of then it's fine, but going to a residence is not a good idea. Too many weirdos out there. Actually, I've had some pretty strange people stop by my shop too, but at least there are people in and out if it all day and I have someone that rents part of the shop from me who is usually there too. So I feel more secure. Can't be to cautious these days.
posted on December 1, 2004 08:20:01 AM new
I was thinking of just driving to her place of work (she told me where that was) and just waiting in my car outside and she could come out and get the item. Would that be okay?
posted on December 1, 2004 08:29:56 AM new
I've had this happen too. I generally agree to meet at a mutually acceptable location...worked fine with no problems. I did just have one auction end where I let the winner come to my house. BUT, he worked at the same place my sister did so figured he was OK...that, too, worked out fine. That was an exception though. Meeting your bidder at her work place sounds safe.
posted on December 1, 2004 08:33:10 AM new
I had a girl going to school in France write that her sister was going to school at a local college. She ask if her sister could pick it up. Her family was mailing a big box of Christmas to her later that week. My Dad was the manager of a local grocery store at the time, so he picked it up there.
I wouldn't want anyone coming to my home and I wouldn't want to go to theirs either. But I don't see a problem meeting them in a public place.
Be kind. Everyone is fighting their own secret battles.
...Author Unknown
posted on December 1, 2004 09:03:32 AM new
I meet that at the shopping center up the street. Convenient for me. Last pickup, the guy turned out to be a cop looking like a bum because he was in the narcotics division. Very nice man and it worked out fine.
posted on December 1, 2004 09:24:42 AM new
I usually quote postage and insurance the same as I would any other buyer, and let them make the inquiry to pick it up.
I have no problem allowing pickups at my home, as long as the appointment time is agreeable. I can see where a woman would be more cautious.
posted on December 1, 2004 09:36:53 AM new
I ALWAYS have people come by my place of work. Safe and public. I would never allow someone to come to my home. That said, though, I've probably given items to people in person at least a dozen times. All good experiences, though sometimes it's weird to see them in person! I had one guy who drove 45 minutes to pick up a ten dollar item! Whatever makes you happy, I guess... I've never offered to drive something out to anybody. It has to be at my convenience unless it was a very high-priced item.
posted on December 1, 2004 09:58:40 AM new
I am meeting someone today for a 48" tall plastic snowman that finished last night. He is 22 miles away.
As far as not wanting someone to come you your home whats the difference between that and giving your address during payment instructions????
posted on December 1, 2004 10:11:19 AM new
micmic is right. What is different about an eBaye buyer & one who answers an ad in the local paper? I sold a computer, a printer, & a digital camera in the local paper, all were picked up at my home.
Life Is Too Short To Drink Bad Wine
posted on December 1, 2004 10:14:14 AM new
the difference is he rings the doorbell and you open the door while in the other case,he will have to force his way in.
take my word,if it is a small package ,ship it!make life easier for yourself ,as long as you want to play retailer,act like one!!
-sig file -------Life is one big happy 'All You Can Eat' buffet .
posted on December 1, 2004 11:43:21 AM new
just watched the Texas chainsaw massacre,that chainsaw sure look interesting.
get one for self defense!
-sig file -------Life is one big happy 'All You Can Eat' buffet .
posted on December 1, 2004 02:09:43 PM new
If they want to meet me in a neutral location, I will do it if I can. If someone purchases a $5 item from me, I am not going to do that! I recently sold to someone practically within walking distance of my house, but even though they knew I was in the same general vicinity (though my mailing address is not my home address, it is a couple of miles away) I processed that order like any other.
I actually once had a buyer come to my house. He lived in the next block over, on the other side of my neighbor across the street. I could have tossed a ball from my front yard into his back yard he was so close! I was moving in a few weeks out of state, so when he wanted to meet me at my mailing address (again, about 2 miles away) I just told him to stop by my house . That definitely was the closest sale I have ever had.
Another funny sale was across the country, but the buyer lived in the same condo building my aunt had lived in, and I was very familiar with it. I asked her if she had a nice view of the golf course, and she was shocked I could know that, until I told her I knew where she lived!
posted on December 1, 2004 03:13:07 PM new
I agree with is the difference. Your buyer has your name and address all ready, but I would do the delivery to their house. I did have a buyer from another city and we meet at a McDonalds on the I. I of course don't charge postage if this happens.
_________________
To Quote John Kerry in his concession speech. "But in an american election, there are no losers, because whether or not our candidates are successful, the next morning we all wake up as Americans
posted on December 1, 2004 04:10:10 PM new
OMG! There are a lot of PARANOID people on the thread. I guess most of you live East LA or Watts or somrthing like that.
posted on December 1, 2004 04:31:08 PM new
I sell a lot of items, Customer pickup only.
If they buy they have to come pickup.
I've delivered, to homes,were they work and public places.
Never had a problem.
I always ask if I can pickup.
They always ask if they can pickup,unless I've sold item customer pickup only.
I live in Jersey sold a toy to a couple in Texas.
After purchasing they asked if they could pickup.
I said sure!
A week later they pulled in my driveway,they were here visiting friends.
posted on December 1, 2004 04:55:47 PM new
Besides, all the perverts are on the sex sites, they aren't on EBay. I have never had a bad check and the few negs I have had all needed to be on Dr. Phil show
posted on December 1, 2004 05:03:53 PM new
I just sold an antique table, which was pickup only. 2 women drove from Dallas to Houston to pick it up. Guess I never thought about the danger of answering my door at 9pm .. dumb I suppose.
But I've always met people or allowed them to come by the house. Something to think about I guess.
posted on December 1, 2004 05:19:23 PM new
THERE WAS THIS OLD MAN WHO SOLD AN ANTIQUE WATCH ON EBAY AND AGREED TO MEET THE BUYER AT SOME LOCATION,HE WAS NOT ONLY ROBBED,HE WAS KILLED.
i THINK IT HAPPENED LAST YEAR.
-sig file -------Life is one big happy 'All You Can Eat' buffet .
posted on December 1, 2004 05:21:13 PM new
I sold a few items to locals but most don't even want to be bothered. I did have one who asked to come I said yes, but I was kinda uneasy about it so I called my son up to come over and wait with me, the strangest thing is a car pulled up infront of my home and sat there for a few mins,. I said to my son "maybe that's him?".....my son opened the door to see and the car drove off.
Then later that day the buyer paid with paypal, kinda strange happenings don't you think?
Well since that time I don't have or even offer home pick up, unless its a car I'm selling then I know my son will be here so I don't worry.
Now, everything is only shipped, if they ask, I say, I don't have home pick up but thanks for asking.
I'm sure most people are ok, but I don't care to even get involved with waiting for them and then worrying, who needs it?.........not me
posted on December 1, 2004 06:30:23 PM new
I have had a couple people pick up items at my house before, but it can be a hassle. I have a Rottweiler whose job it is to keep anyone except me from taking anything out of the house. I'd rather not tempt fate, so it's only on a rare occasion I will agree to it. The last time I did it, the item was a John Deere pedal tractor. They are a pain to pack and I was happy the buyer picked it up. We made the exchange out in the garage.
A $75.00 solid state device will always blow first to protect a 25 cent fuse ~ Murphy's Law
posted on December 2, 2004 02:02:47 AM new
rivki, 'so they wanna save some money, come pick it up' ... yep, i have allowed pick up dozens and dozens of times over the years ... it's not "mean" to say 'yes, you may pick it up', as it is usually the buyer that initiates the request for pick-up after you've invoiced them with your name/address. ...
I had a pick up here as recently as yesterday ... she was a local ebay newbie as it turns out, and she was happily shocked when i told her i didn't need any of the s/h/i ...
posted on December 2, 2004 12:15:00 PM new
Thanks so much for all the responses and your experiences. I was never paranoid or afraid of meeting in person....I was actually wanting to know how stupid I really am for initiating the whole thing and trying to save the person some money in shipping.
I could have said, "come pick it up"...but it ended up that I just delivered to the person's work. Met her outside of the building.
She just told me they bid on some other auctions of mine...so if this person wins I guess I'm a delivery service again.
I guess I shouldn't complain. Maybe it's just good customer service or something?
I think I like the idea of just letting any more local ebay winners figure out that we are in the same city.
posted on December 2, 2004 02:47:03 PM new
We too have met at a public place etc or near a work location and made a trade no problem.
However one time in our home town at a gas station on the main highway, we made an exchange in a parking lot. My husband is making the exchange and in the parking lot across the street at a pay phone was a drug deal going on, needless to say I really ripped on him for that one.
So pick your location with lots of care, and also time of day is important. We still laugh about this one.
posted on December 2, 2004 09:19:57 PM new
These are not your Friends, this is business,is SEARS going to meet you in a parking lot? NO. and then,,,,,there goes your "handling" fees,,,,which covers your e bay fees,your pay pal fees,,,,and on and on and on and,,,,,,,then,,,they start L@@KING in the front door,,,,,hmmmmm,,,,got any Cookies and Hot Chocolate? GOD forbid you sold something with REAL Value like a $10,000.00 Diamond RING!!!!!!!!!! they'll be BAHCK,,When yer NOT at HOME! This is Impersonal Business! Think of it THAT way....E bay is NOT a Community at all, Just think of ALL the Horror stories you have read here,,,,,,Weirdo's and such.......NO WAY.....Let the Postman Do his appointed Job...
The GOOD,the BAD and the UGLY. The so so and the Oh well,,,,,,,
posted on December 3, 2004 09:50:29 AM new
I use a mail box at a UPS store for any transactions. NOTE: You cannot have an item dropped off for you by a private party at these stores, I have been informed it is against their policy. I've tested this, USPS and UPS are OK, but an Office Max delivery never came about. Anyway, it gives me a good place to meet someone for a transaction. And there's a laughably priced coffee shop next door.
Identifying our fears and listening to them is not paranoia, it is common sense. Except maybe that one about clowns.
posted on December 4, 2004 08:36:31 AM new
I would NEVER do this unless it turned out that I already knew the person. Even if there was no danger, you might have this person constantly expect this service, as you said, which may be inconvenient one day and turn off your customer, who has now come to feel they have a right to getting these deliveries.
Yes, your custom delivery service could be good for business, but then what if this customer got more people that they know to shop your auctions, and they also expect the in-person delivieries? Again, that could be good for business, too. But what if the second person turns out to be creepy? Or is the irresponsible type who doesn't show up, claims YOU didn't show, and then neg's you for not delivering as promised? This could all get ugly fast.
Best to not offer this type of service at all, and to decline requests with a simple, "Sorry, I will not be able to do that due to my rapidly-changing schedule."
[ edited by linermeland on Dec 4, 2004 08:37 AM ]
posted on December 7, 2004 08:53:55 AM new
I sold a really rare and expensive guitar, and the buyer came to the house to pick it up. He stopped for coffee, and he and my hubby talked music for about two hours before he left!
When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple
with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
... she was a local ebay newbie as it turns out, and she was happily shocked when i told her i didn't need any of the s/h/i ...