Freight shipping

[planetone-wholesale]

Hello eBay Community,

I am a new eBay seller specializing in auto parts, and I'm currently facing a situation that I could use some guidance on. I have listed larger items such as hoods and bumpers as "Local Pickup Only" to ensure a smooth transaction process. However, I've noticed that some customers mistakenly purchase these items and then wait for shipping, despite the listing's pickup-only nature.

This predicament not only results in unresponsive customers but also ties up my items, preventing other potential buyers from making a purchase for several days. I'm hoping to gather insights from experienced sellers on how to address this issue effectively. Are there any strategies you could recommend to prevent these unintended purchases and minimize the wait time for potential buyers?

Additionally, I am interested in recommendations for reputable freight companies that specialize in shipping large items. If any of you have had positive experiences with such companies or can offer suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you all in advance for your  assistance. 

[isaiah53-57]

I found this to be the case with most all of my local pickup listings - In my opinion, just one more thing ebay does WRONG in the seemingly never ending list - The problem boggled my mind when I thought of how easy it would be to ensure a buyer knew they were buying an item that shipping was not allowed on. I even added HUGE letters in the listing regarding there was no shipping allowed and it did not stop the problem, because so many people dont or cant read the description. I had a TV listed that at least 8 people had purchased from many states away

I simply canceled the sales as "something wrong with buyers address" and relisted if I wanted - It got to the point where I just stopped listing anything as Local Pick-up, especially since I cant recall having sold a single thing using that option except an ATV back in the mid 2000's when local pick-up listings actually worked.

[soh.maryl]

For items that appear to be problematic regarding local pickup, there are other selling options besides this one.

Hopefully, someone who's had good experiences selling large items and shipping them will come along and offer advice.  Word of caution:  If/when any of those buyers deem such items NAD, you, the seller will be reimbursing the buyer in advance for return shipping as well as refunding the total amount the buyer paid you when the returned item is received back.  

[lakefor94]

I list with business policies and select the freight option.

A buyer will not be able to pay for the item until you invoice them. They can purchase, but not pay.

At that point you have their address and can sort out the costs before sending the invoice. Such as these examples:

It is a residential address? 

Is a box truck with lift gate required?

Does the buyer have a loading dock to match up with an semi truck? Do they have a forklift if needed?

Etc. Etc. Etc.

You can figure all this out before sending the invoice with the total costs.

[buyselljack2016]

@planetone-wholesale 

One thing to try is all caps in the title stating LOCAL PICK UP ONLY if not shipping.

Freight shipping..................... oh the horrors. Prepping for shipment and refunding/paying for returns.

[planetone-wholesale]

Thanks for your helpful suggestion Which Freight company would you recommend if you don't mind?

[lakefor94]

I use one of my distributors that I buy from. Their warehouse lead chooses the carrier for me and sends me a price. They use some of the bigger names. 

They are nice enough to charge me their cost.

I just take my shipments to their dock and they palletize it for me and ship.

[lakefor94]

Another poster above hinted on the risks involved.

If you are shipping something for $300 or whatever, as you know, you are on the hook for shipping both ways if the buyer opens a return case, if you want the item back before refunding.

If it is a $500 item with $300 shipping, that is a lot of risk.

If you are selling $1,500 items with $300 shipping, that is better, imo.    It is risky no matter how you slice it.

[titipeo]

Local pick ups items will have visibility to all in the platforms, and will encounter bids, offers from numerous buyers that will overlook the "local pick up only" description. I don't think that eBay offers the option to list on a local level. Some may even go as far as asking for shipping quotes. If this is a regular issue for you, best to use other platforms, that are in fact more local to your prospective clientele.