How do I handle an in-person delivery when I have it up to be shipped?

[bill.purvis2012]

A customer who lives near me bought 4 heavy items from me on EBAY and paid on EBAY.  It would be so easy for me to drop it off at their home after getting their permission.  How would I handle it on EBAY? It was free shipping, so that's okay.  I can show shipped, but I won't have a tracking number.  Ideas?

[bonjourami]

Without a tracking number, you have no proof of delivery and the buyer could file an inr case against you.

[jayjaspersgarage]

This is similar to customers who request to meet for local pickup when it isn't listed as an option. 

First you have to contact the customer to clear the idea of dropping off their stuff on their driveway or wherever.  Once they agree you can create a label for a three ounce package and mail it just like you normally do.   I usually put the packing slip inside with a photo of the boxes and a note reminding them that you will watch the tracking to know when to make the delivery.  It is good if you can coordinate the drop off on the day of the notes arrival.

It's not difficult to complete this way.   Pre-Covid it used to occur across the short barriers near  turnstiles at subway stations.  Now I use my pickup with the item on the tailgate and just back onto the customer's driveway or meet in a parking lot.  It's about eight feet from the tailgate to the cab of my truck with a glass and metal barrier for safe spatial distancing.

[jayjaspersgarage]

Once you've set up local delivery with the customer all you need to do is create a label to send the packing slip in an envelope with the tracking number.  

[fashunu4eeuh]

Ebay has recently updated the policy on local pickup. Now there is an option for the buyer to sign a copy of the eBay order for the item as proof of delivery. Below is a link to the policy for more details.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/posting-items/setting-postage-options/local-pickup?id=4181

Proof of pickup is required to protect you against item not received cases. 
For proof of pickup you can:

• use the eBay app to scan the QR code the buyer received through email
• use the eBay app to manually enter the 6-digit code the buyer received through email
• have the buyer sign a copy of the eBay order form at the time of pickup

[fab_finds4u]

As usual. Kudos to @fashunu4eeuh  for their spot on answer.

[m_pthisandthat]

I had this problem. What I did to solve it is now I add local pickup to all my listings. This does not mean that you have to let someone come to your house. 

[fashunu4eeuh]

Thank you, @fab_finds4u !

[southern*sweet*tea]

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@jayjaspersgarage wrote:

Once you've set up local delivery with the customer all you need to do is create a label to send the packing slip in an envelope with the tracking number.  

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And when the buyer files a SNAD, what happens?

[robxznyc]

@fashunu4eeuh these local pickup procedures only apply to situations where the buyer chose local pickup during checkout. In the OP's case and all the experiences I've had with local pickup, buyer chose free shipping during checkout and later both buyer and seller realized pickup to be more convenient. 

EBay CS suggests to mark order as shipped without uploading tracking number, as well as have buyer provide positive feedback as proof of transfer of goods or services. 

[robxznyc]

Current eBay policy ignores when seller offers both free shipping and local pickup, buyer has no incentive to choose local pickup during checkout, without knowing seller's location or availability.

[oneblindcat]

If you deliver it, make sure the buyer is there in person to receive it.

Bring your friend, Mongo.

Maybe meet them inside the local sheriff's department, just like Craigslist.

That way, if they file an INAD or INR, you can file a criminal charge if they don't return it in the same condition.

Oh, and GoPro is your friend.

[jayjaspersgarage]

"And when the buyer files a SNAD, what happens?"

After arranging to drop it off in person when the buyer is meeting you I doubt they will file anything but a Five Star positive review.   They have the opportunity to look the item(s) over in real time while you watch from ten feet away.

[giabrend]

you did not answer the question.

plus you are making it so hateful to think how bad people are in your world.

[reallynicestamps]

Bonjourami is cautious, not hateful.

It is useful to remember that while most people are honest, there are a few that are not.

More useful is fashunu4eeth's reminder that eBay offers QR codes for confirmation of in person delivery.