Is Local Pickup Discount Permitted?

[desc5634]

I am attempting to sell a large mountain bike. I currently have it listed as local pickup only because I don't want to go through the hassle of packaging and transporting it. However, I have had a few people make requests about shipping. Ideally I'd like to have two different prices, the current for local pickup and an increased price for shipping to cover packaging costs. Since I can't set two different prices through eBay, is it permissible to add the following notice to my description or does it violate some eBay policy?

"If you can pick up locally, I will refund you the cost of packaging when you arrive."

[buyselljack2016]

I see listings all the time that show

free local pickup, and 

Shipping for $XXX

[mtgraves7984]

@desc5634 

You can charge Free Local Pickup and add a shipping option to the listing, too. I think if you add that message to your listing, you'll still have "a few people make requests about shipping." Two options will show the cost for each.

[desc5634]

This is my first time using eBay. Isn't shipping ideally done via eBay's shipping option? But if I did what you are proposing I would be handling shipping entirely on my own?

[desc5634]

Yes, but I'm not talking about the shipping fees. Talking about the packaging and transport from house to post office fees (since I do not have a vehicle large enough), which eBay does not cover as part of shipping costs, unless I am missing something?

[buyselljack2016]

@desc5634 

As you have no transportation its likely at this point you should just stick with "local pickup only".

Unless well packaged a bicycle may be difficult to box up in a size that will ship USPS.

ETA: is the warranty transferrable?

[buyselljack2016]

@desc5634 

Also to be aware of. If a buyer pays for shipping and then opens a "not as described" claim and returns the bicycle you would be responsible for the return shipping and would have to refund the buyer in full including what they paid for the initial shipping.

[buyselljack2016]

You may be able to add a handling fee to the listing to cover your local transportation, but again .............. any issues resulting in a "return" would also require that to be refunded.

[nobody*s_perfect · Accepted solution]

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@desc5634 wrote:

Yes, but I'm not talking about the shipping fees. Talking about the packaging and transport from house to post office fees (since I do not have a vehicle large enough), which eBay does not cover as part of shipping costs, unless I am missing something?

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You can charge whatever you want for shipping and handling.  Don't even think about discounting the item price. Just set up the shipping section of the listing to offer your buyers a choice of either  (1) free local pickup or (2) shipping at whatever price you want to charge. Be sure to charge enough to cover packaging, gas to get to the shipper's office, and the final value fee percentage that eBay will charge on that.

I think you need to do a lot of reading about how eBay shipping works.  Sellers can purchase shipping labels for USPS, FedEx or UPS through eBay at discounted prices, but that is not required.

Frankly you have chosen a very challenging sale as your first eBay listing. Many of us who have been on here for decades would not think of trying to ship a bicycle to an eBay buyer. I recommend that you should not consider shipping this item; just reply politely to the potential buyers who request it.

[robbie31415]

Since you are new I would keep your Bike local pickup.

You could come out of pocket by a lot of money if you don't. (Return shipping, refunding original shipping, while giving a full refund).

And since you are new, you are larger prey for scammers and such.

I would just apologize that you aren't able to ship at this time and that it's local pickup only.

[desc5634]

Thanks everyone. Forgot about this question but did end up coming to the same conclusion to stay local only after researching a bit more. 

[dryophelia]

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@desc5634 wrote:

This is my first time using eBay. Isn't shipping ideally done via eBay's shipping option? But if I did what you are proposing I would be handling shipping entirely on my own?

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eBay doesn't ship anything. They are a portal that allows the seller to buy shipping labels from certain carriers.

Sellers are always on their own with the packaging and shipping of the item.