Need help choosing the shipping method.

[midsspr0]

Hello,

I'm about to list a large(50 x 50in) /heavy item (about 700 lbs) on eBay. The buyer messaged me that they are going to set up the freight for us. In this case, which shipping method should I choose: "Freight" or "Local Pick Up"?

This is my first time shipping a large item, and I need help with this.

Thanks!

[wastingtime101 · Accepted solution]

Local pickup only! And don't hand the item over to the freight company until they (or the buyer) give you the local pickup code to confirm pickup.

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

If you advertise Freight, you are on the hook.

Bookmark these links in case of any claims:

For item not received:

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy...

For items not as described:

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy...

In the situation where the buyer arranges their own shipping, or sends a friend/family (3rd party) to collect on their behalf, MBG coverage is voided. But you need that local pickup code.

[biggymoe]

I would be very wary of this transaction.  Personally, I would have stuck to local pickup only.

Others, with more expertise, in these type of transactions, will be along to advise you.

[candd205]

Why are you listing it on eBay if you already have your buyer. Why not just complete the transaction directly with the buyer?

[mudshark61369]

@midsspr0,

Why in heaven's name would you list an item that already has a buyer on ebay?  

What will you do if another ebay member sees the listing and buys it out from under your buyer?

With what you are planning on doing you are opening your self up to be scammed if the buyer gives you a bad check, or if they complain to their card/payment service, that they never received it. You would have no proof of delivery unless you have a copy of the shipping contract signed by the carrier's driver saying they picked it up from your address and delivered it to your buyer's address if you even know what it is.

As @wastingtime101 , wrote you may not have any ebay protections if the driver does not have the QR or 6 digit code with them when it is picked up.  Beyond that have you made sure that the seller's shipping carrier provides insurance or the buyer purchased it, if something happens enroute? 

Who would end up paying  for a return, if due to poor handling or other mishap, the item was damaged or not working when delivered to the buyer? I would hire the shipper, making sure that they have or provide insurance and what the insurance co. they use covers.

If I were selling something that big, heavy and probably expensive, I wouldn't list the item on ebay, I'd use another site and offer local pick up only. 

[wastingtime101]

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@mudshark61369 wrote:

Beyond that have you made sure that the seller's shipping carrier provides insurance or the buyer purchased it, if something happens enroute? 

Who would end up paying  for a return, if due to poor handling or other mishap, the item was damaged or not working when delivered to the buyer? I would hire the shipper, making sure that they have or provide insurance and what the insurance co. they use covers.

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I would not hire the shipper. That puts all the responsibility on the seller.

As shown from the links I provided above, buyer's MBG is void when they hire the shipper and use a third party to handle a local pickup. All the seller needs is the code to verify pickup.

Whether the item is insured or damaged by the shipper, that falls on the buyer to deal with the shipper, not the seller. eBay won't find in favor of the buyer on a MBG claim.

[fab_finds4u]

You should never let the buyer set up shipping. They can use a stolen shipping account and then you would be on the hook for shipping money you never received.

But I'm with the others. If you already have a buyer then why list it on eBay and pay fees you don't need to pay?