Is it better to pay cash for bike on eBay?

[united4ever]

As a buyer? I won an auction and the system says it is ready to make payment which I can do via PayPal. Just wondering if it is worth asking the seller if he prefers cash on collection. Just thinking if it is somehow not as described in any way it would be easier to not complete the transaction having not paid but then I think PayPal is quite good at getting a refund isn't it?

 

[vickster]

Yes, do cash on collection. In my experience, PayPal comes down on the side of the seller often

 

[united4ever]

Cheers, I will suggest that

 

[vickster]

Cheers, I will suggest that

If you’re collecting, no reason not to

 

[DCLane]

Having been stung last year with a bike in a far worse state than described I would prefer cash on collection. However, for the wheels I bought today, which are fine, the seller wanted payment in advance.

 

[bikingdad90]

As a buyer? I won an auction and the system says it is ready to make payment which I can do via PayPal. Just wondering if it is worth asking the seller if he prefers cash on collection. Just thinking if it is somehow not as described in any way it would be easier to not complete the transaction having not paid but then I think PayPal is quite good at getting a refund isn't it?

Ebay now has a qr code/ 6-8 digit code that you pass to the seller in completing the transaction if collecting and this gets them a) their fees and b) proof that the item has actually been passed over.

I also believe for buyers they now have a refund guarantee scheme.

 

[Profpointy]

As a seller I would far prefer cash. A buyer could pontentially pay via paypal the claim they
never got the item they picked up, and paypal /
ebay would likely refund.

I've nearly always done this for expensive items be it buying or selling, if item is being picked up

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

I sold something recently and the buyer paid via bank transfer on collection.

 

[Jody]

I'd pay on Paypal. At least you have some level of protection over a cash sale.

Bought some trainers on Ebay that turned out to be snide, contacted Paypal who asked for evidence and then gave me a full refund and told me to keep the item.

 

[vickster]

I'd pay on Paypal. At least you have some level of protection over a cash sale.

Bought some trainers on Ebay that turned out to be snide, contacted Paypal who asked for evidence and then gave me a full refund and told me to keep the item.

For pick up? The thread title asks specifically about buying bikes

Years ago I did receive payment for one bike via PayPal and met the buyer to hand over. Another sale via Paypal friends and family, she paid when I handed the bike over upon delivery. Otherwise always cash when selling or buying bikes. I’ll never personally offer delivery so a distance sale with payment via PP goods and services won’t happen
I did use PP to pay for the Gran Fondo but that was coming from an established LBS so no risk

 

[Jody]

For pick up? The thread title asks specifically about buying bikes

Years ago I did receive payment for one bike via PayPal and met the buyer to hand over. Another sale via Paypal friends and family, she paid when I handed the bike over upon delivery. Otherwise always cash when selling or buying bikes. I’ll never personally offer delivery so a distance sale with payment via PP goods and services won’t happen
I did use PP to pay for the Gran Fondo but that was coming from an established LBS so no risk

An item is an item. Pay in advance and if it isn't as described get Paypal to refund it. At least there is some level of buyer protection over cash hand over.

It's hard to extract cash back out of someone if there is an issue.

 

[Lozz360]

The advice saying pay cash on collection should be qualified, in as much, as you will have no protection from eBay if you subsequently have problems.

The only time I’ve received negative feedback on eBay is when I sold an ebike. The buyer met me at my address, took it for a test ride and then paid cash for the agreed amount. 24 days later the buyer contacted me claiming that I had been dishonest about the state of the battery as it needed replacing. I certainly hadn’t been dishonest. The buyer wanted a full refund and complained to eBay. eBay were not interested in helping the buyer as they considered that the sale had been conducted outside of their platform, ie cash was paid.

Just as an off topic point. I sold the used ebike in good faith. The battery seemed fine when I sold it. I made it very clear in the advert that the battery wasn’t new. Had the buyer contacted me within, say, a week of collection and informed me that the battery was knackered, I would have considered contributing in part or whole to a new battery. The fact the buyer waited 24 days and very aggressively claimed that I had deliberately miss sold the item, they ended up with nothing.

 

[vickster]

As a buyer? I won an auction and the system says it is ready to make payment which I can do via PayPal. Just wondering if it is worth asking the seller if he prefers cash on collection. Just thinking if it is somehow not as described in any way it would be easier to not complete the transaction having not paid but then I think PayPal is quite good at getting a refund isn't it?

What’s the value of the bike?

 

[TissoT]

I wouldn't pay for anything cycling related until I have been over it with a fine tooth combe in person
Especially Full Bike.. Cash or Transfer
It could be tricky either way if the seller is a Shyster

 

[united4ever]

What’s the value of the bike?

£ 270. It's a dirt jump bike for my teenage son.