How To Buy EBay Local Pick Up Only Items And Get Safe Delivery

eBay is undoubtedly the most popular place in the world to find and buy second hand items and get a good deal.

However, while many items such as mobile phones, cameras, clothes can be shipped easily through courier companies or postal services,relatively heavy items such as furniture and cars cannot. Therefore, many eBay sellers select the option “local pickup only” when selling these items. The exception is business sellers who have exclusive delivery partners that help them with shipping their items.

By reading the following tips you will be able to get these items cheaply and safely..

Get the item location

Let’s say you have found an item that you want to purchase but only available locally. Save the item to your eBay watch list and then ask the seller where the item is located. Get as much information as you can, including address details, town name, zip code. Once that information is obtained, you can then start finding a delivery company to pick up and deliver the eBay item.

Find the delivery solution

Local directory websites are the first place to have a look.Only select companies which offer national or cross region delivery service. You don’t want to end up calling a delivery company that only delivers locally.

Directory websites such as Yell or Freeindex also provide reviews about particular delivery companies which gives some insights into their service quality.

Once the list of your preferred delivery companies is created, give them a call and check whether they operate near the item location and ask for their quotes. Note down the important details including the next date they are going there, their quotes as well as insurance details.

Once you get about 5 to 10 quotes, choose the ones that are suitable with your date and price range requirements..

If you are busy and do not want to spend time calling around for quotes, transport marketplace websites are the solution.

When using these websites, you list your request and delivery companies on the site will give quotes to you. Many of these websites offer quotes in a reverse auction type in which transport firms bid against each other to give you the best quote.

With the eBay delivery quotes in hand, you are now ready to bid for the item.

Payment and delivery arrangement

Once you have won the item, the next step is to pay and get it. Since “local pick up only” eBay sellers normally expect cash on item collection, it is advised that you ask the delivery firm to pay for you.. However, if the item is expensive, bank transfer or PayPal are smarter payment options.

When dealing with the delivery company, make sure you know where they are (pay a visit to their office), their delivery vehicle capability (whether it can carry the item you want safely) as well as get a copy of their insurance policy. Pay extra attention if you choose a man and van operator as they are normally less reliable than delivery companies.

Before the delivery company picks up the item, ask the eBay seller to give you some high resolution pictures of the item so you can compare the item condition upon delivery.