..to not want to sell to the highest bidder on ebay after all?

[Schnullerbacke]

So, I just sold something quite valueable on ebay but I do not want to sell it to the higgest bidder anymore. The buyer had contacted me beforehand to ask whether I would send said item to Italy and I said yes.

Only after the auction was finished, my DH told me about the problems with sending items to Italy, I googled it and it sounds awful (items apparently not arriving, buyers claiming money back from Paypal, big time fraud baically).

Knowing this, I don't really want to sell anymore and would like to contact the second higest bidder to make them an offer. I do feel bad though if the OP was genuine and be penalised for his countrymen. On the other hand, better be safe than sorry (we are talking over 300 Pounds worth of stuff).

So, AIBU for bailing?

Thanks

[CarGirl]

hmm did you discuss postage costs with them? I would send it by a courier with extra insurance, signed for etc it will be very expensive and may put them off? Or you could bail.

[Fluffyone]

Why should you bail? You use a trackable service with signed for delivery and then you're covered by Paypal. The buyer has to pay the extra carriage charges obviously.
I have all my auctions "UK bidders only" because I get fed up with people sending me messages during the auction "Can you give me the cost of shipping to Italy/Japan/Australia...".

[Fluffyone]

By the way, if you bail you can get reported to EBay.

[123andaway]

Depends on if you mind getting negative feedback!! Make sure you send it tracked and signed for so they can't say it hasn't arrived. This is a problem with ebay full stop - it's not just the Italians!

[Schnullerbacke]

Apparently, they then contact Paypal to complain about non-receival of item and claim the money back and I would be left battling Paypal...

But CarGirl's suggestion is great, I will make them pay the extra insurance etc. I had said only bank transfer so not sure how he will get the money to me, I wil just pretend that I don't even have a paypal account....

[Macforme]

I recently sold my car on ebay..and the winners were Russians living in Germany! I was horrified..thinking they would default or give me fake money! It was stressful (esp as they couldn't speak English and trying to email with google translations was interesting to say the least) but they came, paid and drove away....

I'd defo go for the extra insurance, but not bail

[pigletmania]

YABU you should have thought about it before saying yes. As others have said tell the buyer that they will have to pay extra postage and insurance costs. That is why my listings is for UK bidders only.

[faustina]

I think you are protected if you use certain methods of posting - trackable ones? I can't remember but it's all in ebay's help section. It is a pain in the arse sending anything abroad and I think it's always worthwhile saying you just won't. Good luck - hope you get your money!

[FBlinkmademechangemyname]

YABU, you should have looked into it before saying yes. Its not this persons fault and they bid in good faith (probably).

[SloanyPony]

YANBU to be feeling wobbly about it but YABU not to send it International Signed for and make them pay the postage costs.

[nickelbabe]

as long as you send it by secure carrier (and I think royal mail special delivery counts) then you won't be faced battling Paypal, you'll be battling the post office.

one thing to bear in mind, though, is to find out exactly what compensation you'd get from RM if it does go missing.

[wubblybubbly]

Just make sure your courier covers you fully if the item isn't delivered. Regardless of tracking, ebay may still refund the buyer if you don't have their signature to prove receipt.

"Provide tracking information

If a buyer contacts us about an item that hasn?t been received, you can resolve the case by providing proof of delivery. We'll ask you to provide tracking information for your case that shows:

*

The delivery status of the item as delivered.

*

The date of delivery (which shows you sent the item within your stated handling time).
*

The buyer's address, displaying at least the town/city or postal code of the address shown on either eBay's Order Details page or PayPal's Transaction Details page.
*

For items £150 or more, proof of the recipient's signature.

If the tracking information shows the item is still in transit, we may ask the buyer to wait.

If an item was posted without tracking information, please let us know. We?ll review the situation, but may still find you responsible for refunding the buyer if the item hasn't arrived yet."

[catherinewho]

My OH works in a post office and don't hear that many problems about sending stuff to Italy, he said to send it international signed for and insure it to £300 that way if it does go missing you are covered through Royal Mail.