If you are the top bidder, do you have a chance of viewing before money is taken out of your account?

Has it ended yet, if not you could message the seller?

you should really ask the seller before you make a bid as to whether you can view the item, as once you start bidding and you win, you are then bound and have agreed  to buy the item

He said that we could view and pay cash if we wanted it.  Just worried as it's a kitchen and of course costs a lot of money.  We asked to see it beforehand and he didn't agree to that.

ammunicate with the seller through ebay and keep all messages, so if you win, and you go to see the kitchen and it not what you thought then you have evidence that he said you could pay cash on collection if you wanted it, but i would be very careful paying for something with large amount of cash, get him to sign to say you paid, i always use paypal to pay for all things no ebay as it safe guards you

> He said that we could view and pay cash if we wanted it.  Just worried as it's a kitchen and of course costs a lot of money.  We asked to see it beforehand and he didn't agree to that.

From a sellers point of view it makes sense to allow viewing on an item like this to ensure he only gets bids from genuine buyers but it's obviously his choice.  However I'd be wary about buying from a seller who refused a viewing and/or is inflexible about terms.

Strictly speaking the winning bidder is obliged to complete the sale.  These are eBay's terms and the seller will be be liable to pay them a final value fee based on the closing price.  Their system will allow the seller to chase you for payment and leave you negative feedback if you decide not to buy the kitchen.  It is possible to change the sold status to one saying that the seller and buyer have mutually agreed not to complete but it's a time wasting exercise for the seller as, although he'll get the fees reimbursed by eBay, he'll still need to relist the item to find another buyer.  He may be able to offer it to an underbidder but in my experience they do not usually step up and complete the sale - they've often gone elsewhere by then.

I'd be tempted to walk away if the seller would not let me view as I wouldn't want to risk my positive feedback if it goes badly (I've got 100% on over 700 transactions as a buyer and seller).  If you are prepared to take the risk though do go ahead as the buyer cannot force you to pay if you do not want to.  Really it will be his own fault for mis managing his sale.  What is his feedback like?  Can you look at other items he has for sale - is he a private seller or trade?

Hope it works out for you

>but i would be very careful paying for something with large amount of cash, get him to sign to say you paid, i always use paypal to pay for all things no ebay as it safe guards you

From a seller's point of view, they shouldn't accept Paypal for a 'collection only' item as they leave themselves wide open to the buyer then filiing an 'item not received' dispute.  Paypal will ONLY accept trackable means of delivery (Royal Mail or courier company) as evidence that an item has been sent which obviously won't exist when the item has been collected in person.  In the absence of a tracking no. Paypal will always frind in favour of the buyer.

>I'd be tempted to walk away if the seller would not let me view as I wouldn't want to risk my positive feedback if it goes badly (I've got 100% on over 700 transactions as a buyer and seller).  If you are prepared to take the risk though do go ahead as the buyer cannot force you to pay if you do not want to.  Really it will be his own fault for mis managing his sale.  What is his feedback like?  Can you look at other items he has for sale - is he a private seller or trade?

If you're a seller then you really should make sure that you are up to date with ebay policy in order to protect yourself - sellers have not been able to leave negative feedback for buyers for many months now.

It is a bit strrange that he won't allow viewing in advance of bidding but there may be a genuine reason - like not having the time to accommodate numerous visitors, most of whom will have no intention of actually buying.  If you win the auction and then decide that the kitchen does not suit your needs, you will need to arrange to mutually terminate the sale.  The seller can then offer the kitchen to the next highest bidder.  It's hassle for the seller but that's the risk he took by not permitting advance viewing and he can't leave you negative feedback anyway (and if someone leaves a positive but with a negative comment, you can ask ebay to remove it ;-) )

> If you're a seller then you really should make sure that you are up to date with ebay policy in order to protect yourself - sellers have not been able to leave negative feedback for buyers for many months now.

ShaynLola - yes good point!  I've not sold anything for ages and I forgot they'd changed things a bit :)

Thankfully I've generally had very good experiences on eBay.  I had a quick look at my figures and I've had in excess of 1000 transactions since 2001.  Although I've not sold anything for a while, 50% of those transactions were sales but I haven't needed to leave negative feedback since July 2004.  I have opened a few buyer disputes re non payment but each was resolved pretty quickly.  I've had less than 10 problems with buyers or sellers and none that left me out of pocket or significantly inconvenienced.  I've sold items from £900 to £1.  I've also never received negative feedback.  Some of that is luck but it's a lot to do with writing very clear and descriptive listings that leave no room for misunderstanding.

One of the benefits of selling on eBay is that buyers are supposed to complete the sale if they win the auction - it saves a lot of fuss with protracted viewings and haggling over money.  Many sellers go to great effort to ensure that you know what you will be getting and repeat in their listings the policy that you, the buyer, will be expected to buy the item.  In car listings they often explain that you are not coming to 'kick the tyres' but to 'pay and drive away'!  It is unusual for your seller to allow you to back out after the auction has ended but if that is the case it sounds as though there is no risk on your part.   However it still pays to do your research, ask some questions and gauge whether it's someone you want to do business with, at the very least he should be able to answer any queries re measurements, condition, colour etc.  One thing that may work in your favour is that no one else will be able to view the kitchen either and if he hasn't explained his 'change your mind' policy in the listing they may decide it's too great a risk and walk away - leaving you as the sole bidder.  Fingers crossed :)

Cash with receipt should be fine - I've never had any trouble with this.  As a buyer I usually take a printed copy of the invoice with me and ask for it to be dated and signed received.  Don't forget to take the exact money - you can't expect your seller to have change (I rarely do!)  I wouldn't generally accept Paypal on a collect item as I'd want to avoid paying their fees.  I have accepted a direct transfer of money for a few high value items as the buyer didn't want to carry large amounts of cash but this was agreed in advance and paid 3 days before collection.  Don't be afraid to agree this type of stuff before the auction ends - you may not win but at least you will have reassured the seller that you are a serious bidder.  Good luck