Buyer Wants Item to Be Left at The Back Door. What Would You Do?

camtg on 13/04/2020 - 21:31
Last edited 14/04/2020 - 09:08 by 1 other user

I sold an item through Amazon. Buyer wants item to be left at the back door.

My only issue is that this item costs approx $50 and I normally go with signature on delivery for more costly items.

I've had a couple of times where buyers claim they didn't receive their order. On eBay, you can look at their feedback and decide from there whether it's risky to sell them the item. But on Amazon, I can't find an equivalent option to see what the buyer's history is like.

Any sellers out there? What would you do?

Education & Work

Comments

  • Hybroid on 13/04/2020 - 21:34
    +1

    Pay extra for Signature on Delivery and let AusPost deal with the logistics of getting it to them.

    • thatonethere on 13/04/2020 - 22:20
      +2

      Even if you select signature they dump it regardless these days of c19. They prefer no contact deliver.

      • Hybroid on 13/04/2020 - 22:29
        +2

        Then the burden of proof risk lies with them.

      • jimbobaus on 14/04/2020 - 14:35
        +1

        They take a picture of it being delivered and also of your letterbox (to confirm correct address)
        Their terms also say once its left its considered delivered and as such cant claim "failed delivery"

  • camtg on 13/04/2020 - 21:37

    So ignore their request? Have you ever had complaints for doing this?

    They put it as part of the second line of their address - leave item at back door. I mean, post office is less than 10 mins from them.

    • mbck on 13/04/2020 - 21:40
      +5

      They have to follow your terms. If your terms include signature on delivery, then when they buy the item, they accept that term. I would never sell soemthing without signature on delivery. The onus would be on you to fix the issue.

  • fossilfuel on 13/04/2020 - 21:44

    Some shipping companies offer authority to leave. If the tracking shows delivered and the item is missing, then it's on buyer. Not sure if the delivery driver usually takes a picture of the package.

    I don't think auspost offers authority to leave but TOLL does. Check what your delivery company offers and relay that to the buyer.

    • camtg on 13/04/2020 - 22:14

      Ok cool! I'll let the buyer know and see what they say.

  • camtg on 13/04/2020 - 22:11

    Thanks for all the replies.
    There was nothing specific stated in the terms of purchase.
    Was just looking up the postage costs. I think I might go with Sendle as they offer free signature on delivery. Though I wonder if they will just to a dump at the front door??? I've had that happen a lot recently, not sure if it's because of the cars parked in my driveway. They just ring the doorbell and dump it at the door.

    Auspost is so expensive these days.

    • fossilfuel on 13/04/2020 - 22:31

      Though I wonder if they will just to a dump at the front door??? I've had that happen a lot recently, not sure if it's because of the cars parked in my driveway. They just ring the doorbell and dump it at the door.

      I had the same happen when a company used fastway to deliver some computer parts. The courier left it outside my place although I paid extra for signature and did not provide authority to leave. He called to confirm that it's been delivered. I asked what happens if it's stolen and if the courier be liable for several hundred dollars worth of goods. The courier panicked, retrieved my parcel and delivered it on a different day.

      Sometimes couriers dump at the door since they don't require a signature, which may be fine depending on your courier. Signature is a good way to ensure that the buyer is physically handed the goods.

      • camtg on 13/04/2020 - 23:14

        Thanks!
        I have no idea with courier Sendle will use.

        I'm thinking I might go Auspost instead even though it costs more. At least if they are not home Auspost can take it to the post office and they can pick up at their convenience if required.

  • iforgotmysocks on 13/04/2020 - 22:37
    +1

    As long as the seller consents to the back door, then you should do whatever you feel comfortable with.

    • elgrande on 13/04/2020 - 22:52

      What ever feels right?

      • camtg on 13/04/2020 - 23:19

        If the onus is on me, I think for my own protection, I might have to get it signed- Don't want to be out of pocket.

        Thanks everyone for your feedback

      • iforgotmysocks on 14/04/2020 - 01:16
        +1

        Yes if they want to receive it through the back door and you are a willing participant then it is ok.

  • whooah1979 on 14/04/2020 - 00:04
    +1

    $50 is a low value item. The seller should ATL the item as requested by the buyer.

  • Mentallysick on 14/04/2020 - 08:18

    How do you sell item in amazon? I would like to start selling stuffs online? is it the same as gumtree? is there a fee to pay?

    Thank you

    • JCrown9 on 14/04/2020 - 09:41

      average 15% commission to sell on amazon.
      just goto their site and follow the instructions to see if you can or not.

  • JCrown9 on 14/04/2020 - 09:44

    It seems odd that you are a seller on amazon (and assuming other platforms), that you dont no the current policy for freight companies to deliver (including australia post).

    Pretty much everyone is only doing ATL now. even with signature, they will not do that.
    Australia post will take photos of your goods being left but thats the best you will get.

    Amazon and ebay support will favour the sellers in these current conditions if the items say delivered.

    So dont worry, just ship it as normal. $50 is not a high valued item, but you would be covered under australia post $100 insurance by default if something does go wrong.

    Also if the buyer is a regular amazon customer and buys alot of amazon 'prime' items, then amazon always do atl as well. so he probably knows he cant fight to much with Amazon when they themselves only do ATL.

    • camtg on 14/04/2020 - 18:21

      Does Auspost pay compensation for stolen packages? Anyone tried to claim it before?

      I've thought about getting onto FBA but so confused about the whole shipping it to the warehouse and labels process. I do hate the 15% fee very much. But hey, that's why I list my prices higher on Amazon!

      • JCrown9 on 14/04/2020 - 21:28
        +1

        FBA is a simple process.
        if your already selling on amazon then just follow the steps.
        can print your own barcodes etc from the shipping plan.

        then just ship to FBA warehouses using aus post.

        all very simple.

        But to auspost. it would be a matter of confirming the item has been stolen.
        if tracking never says delivered then the odds are yes as it will simply be lost. but if does say delivered you may need a police report or something to prove its been stolen. Just ask their support team. submit a ticket and they will answer this quickly.

        • camtg on 16/04/2020 - 18:31
          +1

          Thanks heaps!

          I thought you had to do something complex like ship with one of those big trucks or something. But good to know.

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