eBay is without doubt the most widely known website to look for second hand items

While some items can be sent easily through the post or parcel companies,relatively heavy items such as furniture and cars cannot. As the result, most sellers select the option “local pickup only” when selling these items. This means the seller is unable to reach buyers who are outside their area.

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

Know where the item is

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 courier company to pick up and deliver the eBay item.

Find the transport solution

Local directory websites are the first place to have a look.Select delivery companies offering national or regional 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 you have got a nice list of regional/national delivery companies, call them up and ask whether they run trips to the item location area and how much they charge. Note down the important details including the next date they are going there, their quotes as well as insurance details.

After getting at least a 5 to 10 quotes, pick the best ones based on prices and date availability.

To save time and effort, you can try transport marketplace websites.

When using these online transport marketplaces, you submit your delivery request and get quotes from delivery companies operating on the sites. Many of these websites offer quotes in a reverse auction type in which delivery companies 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.

It is important to make sure the delivery company is reliable and trustworthy. Ask for their references, visit their office, check their delivery vehicle capacity and their insurance details. Pay extra attention if you choose a man with a 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.