Hand Deliver??

[OutoftheBeaker]

I just got my first sale to a stranger on Etsy and thier shipping address is two blocks from my house (a whole lot closer than my post office!). Would it be prudent to package it and hand deliver or should I still go through the shipping process? Is this something that I should contact the buyer to okay?

[Former_Member]

I'd recommend contacting the buyer just to confirm this is okay. They will probably be grateful for the suggestion even if they prefer not to have peoplle popping round :)

[ColorMyWorldCrochet]

I had this happen recently and I contacted the buyer to see if they wanted to meet in person at a coffee ship in a shopping center. They were thrilled and happy I suggested it and I refunded the shipping. I know some people do not do this because you have no proof of it shipping, but I was willing to take the risk and my items are not super expensive.

[JLAccessory]

I would want my pkg delivered by the P.O. even if it was close just in case if I am too busy that day to recieve it and if the shipping was paid, would that complicate things?

[Former_Member]

I would love it if I were contacted to pick up in person! Save money, meet the seller, it's all good to me.

But then, I give away stuff on Freecycle all the time so I'm accustomed to strangers (sorry, "people I haven't met yet") showing up on my driveway to pick up things.

[designsbydkd]

I would contact the buyer and see if she would like it hand delivered.
Since she is that close you could have a new friend.

[susanstreasures]

Small world! Definitely contact her to give the option. Would be sad if it got 'lost' by post office. I had a surprise delivery awhile ago. I had purchased a doll on eXXX unknowingly sold by a fellow coworker and she hand delivered it!

[Former_Member]

I did this once, and fretted about it for weeks afterward. I had no proof of delivery - no proof of shipment, even, so no way to protect myself if the customer decided to make a claim. I did it at her request, but I don't think I'd do it again unless it was an inexpensive item or I could figure out a way to tactfully ask her to sign a receipt.

[Former_Member]

I think that is a very generous gesture! The buyer may have even seen that you are from the same area. I would certainly confirm with her that it is ok for you to stop by.

If you are worried about proof of delivery maybe you could have her sign the Etsy receipt when you deliver the package so that you have record that she received it.

[OutoftheBeaker]

As it turns out, I do actually know the buyer! He's the boyfriend of one of my friends... I just had never seen his full name so I didn't recognize it!

I'll be hand-delivering it in a ninja-like fashion so his girlfriend doesn't see it - it's a Christmas gift for her!

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

[philosophiacreations]

I've offered to do this several times as well, and there was only one instance where a person opted to have it shipped instead.

If it were me, I'd love to pick up a package this way and save a bit of money.

[Former_Member]

That's so funny! Glad it's working out! Online is such is small world sometimes :)