for eBay sellers

13 years ago

I'm a very inferquent seller on eBay, so I have a question:

How long is a reasonable amount of time for payment to be made? I sold sometime that closed on the past Sunday afternoon. I sent an invoice after the sale, and again every day, including today. I sent a message, but haven't heard anything. I'm thinking that if I don't hear from the buyer after today, I'll open a dispute.

I'd ask this over on eBay's forums, but they are closed to new post right now.

TIA,
Ellen

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Comments (9)

User
13 years ago
I give 5 days, many give 7. then just relist the item.
morz8 - Washington Coast
13 years ago
She'll need to cancel the transaction or be charged the seller's fee for a sold item...And, since she can't leave negative feedback for a buyer, something needs to be recorded that Ebay could be alerted this person is not keeping their commitment they've made, that bid is a contract in their eyes.

Ebay considers an item as 'unpaid' after two days from auction end. I usually use 72 hours as a guide. But really, with this being a holiday week, you might want to give some thought that the buyer may by gone, or have a house full :) Have you checked the buyers feedback rating, see if there is anything suspect there that would make you want to just go ahead and file unpaid claim, get the sale off your record? That could make a difference in how I treated the silence you're getting from your buyer.
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alisande
13 years ago
Are you saying the auction ended four days ago and you've sent five invoices? That's a lot of invoices.

I'm sure Morz8 is more on top of current eBay practices than I.....when I started selling some years ago, one week was considered a reasonable time to expect payment. I rarely send more than one invoice.
morz8 - Washington Coast
13 years ago
Alisande, they've changed some of their policies over the last several months. Which doesn't mean a seller can't be more flexible, but unless offered a different option a buyer really is expected to respond promptly.

Ebays definition of an unpaid item:
"If you don't pay for an item within 2 days of winning it or using Buy It Now, an unpaid item case may be opened. Remember that you commit to pay when you buy or bid successfully on an item.

As a buyer, you have 4 days to send payment after the case is opened. If you don't pay or you're unable to reach an agreement with the seller within 4 days, the case may be closed and eBay may record an unpaid item on your account.

Repeated unpaid items can result in limits or loss of buying privileges."
nelles_gw
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you all for your responses.

Yes, Alisande, it IS a lot of invoices. I was doing it to "poke" the buyer.

And while I realize it's a holiday and/or vacation week, if the buyer had had the courtesy to TELL me he would be away, it wouldn't have been a problem. But there has been zero communication since he wone the item.

I think I'll file a report with eBay tomorrow. The buyer has a rating of 100%, but on only 6 buys.

Thanks again,
Ellen
alisande
13 years ago
Ellen, I was thinking maybe the buyer doesn't like to be poked. That's no excuse for not paying, of course, but when I started selling on eBay I told myself I'd be the kind of seller I'd want to buy from myself. For example, I never ask buyers to leave feedback for me because I don't like to be asked myself. And I can't imagine getting five invoices. :-)
justlinda
13 years ago
In my listing, I state that "payment is due within 3 days of receipt of invoice". To me that provides ample time (especially when paying with PayPal, which is all I accept). 5 days after sending invoice, I may send a "this is a friendly reminder.....".

I also never ask for feedback.
nelles_gw
Original Author
13 years ago
Alisande,

I'm sure the buyer IS annoyed by my pokes. But I am equally annoyed at being ignored.

I am the type of buyer that pays within 12 hours of winning, but maybe I'm expecting too much.

Ellen
jackie_ok
13 years ago
I usually send one invoice after 5 days and if payment is not made or any response, I file an unpaid item on day 10.

I have had very little trouble. Most people do pay..it just sometimes takes them awhile.