How quickly should I send reminder to buyer?

froogle_la

Hi - I've just sold my first item on ebay. I've sent the invoice off but not heard anything yet from the buyer. I'm really not sure whether I'm just expecting too much too quickly..... what's a realistic/normal time to hear back from the buyer?

Cheers x

withabix

It's a holiday period, so your buyer might be away.

I include in all of my eBay lots that 'payment must be made by Paypal within 24 hours of auction close', which is not unreasonable.

If they fail to pay within 48 hours they get a reminder email - that normally does the trick.

froogle_la

Ahh - never thought about adding that about paypal.... hey hoh I'm learning! Thanks

soolin

Don't be too hasty as ebay themselves don't even allow a NPB dispute to be started until day 7. It is all very well insisting on payment which does not fit with the ebay terms and conditions but it does rather leave you looking silly when you can do nothing about it if they don't comply.

Personally I find my actions depend on the auction and the time of year. Normally I would send a second invoice on about day 5 or 6 just asking whether there were any problems with payment. Then posisbly start an NPB on about day 10-12. However, on my auctions where I also take cheques I owuldn't even start worrying until day 10 and wouldn't be looking to start an NPB until at least day 12, possibly later.

The only time I would look to start the NPB earlier, possibly by day 8 or 9 is where I have a paypal only auction for my overseas buyers.

If you start harrassing too quickly all that will happen is that you will annoy the buyer into leaving a neg and if you relist before day 7 and then refuse to sell to the original buyer there is also the possibility of a non performing seller complaint.

Soo

froogle_la

Cheers - I was a wee bit worried about getting negative feedback if I harrassed too early. I think I'll leave it a few days to see what happens. The buyers feedback is a bit dubious as she's had 2 negatives for non payment/contact in 13 purchases! Blinkin typical!

soolin

How long ago did the actual auction end? It may be that the buyer is reluctant to pay until today as they know it can't be posted until tomorrow anyway and some buyers factor that in to their payment schedule.

Soo

froogle_la

It ended yesterday. I know it's not long but I've never sold anything on ebay before and I always pay immediately with paypal. When I sent the invoice it asks what postage she wants etc which she hasn't replied to. I'm just not going to get stressed about it even though my OH is going on about me being done on ebay.

C_Ronaldo

i wouldnt say u have been done as your OH puts it,

soolin

Did you only offer paypal or did you have other payment options as well?

Soo

froogle_la

We've offered cheque or bankers cheque as well....... I think OH's 'everyone's out to get me' complex is starting to rub off!!! You guys have put my mind back in order!

Thanks xx

soolin

froogle_la wrote:

We've offered cheque or bankers cheque as well....... I think OH's 'everyone's out to get me' complex is starting to rub off!!! You guys have put my mind back in order!

Thanks xx

In that case you might just find a cheque turns up in a week or so, many cheque payers don't tell you that they are sending one, they just do.

Soo