Isla's "the final stretch" diary

isla_red

Thanks a million Kayleigh. You've actually just made me realise how much better I've been about handling this. Previously I wouldn't have looked at my CC bill but I've already looked at it and re-jigged to budget to cope.

I'm not expecting a refund so if I get one it will be a nice bonus.

isla_red

Today I need to chase 3 eBayers who still haven't paid for items they won well over 10 days ago now. It's really frustrating because the total of these items is £15 which would be really handy. I've invoiced them twice and I'm starting to doubt I'll ever see the money. I guess I'll just have to relist. Oh well.

I found a 2 for 1 Pizza Express voucher so I have decided to go for lunch with my friend tomorrow after all. I haven't seen her since she fell pregnant and as long as I choose sensibly and don't make any additional purchases I'm sure I can afford it.

Anyone got any tips for persuading eBay winners to part with their cash?!

Kayleighpea

Usually a 'polite' message saying that if they don't pay up in 24 hours you are cancelling the transaction does the trick! and if not then do just cancel it and offer it to the next highest bidder.

LexieLou

Hi,

A wee tip with your ebaying. When I list an item I give a buyer a time frame to work to for the payment of the item. That way you both know what can be expected. Don't forget as well that you can open a dispute with ebay. That usually gets the buyer moving sharpish and also means that negative feedback can be left. Buyer have all the protection on ebay, which irks me greatly, but use the tools that are there for you. A buyer won't think twice about using them on you.

Have a good weekend.

LL xx

isla_red

Thanks for the eBay tips Kayleigh and LexieLou, they are much appreciated.

I have sent the two buyers an invoice, a friendly payment reminder by message and today (15 days after the items ended) I finally caved and opened a dispute with eBay. I hate to do it but if I need to relist I'd like the final fee credit on my account. It's so frustrating because usually I find selling no hassle at all. Grr.

Aside from that I am flunking out on my budget now and kicking myself for being such an idiot. Still nothing back from the airline about the ash so tightening my belt to try and put together an extra £100 to pay towards my debt next month.

I really have to be better next month, this ash thing has totally screwed my finances but I'm trying not to miss my 1st September debt free date. More to go on eBay then.

isla_red

Okay so one of the ebay members has responded saying they don't have the money to pay for the item :mad: Why bid when you know you can't afford to pay?! They haven't as yet responded to my cancel transaction request annoyingly. Hopefully I'll get a fee credit back but the whole system is so heavily weighted to buyers now it's really put me off using ebay. The three buyers who haven't paid me have left my paypal account with a balance of less than the minimum withdrawal threshold so I have £4.99 I can't get to! Ah well, onwards and upwards

I'm meeting a friend for lunch today (just a cheap sandwich deal) but I'm so loaded with the cold I just want to crawl under my desk and nap. I've already spent money today on strepsils because my throat feels like I've taken up knife swallowing :rotfl:Although this is the first cold I've had since I had swine flu last June so I can't really complain too much!

Anyone else found the ebay resolution centre to be as painful as I have?

Little_Miss_Red_Head

I've no advice about ebay - only ever bought from it, hope you manage to get it sorted soon.

Hope you've had a nice lunch with your friend and you're feeling better

isla_red

Another one has paid up muahahahaha! It's just such a trying waiting game. Still snuffling away and blowing my nose but had a lovely inexpensive lunch with my friend. Just now have to make sure the remainder of my budget lasts until pay day. Fingers crossed!

Little_Miss_Red_Head

I can't believe its so hard getting people to pay what a waste of everyones time. Can you give buyers negative feedback?

isla_red

Whoops I went awol for a week there. It's been crazy at work and I've been away all over the country. How's everyone here?

Two of my ebayers finally admitted they had no intention of paying for the item and the third did finally pay but such a faff. I've now relisted the items on eBay but I'm currently doubting whether it's worth the effort given all the fuss of the last fortnight. It's just so weighted in the buyer's favour.

Currently very disheartened because the ash thing of a few weeks ago has really hit my finances hard so my revised debt figure is £1731. I have heard nothing from the airline so I'm assuming I just have to choke down the extra costs.

I feel as if I'm back to the beginning and the last two months of sticking to a completely frugal budget have been for nothing. My debt is only £100 less than when I joined here despite the pay offs to it. It's just so demotivating.

Onwards and upwards an hopefully next month will be a better month