Non-paying bidder and time running out

Davina40

I sold a weekend course on ebay on Wednesday but the buyer has not paid and has not responded to either my invoice or friendly enquiry. The course starts next Friday so time is running out for me to relist if he's not going to pay.

I looked at the ebay resolution scheme but I can't open one until 4 days after (Sunday night).

I'm not sure what to do. Do I relist, wait 4 days, or keep pressing for payment? His feedback seems very good, lots of comments saying he's a fast payer, do I give him the benefit of the doubt and wait?

purple321

Request the buyers details and give them a call. You can open a case on sun but can't close it for another 4 days so it would be too late. Or send another message in a friendly way just saying can you let me know if you still want this or want to cancel, they may have changed their mind but don't know what to do about it so are avoiding you but if you bring it up they may at least reply so you know either way and can send a cancellation and relist it ASAP. It's a pain if they say they don't want it but at least you'd know and have time to do something about it.

Crowqueen

It is difficult but I think you need to give the full four days to pay. You would also need to go through the NPB dispute to absolutely guarantee that the buyer doesn't want it. As it stands it's a bit early to be giving up on them and relisting - they may have more reliable internet access at the weekend and pay then. Purple's suggestion is a very good one if you want to do something active, but don't come across too heavy-handed. Ideally, you want the sale, so don't make life difficult for the buyer or come across as aggressive.

BaileyB

Phone them, if no response relist it. If the person pays after a few days just refund.

One way to make sure you get money first would be do a buy it now auction and request payment first.

purple321

Yes I agree don't come across as agressive. Sometimes just by requesting the persons details it may prompt them to reply to your message because they get sent your details too so know you have their phone number. I don't normally suggest phoning buyers cos i'd hate it myself but being short on time think you may have too.

Crowqueen

BaileyB wrote: »

Phone them, if no response relist it. If the person pays after a few days just refund.

One way to make sure you get money first would be do a buy it now auction and request payment first.

The problem with this is that if you can't sell them the item you could get lumbered with: a neg, low DSRs, the fees and a non-performing seller report. Not really very good for any seller who wants to be able to look the public square in the eye later on as they won't see much if any of the context behind it.

Davina40

I was getting worried too soon. The buyer has just contacted me and said he'll pay tomorrow. Thanks for the advice everyone (might still it you never know but hopefully not!).