Ebay no pay or communication

[ChristyJ]

I've been pretty lucky so far with people paying right away or soon after an auction has closed.
As of tomorrow, it's been 10 days since one of my auctions closed , and I haven't heard from the buyer. I sent the original invoice on 9/13, then sent a very nice note 9/20 to say "I know this time of year is busy, but I wanted to be sure you have received the invoice from 9/13 for your purchase of..." But the person still hasn't responded to me or paid. I take PayPal (haven't ventured into money orders or checks all that much-really only on request by the buyer at this point, so it's not as though payment is coming in the mail). Since tomorrow might be a payday, I'm not going to send another note until Sat. morning, but how much time should I give before reporting a nonpayment-and then what happens with nonpayments?

I have 100% positive comments on 60+ items and do not want (or feel I deserve) a negative. I think I'm a pretty reasonable person and will do what I can to accomodate others, but at the same time, I don't want to be taken advantage of. Experienced Ebayers-what would you do??

Thanks!

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Request contact info from eBay and call if local or have an alternate email. Sometimes emails get screened or blocked.

Lots of info on the eBay chat boards.

 

[ChristyJ]

Thanks-I'll try that!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Go into eBay HELP and look up non-paying bidder. There are two levels of warnings before you get credit for the fees. Using eBay's NPB process not only is there a record with eBay, but under their new feedback policies if the buyer does not respond and leaves feedback other than positive it will show up on the comments (and you can respond) but it does not show up on the scorecard or the score itself.

 

[Kristi1357]

I usually file a non-paying bidder dispute with ebay the day after the monies are due (and not received). That sometimes works to get them to pay up!

 

[ceecee]

I agree with the above poster, I have had several pay as soon as I file a dispute. The ones that don't respond usually are dead beats.

 

[wendyl]

I send a note if a haven't heard from them in 3 days--just to check in and say thanks for the purchase and to ask them to drop me an email and let me know when they will be making payment.

Then, if still no contact, on day 6--I send them an email saying I'm concerned that I haven't heard back from them after the invoice and my email--and that payment is due tomorrow--and I ask them to just take a moment to respond to the email and let me know the payment status.

Then, if still no payment on day 7--I file the non-paying bidder claim.

REmember--this is NOT a strike--it is just a Unpaid Item Reminder--and they still have 8 days after that to pay or respond (once they have responded you can give the strike at any time). If they don't pay you can THEN issue a strike and get your fees back.

If you wait until it has been 10-14 days before you even begin the process--then you will potentially have another 8 days before you can close it--which would mean that item being "off the market" for 3 weeks.

I wouldn't keep drawing this out. At least file the claim--which still gives them time in the event that they are gone or with broken computer or unable to pay.

I am often amazed at how people don't respond to several emails then all of the sudden--when they get the unpaid item reminder from Ebay--they are magically able to communicate and pay.

 

[babytrees]

I am one that usually pays immediately(I have only bought on ebay...don't know that I want to venture to the other side ) In fact I usually pay within an hour anyway we had a broken computer like the pp said....The only negative I have ever received is from that seller who said he sent emails.. which we couldn't have received and sent the negative less than two weeks after close...and was rude when I finally did get ahold of him. Start the non payment process but always keep in mind extinuating circumstances!!

 

[ChristyJ]

I did request contact information-we have unlimited long distance calling, so it wouldn't cost me anything to call the buyer, but I feel funny doing so. The item is for a minimal amount (under $10, plus shipping), but, in any case, I do want to have it settled. I sent another Email saying that if I haven't heard from her on Monday, I'll call-this way a have a record of Emails (3 now, including the invoice)-I'll call once, then file the NPB report Monday if she hasn't paid. I just really don't want a negative (I don't deserve one and if I got one, it would simply be from this person being unkind).

Thanks so much for all of the information!!

 

[seashoreCM]

Turn off your email spam filter, that is, accept all emails. And read the emails with vague or no subject lines during this time you are expecting.

Your buyer may be trying to reach you and you might not be receiving his messages.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm