How long should one wait before asking the ebay buyer why they haven't paid yet?

Guru · January 27, 2010 2:21AM

It's been almost 7 days since my item sold. I don't want to be too pushy, but I think something might be up. How long would you wait before saying something? Thanks!

Guru

Reljac · January 27, 2010 2:27AM

Have you sent them an invoice at least? If I don't get payment within 1-2 days I send an invoice as a reminder and then wait awhile longer before contacting them directly.

Guru · January 27, 2010 2:28AM

Yeah, I always send an invoice within 24 hrs.

waxpack · January 27, 2010 2:30AM

<< <i>It's been almost 7 days since my item sold. I don't want to be too pushy, but I think something might be up. How long would you wait before saying something? Thanks!

Guru >>

I've had many dead beat buyers over the years. I list paypal payment only and must be made with in five days. I believe you should pay for your item the day you win it. If you can't then you should not bid or contact the seller and let them know when you will pay.

Getting ready to send a reminder for a $75 sale.

CubsFan41 · January 27, 2010 2:33AM

I usually send a reminder after a week. I gently ask them if they still intend to pay. Reminders usually work for me. I don't tell them I intend on filing NPB.

Dboneesq · January 27, 2010 2:33AM

I'd send out another "reminder" invoice in the next day or so.

MeteoriteGuy · January 27, 2010 2:37AM

Why ask them...do you really want to hear their excuse?

No biggie if you take a few days or more to pay...nothing I can do about it. Many or some even will have a good reason....not sure why I need to waste me time hearing it. I don't see the need for any seller/buyer communication, other then product info not provided, or something like a scan of the back of card if desired. I don't think you should be rated on communication either.

Clear Skies,
Mark

CubsFan41 · January 27, 2010 2:44AM

I would agree that reminders shouldnt be necessary. We all know what we have to do after winning an auction. But, it accomplishes two things

1: It usually prompts payment.
2: It helps determine if I can relist, offer a second chance offer, and file a NPB

bking · January 27, 2010 2:57AM

<< <i>I would agree that reminders shouldnt be necessary. We all know what we have to do after winning an auction. But, it accomplishes two things

1: It usually prompts payment.
2: It helps determine if I can relist, offer a second chance offer, and file a NPB >>

I'd send a reminder after 2-3 days tops. The only time I don't pay immediately after auction (or the next morning) is if I need an invoice with combined shipping for multiple items.

mcolney1 · January 27, 2010 3:00AM

7 days the start the NPB process.

storm888 · January 27, 2010 3:06AM

Since NPBs can now be filed after 4-days, it is best to jettison
such "buyers" at the earliest opportunity.

72skywalker · January 27, 2010 3:12AM

If someone doesn't pay I send them an email asking for their address (even though I already know it through paypal) so that I can send the item to them. Every single time I have payment within a few hours. This way I do not look pushy but still remind them to pay. I also never send the item out until I get paid)

ga5150 · January 27, 2010 3:14AM

Don't forget, Ebay is now sending out the automatic payment reminders, right? I'm not sure of the frequency of how often they are sent though.

Rodney

MeteoriteGuy · January 27, 2010 4:24AM

<< <i>Don't forget, Ebay is now sending out the automatic payment reminders, right? I'm not sure of the frequency of how often they are sent though.

Rodney >>

Correct.

Also, automatic reminders or if you sent a form thing through eBay...is not the same as asking the buyer why they haven't paid.

diamondman · January 27, 2010 4:31AM

<< <i>Don't forget, Ebay is now sending out the automatic payment reminders, right? I'm not sure of the frequency of how often they are sent though.

I believe ebay sends a reminder on the 5th day.

my auctions still state payment due 7 days, I wait 10 days and then send a reminder, on the 15th day if I have not heard from the buyer I file a NPB claim.

some buyers buy on saturday/sunday and wait till payday on friday and then pay on friday. numerous reasons why someone doesn't pay within 24 hours, combined shipping over a 5 to 7 day period. waiting for bank transfer money to paypal, bad weather/no power,computer dies, the person that bid dies, close relative dies, heart attack that they won an auction with such a low bid. stroked out because they finally caught their white whale. overdose of whiskey/beer, smoked weed with willy again and forgot who they were! the dog or the cat placed the bid without their knowledge.

or they are just a deadbeat lowlife scum sucking loser that needs to be taken out and stabbed, shot, whipped and then hung by the neck until dead.

gtgrad99 · January 27, 2010 4:32AM

In the past I have sent a second invoice after 3 days.

VintageCardLover · January 27, 2010 4:38AM

i send an invoice if i dont get payment within 48 hours.
i send a reminder if they dont send payment in 5 days.
i open a case in 8 days (i also send another reminder)
i close the case as soon as i legally can and get my final value fee back.
i then block them from bidding forever.

EDIT: to pose a question.

do any of you insist on instant payment? Would that "prevent" someone from shopping with you and buying other things if they have to pay for everything instantly? Thanks

UlyssesExtravaganza · January 27, 2010 5:24AM

I try to spell it out in my product listing so if anything happens that violates that, I can bring it up. I provide 7 days since the first item was ordered. One potentially positive scenario that can be going on during this situation is someone may be looking to buy something additional of yours that is ending soon and they want to combine shipping. I do that myself often with sellers that offer it.

storm888 · January 27, 2010 5:38AM

"..do any of you insist on instant payment? Would that "prevent" someone from shopping with you and buying other things if they have to pay for everything instantly?..."

///////////////////////

I only do BINs and I always use the Immediate Payment Required feature.

If not for IPR, I would have stopped using EBAY years ago.

I don't wanna be a collection agency.

EBAY only works for me if my sole obligation is to ship the item fast and safe.

Guru · January 27, 2010 5:57AM

I sent out a reminder around lunch and just checked. Payment made.

buymycards · January 27, 2010 11:45AM

I don't care how long they take to pay if they just let me know. A simple email like "I get paid on Friday, do you mind waiting until then?" will solve the problem. What I don't like is being completely ignored.

Rick

otwcards · January 27, 2010 12:04PM

I've set up a new program that forwards payment reminders every 11 seconds and they begin 4 days before the auction ends.

vbellier · January 27, 2010 3:59PM

As a buyer, I'm usually the one waiting for an invoice. Once invoiced I usually pay within a couple of hours. On the odd occasion though it can take 3-4 days but I'll advise the seller. Of course there are heaps of sellers who don't make their payment terms clear and easily noticed.

I also like to know when the item is shipped -- so that I know the seller has completed his/her part of the transaction. Communication is a big part of the transaction for me. If it's a $5 card from a seller who turns over 100 items a week then I understand volume will prevent perfect updates but on an item above $100 I certainly expect an email confirming shipment has been made.

I never buy again from sellers who give me poor service. It tells me everything I need to know about them.

jivan · January 28, 2010 12:38AM

i usually wait between 15-30 minutes

How long should one wait before asking the ebay buyer why they haven't paid yet?

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