Anyone know what do do here re:eBay?

[anti_shrub]

I have 2 items sold on eBay to 2 different people, one auction was finished on 10/3 and the other was finished on 10/5. So far neither buyer has paid yet or made any contact regarding when they will pay.

When I buy things off of eBay, if I don't pay immediately I always send an email to the seller letting them know I'll send the money in a few days. I figured it's just good form to get in touch with someone you're doing business with as soon as possible.

So what do I do? How long do I wait before I start taking any action? I had some unexpected bills this week and without the money from these auctions I'm going to be in quite a jam.

[blondeatlast]

1. Guido does a fine job of collecting library fines;

I could mention your problem to him...

(I wish)

[eleny]

2. When I sell - I always contact the buyer right away

It's because I need to tell them where to send payment and such information.

[2Design]

3. I send them an invoice which they have an option for

Most people pay on time.

Send the invoice
Send again after two days
Start non paying buyer action

Some buyers have taken a week to pay - they may be away - not check email much - etc.

I have only had two non paying buyers

[murielm99]

4. Did you put something in your auction that says the buyer

has x number of days to contact the seller, and x number of days to pay?

Most of the auctions I have won have had that condition. What did you use as conditions? The buyer has to meet those condiditions.

[amazona]

5. unfortunately

my experience as a seller is that people who intend to pay are enthusiastic and get in touch within hours, if not minutes. After 7 days, be sure to fill a non-paying bidder report and go through the steps so you won't have to pay the final value fee on items that are not paid for.

I would go ahead and send a polite notice to each of the two buyers in case they didn't get the first one. Emails do get lost a lot more frequently than conventional mail so there is still hope they're not yet aware of how to get in touch with you. Also, sometimes people who pay by check/money order do not stop and think to email the seller that money is on the way. In your email, be sure to mention that it's a big help in planning if people mailing their payment send their shipping address upfront so you can get their package ready. That usually sparks them to let me know the check is in the mail.

[democrank]

6. A few suggestions.....

Did you contact the buyers and tell them how much shipping will be, what form of payment you accept...personal check, money order, Pay Pal, Western Union?

Did you read the ebay rules regarding non-paying bidders?

What zip code are they from and how long will their payment take to reach you? Even if their check was in the mail the day after the auction, it might take several days to reach you.

[anti_shrub]

7. Well

I sent them invoices that told them shipping and accepted forms of payment.

I read the rules regarding non-payers, I just don't want to start the process and find out they mailed me a check.

One of the sellers is in CA (I'm in PA) so I'm giving him some leeway. He also has like 1200+ positive feeback too. The other seller lives in Pittsburgh same as me. If he mailed a check, it should definately be here by now.

I don't want to end up looking like an asshole by calling someone a non-payer if they mailed a check, but it's making me nervous that I haven't got a response back from either one yet.

[soothsayer]

8. Are you sure ebay has YOUR correct address? any chance the emails

to you are going to some address you are not checking?