Thread: How long would you give for a buyer to pay?

I had a similar issue once. I sent a couple of messages, and didnt hear any thing for nearly 2 weeks,and was getting pretty annoyed. I was just about to open a dispute when I heard from them. Turns out their life had been turned upside down by a tragic diagnosis in the family. Stuff like that takes priority over ebay (I know). This is probably not the case here, but it does happen.
Grant

You could be right on, Grant. I received a message back from the buyer through Ebay and he said he was in the hospital and that he'd pay "soon" and that he always makes good.

I did send him a message back telling him I hoped he felt better and I asked him for a date/deadline when he thought he could pay by. I have not heard back yet. "Soon" is too vague for me. I don't want to get in a situation where I'm messaging someone who may not pay for weeks and weeks.

We'll see what happens.

Chris L

i would just open the dispute

There's always the option to mutually withdraw the sale but then you're back to square one again.

I see no reason not to open a non-paying buyer dispute. May as well start the clock with ebay because they will probably give a week before you are allowed to proceed with the next step.
If the buyer pays - great, if they don't in my opinion it's always better to have the option of deciding 'this ends now', rather than waiting even longer while the dispute process drags on.

Thanks for the advice, guys. I sent a message to the buyer on 3/19 asking when "soon" would be. I have yet to hear a response. Taking your advice, I've opened a case.

ChrisL

Can you tell where the buyer is located?
Sunday is an odd day for some people. Big family dinner
followed by a boss on a mission Monday and it is
Tuesday.
By the look of your other razors it must be a prize.

I know what you're saying, Tom, but I don't know how much Sunday had to do with it since the auction ended on 3/13. Next time I list something I'll just reiterate Ebay's policy of four days for payment in my listing.

Chris L

Originally Posted by ChrisL

I know what you're saying, Tom, but I don't know how much Sunday had to do with it since the auction ended on 3/13. Next time I list something I'll just reiterate Ebay's policy of four days for payment in my listing.

Chris L

Aha a week and day+.... That is long enough to get the wheels
moving. People get ill, have buyers remorse and a bunch of
other good and bad excuses but at this point that does not
matter and it makes sense to get with eBay and tidy things up.

Thanks for the advice, guys. I opened a dispute last night and the buyer paid today. All is well.

Chris L