buyer asking for shipping before payment

[mad.smith1]

I have recently sold an item, and the buyer messaged me saying he will send payment once I have shipped the item...I told him no (as I feel uncomfortable with the idea) and I was wondering if there is a definite rule that claims shipping can only occur once payment is recieved? I'm not sure if it's a scam but I'd like to message him back with clear rules if it is not. 

[kopenhagen5 · Accepted solution]

ebay and PayPal policy is that the item is shipped after payment is made and not before.

In fact when paid via echeque, PayPal will specifically advise not to ship until payment has been cleared and PayPal notify when that occurs.

Scammers are known to use this tactic so tell the buyer you will happily ship after payment has cleared.

If no payment is forthcoming, 4 days after sale date you can open an unpaid item case to get the fee back and offer to an underbidder or relist.