topic Re: Sending buyers messages in Selling

Sending buyers messages

arnl7178 — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:15:47 GMT

So, this is my gripe.

If a buyer wins an auction, and they don't pay fairly quickly as most do, I normally message them after 24 hours or so to make sure everything is ok and to get an update on their payment method. If they are paying with bank deposit, most times they don't mark the payment as sent so I have no idea it's coming.

I'll message them, politely of course, and ask them to just let me know if they are paying with bank deposit so I know to keep an eye out for the payment.

Usually, no response.

I'll leave it until day 3 normally, and message again, explaining eBay will automatically open a non-payer dispute on day 4 as that is how my settings are.

No response again, but they typically pay and generally with PayPal.

I have no issue with how long it takes them to pay, and I'd be happy to give even a week extra if they needed it, but COMMUNICATE with me.

I don't understand how anyone, buyer or seller, can read a message from a user and completely ignore it.
It's beyond rude.

So, should I just not be messaging my buyers? Should I simply let time runs it's course and let eBay automatically open non-payer disputes without me contacting my buyers at all?

I sometimes think I should, but then run the risk of having my communication stars marked down. I also don't like the idea of annoying my buyers but isn't it just common courtesy to message a seller with their intentions "I'm paying via bank deposit" or "I will pay on "Thursday". Something. Anything.

Any advice?

Re: Sending buyers messages

2106greencat — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:27:00 GMT

You probably don't need to contact so many times.

Buyer will get a notification as soon as item is won.

On day 2 eBay send an automatic reminder.

I usually send a message day 4 - along the lines you said, politely asking when pmt will be made and in what manner etc. If no reply in 24 hours - I open NPB.

Opening NPB gives the buyer another reminder and normally they pay on that. If not, close the case yada yada.

Re: Sending buyers messages

arnl7178 — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:45:11 GMT

You know what? I actually forgot that eBay send a reminder on day 2! 😮

I probably wouldn't answer me either!

Thanks Greencat!

Re: Sending buyers messages

fred_fred_2004 — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:08:58 GMT

I've given up wasting time on them 😞

they must know that they bought an item, they get 2 reminders from eBay,

if they dont communicate NPB day 4 close on day 8

Re: Sending buyers messages

bsal6160 — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 02:31:08 GMT

As I am predominately a buyer, I would be leaving you a NEG for harassing the buyer about payment.

Re: Sending buyers messages

punch*drunk — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:05:12 GMT

A neg? Wouldnt it be better to just reply to the sellers message?

Re: Sending buyers messages

alanawent3133 — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:23:36 GMT

As I am predominately a buyer, I would be leaving you a NEG for harassing the buyer about payment.

of course you could just pay

Re: Sending buyers messages

bsal6160 — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:30:45 GMT

A genuine buyer doesn't need the seller harassing them about payment. As stated earlier, the buyer automatically gets reminders.

Re: Sending buyers messages

***super_nova*** — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:36:00 GMT

A genuine buyer doesn't need the seller harassing them about payment. As stated earlier, the buyer automatically gets reminders.

NEGs should be reserved for items not received or not as described, and only when the seller is not helpful. Not because you are irritated by too many messages. If everything else is good (the item, speed of delivery, the wrapping) then even neutral would be too harsh.

Re: Sending buyers messages

arnl7178 — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 04:22:36 GMT

As I am predominately a buyer, I would be leaving you a NEG for harassing the buyer about payment.

Harassing is a little harsh.

I don't believe everything is up to the sellers either. A buyer could (and should) mark their payment as sent if they have paid via bank deposit. They also could (and again, should) just quickly message a seller with their intentions.

I personally forgot about eBay sending the reminder on day 2, but regardless, I don't think I "harass" my buyers. I'm just trying to weed out the real ones, and the ones which ruin eBay for us all.

Re: Sending buyers messages

*new2vintage — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 10:51:35 GMT

I just wait and if I'm paid within 4 days I'm happy otherwise I open a NPB dispute on the 5th day.

Re: Sending buyers messages

arnl7178 — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 11:02:47 GMT

That's exactly what I'll be doing from now on too.

Thanks for the advice everyone.