how to submit an order without paying the item yet?

[non-kepoism]

Two months ago I didn't have any problem to commit buying an item, and hold a while without paying it, because the need to contact the seller if I have any question about combine postage.

Then, two days ago I tried the same method to buy several things from one seller.

When I contacted the seller, he said there is no submitted order for the items I want.

And when I checked my "AWAITING PAYMENT" list, there is not a single item listed.

Here is the method I tried:

1. added items to my shopping cart
2. proceed to checkout
3. review my purchase
4. continue to paypal login
5. contacted the seller

Did I miss a step?

Anyways, because the seller offered to sell it outside ebay due to the failed method, I agreed to pay him through paypal.

So even if this transaction not recorded by ebay, I hope if there's anything wrong in the future paypal can still secure my transaction.