Ebay won't let me pay for item without an invoice, but seller isn't responding?

[lantern11]

When I looked at the listing, it said there was no specified postage price for my area, so I had to contact the seller for info. So I did that, and they responded in a timely fashion to tell me the shipping price. So I decided to purchase the item, but ebay wouldn't let me pay for it until I got an official invoice. So I messaged the seller with the provided link and waited a few days, but heard nothing. Then I messaged again saying I can't pay until I receive an invoice, but still nothing. Meanwhile, I've found the same item for cheaper somewhere else. What should I do? If I could just pay for this one I would, but ebay isn't letting me and the seller isn't responding. Is there a way to just get out of this purchase? The whole situation is annoying me.

[kopenhagen5]

Maybe the seller can't work it out.

Suggest to the seller to select send invoice then adjust postage cost, DO NOT click recalculate, that reverts it back to original and just click send. (Many get stuck on the recalculate, a stupid name for that button)

[lantern11]

Thanks for the response. I'll try it. They did tell me the postage for that item to my location when I messaged them before making the purchase, I've just been unable to get an answer out of them since.

[lyndal1838]

Have you tried going through Checkout.  It is quite common for postage to be added to invoices there but the invoice does not arrive in your inbox.

It is also often possible for you to add the postage to the invoice when you go to Checkout as you already know the amount.

[lantern11]

Well when I go to the checkout, it has writing in red telling me "one or more of the items below can't be purchased because the seller hasn't specified postage costs to the location selected". The options it gives are to change my address or contact the seller to request an exception. I've contacted the seller 2 times, but no response. I don't really have any options in checkout.

[lyndal1838]

OK, just throwing in all the possible options that I have found in this situation.

Have you tried asking the seller to add the postage through the Request Total link or just through one of the ended listings?

[lantern11]

Yes, I have done it through the "request total" link.

[lyndal1838]

Have you tried using the Reply link on the message/email where you were given the postage quote?

How long have you been waiting for the seller to add the postage?

[lantern11]

Not yet, that will be my next step. Since committing to buy I've just contacted the seller with the links provided in the checkout. It's been about four days (although the seller and I have a large time distance), so I don't want to seem pushy. I'll wait another day and if there's still no response, I'll reply to the earlier messages we exchanged. And then if there's still no reply after a few days, I'm going to have to find a way to cancel the purchase, because I can't be on hold forever... Kind of need the item soon.  

[lyndal1838]

If your seller is in the UK you may wait quite a while for a reply.  It is my experience that they can be rather slow in updating postage after the auction ends.

Unfortunately you as the buyer can not cancel the transaction.....only the seller can do that.

I know how annoying it can be when the seller does not answer...just keep trying and good luck.