How long should a seller wait for payment

[bruce4570]

I sold an item to a winner bidder on 4thOct.  He told me after he won item, that he would make part payment by 1st Nov.

Now he is saying 1st payment will be 15th Nov.

Is it reasonable that I should cancel transaction.

bruce4570

[digital*ghost]

Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure an unpaid item case can't be opened once 31 days since the date of sale have passed, and the sale essentially becomes void by eBay's standards 35 days after the sale (the fees are still charged if the transaction wasn't cancelled either by mutual agreement or UPI case), and the buyer will no longer be able to go through eBay's checkout to pay (they can still use bank deposit or pay a direct PayPal invoice, though, if you were still prepared to accept payment).  In my opinion, 4-6 weeks is too long, and I recommend you go to the resolution centre post haste to see if you can open a case.

In so far as how long should a seller wait... As long as they want to, really. For practical reasons, it's best to allow at least 4 days (you can't open an unpaid item case before then, and even then another 4 full days has to pass before it can be closed, so minimum 8 days before you can officially finalise a transaction without payment). I allow 5-7 days, depending on the item and state the payment terms in the listing, as that gives me a term of sale to refer to if a buyer wants to negotiate longer payment time frames ( I will allow extra time, but generally if the first extension is not met, I do open UPI cases and tell the buyer that I am unable to continue to withhold the item). 

[cq_tech]

Bruce, you need to lodge a UPI immediately if possible, as today may have been the last day you were able to. Having said that, still give ebay a ring as they have the discretion to extend the time limit under certain circumstances.

Here is the really important and relevant stuff you need to know...

Timing is important

Be aware of the timing for resolving your case, because there are windows for when you can open and close the case and be credited for certain fees.

If you don't receive payment, you can open an unpaid item case in the Resolution Centre as early as 4 days or up until 32 days after the listing ended.

The buyer has up to 4 days to send a payment after the case is opened. During this time the buyer can also contact you to request a payment extension or make another arrangement. Of course you can agree to the buyer's request, but you're not obligated to make special arrangements.

If the buyer pays using one of eBay's approved electronic payment methods (PayPal, credit card, or Paymate), then the case closes automatically. But if they use another method, you need to go to your My eBay and mark the item as paid.

If the buyer doesn't pay, you need to manually close the case in the Resolution Centre within 36 days after the listing ended. If you haven't closed the case on the 37th day after the listing ended, eBay automatically closes it and you don't receive afinal value fee credit. Also, an unpaid item won't be recorded on the buyer's account.

Once the case is closed by you or eBay, you can't reopen it.


Opening a case

Timeline: 4 to 32 days after the listing ended

Refer to http://pages.ebay.com.au/help/sell/unpaid-items.html for more details.

[1sweetap6v8]

Firstly why have you waited so long.  You need to act immediately your time is running out , You have been far to leaniant  and should immediately open a Unpaid item dispute to cover yourself.  You can do a mutually agree to end transaction but that also needs to be done immediately but if the buyer wants the item that may not be a good idea. I personally would open a UID ( Unpaid item dispute) which will garrentee you a refund of fee,s and more than likely a sale as the buyer would not want a strke.

It sounds like your buyer knows eBay rules and is trying to bypass the time limit you have on lodging a dispute.

You can and should always unless prior arranged with buyer lodge a UID after a week of not recieving payment you can lodge after 4 days but I always wait a week then contact buyer if a satisfactory reply isnt given I simply just lodge a uid immediately.  You only have 45 days I think from memory to lodge any dispute so do it today to cover yourself.  I think it may have even been changed to 32 days but I cant remember of hand I think 45 days is to leave feedback. But either way your running out of time and need to act NOW.

Lodge the UID today and explain to your buyer you can wait no longer due to ebays time policy which buy the sounds of the way he she is stalling already knows about.  Good luck and come back and let us know how you get on.

[1sweetap6v8]

If this happened way back in October today is your last chance tomorrow you can not lodge in fact I think your already tolate buy 1 day as there is 31 days in October 4th Oct to 31 is 27 days today is the 6th 27+ 6 = 33 days I think you have just blown it buy 1 day. sorry. There is very little you will be able to do but ring eBay and tell them also Paypal get on to them immediately its only 1 day you maybe lucky. But I doubt it knowing eBay PP they will money grab 4 sure. You would have already been charged the fees for this transaction. You need to do it NOW immediately. Ring them today and explain you are not aware of there policy and was just trying to help your buyer. Good luck and hope it all works out 4 you.

[springyzone]

Good luck, I hope you get in in the nick of time.

I can't believe any buyer would win on 4th Oct and try to dictate terms such as wait till 1st Nov or wait till 15th Nov.

What a cheek.

Front like Myer, as my mum used to say.

Wait not a second longer.

[1sweetap6v8]

@springyzone Mine use to say more front than John Martins same thing different city.