Should eBay start charging non-paying bidders?

[whatagoodprice]

I like many sellers are annoyed with the constant array of non-paying buyers.

Although eBay does compensate final value fees (by using the unpaid item dispute process) listing fees for fixed listings are not refunded.  

All buyers receive is a strike which is nothing compared to the consequences handed out for those who participate in shill bidding - no restriction on buying/selling on eBay no tutorial which buyers must complete so they understand that non-payment is unacceptable.

Perhaps if eBay fined non-paying buyers between $2-$5 every time they refused to pay it would stamp out this practice of non-payment. This would also save eBay effort and the money raised could be donated (at eBay's discretion) to benefit local charities.

I look forward to other buyer's opinions on this issue...   

[***super_nova***]

I am quite sure that if people were required to pay before they were able to shop, many would not bother.  I would not want my money tied up with eBay just in case I may want to buy something here.  If I want something I Google it; I check all the options, if each one of the sites wanted a bond, I would have money tied up all over the place.  Some people only bid on something every few months, some only once a year, some may buy once and never come back.  

The way to make more money here is to attract buyers, not to discourage them.

[sprinklespowerpuff]

Too right, Nova. Anything like that introduced and I'm outa here.

[elaine6505]

I don't think charging will work but I do think the feedback system for buyers should be the same as for sellers and negative feedback should show on buyers as well I have had two buyers in the last coupe of weeks not pay.I am very patient and send plenty of reminders . I then checked ones feedback and found this was the second time. What is a black strike--- absolutely means nothing  but as a buyer they can give us negative feedback and it shows straight away

[sprinklespowerpuff]

As a buyer I have no problem with the concept of any unpaid purchases being mentioned somewhere in the buyers' feedback. Perhaps an icon placed appropriately where sellers can see at glance that buyer X hasn't paid and maybe the number of times they've duded a seller.  Just a thought.

[downsizing_2]

When you register to bid on Grays On Line, you submit your credit card details. When you win an item the payment is automatically charged to your account. No waiting. No arguments. That's it!

Also, why can't ebay set up a cart system for BINs like every other online shop? Once you've finished your shopping you pay for what's in your cart. If you don't pay, there is no sale and the stock stays in the store.

[the_hawk*]

Ebay will never do that because they realise its the buyers that are important, thats why every thing is geared towards them.

[***super_nova***]

Also, why can't ebay set up a cart system for BINs like every other online shop? Once you've finished your shopping you pay for what's in your cart. If you don't pay, there is no sale and the stock stays in the store.

There is a system for BINs with "instant payment required", you have to pay immediately; until you pay the item is still listed and may be snatched by another person.

But eBay is not like any other on line shop; eBay is just an advertising medium and you are not buying from eBay, you are buying from different sellers.

[davewil1964]

Apparently other versions of eBay DO have a shopping cart, nova, so it shouldn't be that hard for them to implement one here.

Though it would create issues around combined postage, so maybe better to leave well enough alone. We all know their propensity for breaking things that work.

[4tyresnfuel]

I have had 2 non paying bidders in 2 weeks & my list of non paying bidders which i block everytime this happens is getting bigger & bigger.

What Ebay really needs to start doing is looking after the seller as it is all about looking after buyer who can bid on something not make payment & get away with it. The buyer has to wait for payment that doesn't happen, then file a dispute, relist the item because payment is never made.

Basically i am saying it's about time that the buyer can leave negative feedback in cases like this as it is not a positive experience for the seller.

Non paying bidders are all too common place on Ebay & seller cannot do anything to deter things like this happening.

I always look after the buyer but it annoys me to no end that when i get stuffed around i have to wait & wait & then go back through the process of selling an item again when the non paying bidder is off buying & paying for something else.

Time to get tuogh Ebay & look after the selllers as well. 

[***super_nova***]

What Ebay really needs to start doing is looking after the seller as it is all about looking after buyer who can bid on something not make payment & get away with it.

 eBay does give you the power to block repeat non payers, so use it.  What use would negative FB be?  You could be checking each bidder on your listing and cancelling bids, which would make the other bidders suspicious, and often cancel their bids too.  And in any case the bidder would be able to snipe in the last 2 seconds, or buy BIN.