Seven Steps to Getting Paid for your eBay Auction
For eBay Sellers, nothing is more frustrating than not getting paid for a completed auction. There are many reasons why this may happen. New eBay buyers, sometimes known as “newbies” may simply not understand the payment process. Sometimes buyers have questions and are waiting to hear from the sellers before sending payment or completely forgot they won. Occasionally, you will get a bidder who got a bad case of buyer’s remorse and backs out of the deal.
Many non-paying bidder disputes can be avoided if sellers took a more proactive approach about getting paid. The absolute first thing you need to do is explain in each and every auction listing your payment terms. Define when you expect to be contacted, # of days in which payment must be received and payment methods accepted. Below you will see my 7 Step approach to getting paid for you eBay auctions. Follow each step consecutively until payment has been paid.
1. Send an eBay Invoice
You should send an eBay invoice to the winning bidder ASAP (preferably the same day the auction closes). The buyer will now have all the information needed to make the payment.
2. Send a Winning Bidder Notice Email
Send a friendly email to the winning bidder a day or two after the eBay invoice was sent congratulating them on their successful auction win. Give them details on how to make payment and request that they contact you if they have any questions.
3. Send a Payment Reminder Email
On the fourth or fifth day after the auction has closed send them a friendly payment reminder. Ask that they contact you within 24 hours to verify that they will complete the auction
4. Send a Warning Email
On the 6th Day send an email warning the winning bidder that you have not received payment or contact from them and they must contact you within 24 hours or you will be forced to file an unpaid item notification with eBay.
5. Try Contacting the Buyer via Phone
If the buyer still hasn’t contacted you or made payment, request their contact information via eBay’s Find Contact Info page. Once you request their contact information you will receive an email with their phone number. Give the buyer a phone call to see what the problem is. It is always best to start the conversation in a pleasant tone and helpful tone. Keep the conversation professional even if the buyer gets defensive.
6. File an Unpaid Item Dispute
If all else fails; file an Unpaid Item Dispute on the 8th day after the auction ended. Sometimes an official warning from eBay can be enough incentive to get the buyer to make payment. If not, this is still necessary step to recoup the eBay final value fees for the auction.
7. Close the Dispute and Recover your Fees
If the winning bidder fails to make payment after performing these first six steps then close the dispute after 7 more days and recoup your final value fees. This can be done in the Dispute Console. At this point you may want to try either re-listing the item or send a 2nd Chance Offer to the next highest bidder.
