Problems Selling on Ebay - Buyers Not Paying!

[itjw]

no clue why they changed that.
but if you need money fast ebay can be silly fast. put my 4s wit ha bad power button on ebay for 200 and in 15 seconds it sold and was paid for within a minute.

They did it because sellers were able to hold buyers hostage with the threat of "retalitory" feedback. Basically if I sold you something and it was crap, if you said it was crap and trashed my feedback I could respond by saying you're full of crap and hurt your feedback too.

It was a lot of crap (as you can see), but the idea was to allow buyers to post real feedback without the fear of ruining theirs, even if they had a bad experience.

I don't agree with it at ALL, but that's why they did it. It effectively ended my selling days on feeBay.

BTW, when you make up rules in a listing the buyer does NOT have to follow them. They only have to follow eBay's rules. Put a "no return" policy in? Nope. eBay can take your money anyway if a buyer cries. Time limits? Better make sure they match eBay, or they aren't valid and won't be enforced when the buyer initiates a case.

It's not a matter of IF you'll get scammed selling on eBay, it's a matter of WHEN.

I took EXTREME measures to protect myself (photography, videos, certified mail with DIRECT signature...) and still got scammed. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me again, and, um, well there's a lot of foolin going on heh heh heh...

1000+ Feedback. Hundreds of sales. Thousands in fees.

Now I do NOTHING but buy. I will NEVER sell there again, even if I might get more money for my stuff. It's not worth the risk. One loss and it wipes out all the gains anyway.

Stay away from feeBay.

 

[Mrg02d]

Not true. That's the part you are missing. No sell no neg. posting. Part of my eBay ad clearly states my conditions. Just like I won't sell outside of USA. Still a guy from Mexico will bid. I just remove them. eBay rules that I can remove you if you don't abide by my conditions.

And the REALITY is that this has worked great because legit buyers are happy to pay on time. It takes NO effort to do so. One click from your phone, tablet or whatever email/ Internet. You know exactly going in when the auction ends. If you write to me and say you will pay a few hours when you get home I will honor it. But if I don't hear from you AT ALL, most likely you are a deadbeat and then I will lose. I will be flexible with reasonable people and is the key. Legit buyers are reasonable because they know EXACTLY where I'm coming from just like the people on this thread. Everyone has had a bad experience. I even take first time unrated eBayer unrated if they sound good in the email exchange. Everyone appreciates prompt payment- except deadbeats that thrive on the opposite.

Believe me the odds are in your favor to have successful eBay results and weed out the deadbeats.

No, if I win your auction then I have the ability to leave feedback. Unless that has changed as well. I also have the ability to STILL PAY you a few DAYS later and then leave you a neg that way as well. I can ALSO post a follow up to my neg telling others that you asked me to pay within the hour and I had to be in meetings the rest of the day.

See where Im going? You cant expect people to pay you so soon and not expect them to have some recourse against you.

Believe me, I know how you feel. Im a seller too, but you are headed for some negs when a legit buyer decides to pay you the next day. Or, what if he wins your auction and needs to wait for payday two days later? Rent may be due, who knows what. Life comes first.

In the end, Ebay always gave my buyers 1 WEEK to come up with the money before I was given the ok to relist from them and AVOID feedback from the buyer...Back when I last sold something, the buyer had 3 day before I could open a dispute. After that, he had 7 days to pay. If he still hadnt paid me, then I got my fees back and any feedback he left was removed.

 

[boshii]

No, if I win your auction then I have the ability to leave feedback. Unless that has changed as well. I also have the ability to STILL PAY you a few DAYS later and then leave you a neg that way as well. I can ALSO post a follow up to my neg telling others that you asked me to pay within the hour and I had to be in meetings the rest of the day.

See where Im going? You cant expect people to pay you so soon and not expect them to have some recourse against you.

Believe me, I know how you feel. Im a seller too, but you are headed for some negs when a legit buyer decides to pay you the next day. Or, what if he wins your auction and needs to wait for payday two days later? Rent may be due, who knows what. Life comes first.

In the end, Ebay always gave my buyers 1 WEEK to come up with the money before I was given the ok to relist from them and AVOID feedback from the buyer...Back when I last sold something, the buyer had 3 day before I could open a dispute. After that, he had 7 days to pay. If he still hadnt paid me, then I got my fees back and any feedback he left was removed.

I agree. Asking a buyer to pay within an hour is a little too aggressive and will turn away even the most legit buyers.

Seeing an auction with that stipulation would make me think you were somehow planning on scamming me out of my money. My gut would make me uneasy and I would be on to the next auction.

 

[viewfly]

No, if I win your auction then I have the ability to leave feedback. Unless that has changed as well. I also have the ability to STILL PAY you a few DAYS later and then leave you a neg that way as well. I can ALSO post a follow up to my neg telling others that you asked me to pay within the hour and I had to be in meetings the rest of the day.

See where Im going? You cant expect people to pay you so soon and not expect them to have some recourse against you.

Believe me, I know how you feel. Im a seller too, but you are headed for some negs when a legit buyer decides to pay you the next day. Or, what if he wins your auction and needs to wait for payday two days later? Rent may be due, who knows what. Life comes first.

In the end, Ebay always gave my buyers 1 WEEK to come up with the money before I was given the ok to relist from them and AVOID feedback from the buyer...Back when I last sold something, the buyer had 3 day before I could open a dispute. After that, he had 7 days to pay. If he still hadnt paid me, then I got my fees back and any feedback he left was removed.

I agree. Asking a buyer to pay within an hour is a little too aggressive and will turn away even the most legit buyers.

Seeing an auction with that stipulation would make me think you were somehow planning on scamming me out of my money. My gut would make me uneasy and I would be on to the next auction.

These is what is found on eBay...

eBay terms of agreement:

Using eBay

While using eBay sites, services, applications, and tools, you will not:

fail to deliver items purchased from you, unless the buyer fails to meet the posted terms, or you cannot reach the buyer;

If the winning bidder didn't pay you, try to resolve the issue with the original buyer before sending a Second Chance Offer to another bidder.

In general, you're expected to pay as soon as possible and no later than 2 days after you win or buy an item

eBay rules also say that I can block a bidder or winner for not having a PayPal account, any neg feedback, not following my posted terms, asking to ship to a country I don't, being unreachable, or having unpaid items.

I'm asking my buyers to pay me within the hour OR make a contact with me in the hour to explain why they cannot not, as in my posted terms. That is sufficient reason to offer a 'Second Chance' offer to the next bidder, if things are shady. 100% success rate.

I would not do it for any item, but for iPhones I do...there are plenty of buyers around paying top dollar. I sell quality used iPhones and have the highest ratings feedback with great comments.

Anyhow, I don't expect you to bid on my items...and that is fine...If you don't have the money to pay for something going into an auction...I don't want you as a buyer...save your money up and then start bidding..like an adult.

I actually had one winner email that he was $100 short...and sorry he wanted out of the win!!!

These cowards are not going to give negative feedback, because they are deadbeats. If they do...makes no difference...my other positive reviews show that I'm a good seller.

This is an example what I will place on my listing:

1. Only bid if you have the funds to complete the bid. Bid on 1 phone at a time.
2. I expect PayPal payment within 1 hour of winning...or a good email explaining why there is a delay.
3. If I don't get the above, I will cancel your winning bid, after 1 hour, and offer to the next highest bidder.

Good luck guys...I'm just trying to give you my success stories...don't follow them if you disagree...and don't bid on any iPhone that I sell.

 

[Mrg02d]

These is what is found on eBay...


eBay rules also say that I can block a bidder or winner for not having a PayPal account, any neg feedback, not following my posted terms, asking to ship to a country I don't, being unreachable, or having unpaid items.

I'm asking my buyers to pay me within the hour OR make a contact with me in the hour to explain why they cannot not, as in my posted terms. That is sufficient reason to offer a 'Second Chance' offer to the next bidder, if things are shady. 100% success rate.

I would not do it for any item, but for iPhones I do...there are plenty of buyers around paying top dollar. I sell quality used iPhones and have the highest ratings feedback with great comments.

Anyhow, I don't expect you to bid on my items...and that is fine...If you don't have the money to pay for something going into an auction...I don't want you as a buyer...save your money up and then start bidding..like an adult.

I actually had one winner email that he was $100 short...and sorry he wanted out of the win!!!

These cowards are not going to give negative feedback, because they are deadbeats. If they do...makes no difference...my other positive reviews show that I'm a good seller.

This is an example what I will place on my listing:



Good luck guys...I'm just trying to give you my success stories...don't follow them if you disagree...and don't bid on any iPhone that I sell.

Bro, a lot of that was insulting. Also, it said TWO days is reasonable.

You need to chill:

Your posted terms only UNDER ebays posted terms apply. You are setting yourself up for trouble.

In guess we should all save up money and pay within the hour for a house or car too?

 

[Mrg02d]

We posted the iP4 Factory Unlocked (Directly from Apple here in Canada). Buyer insisted because of some web search that the model we sold him was LOCKED to an AT&T network .... We gave him a copy of the original receipt. Explained that the phone was used in USA & Europe (as recently as this summer). Suggested the buyer call Apple support, he recorded the conversation and SENT IT TO US and even though the phone call told him the phone was unlocked. He still insisted it was unlocked.

He did pay and he did left positive feedback, but still insisted we made a mistake!

SOrry for your troubles!

Yea? Welcome to Ebay...

I am a paypal fugitive after having a buyer use my item and then ask for a refund when he was done with his project. Since he was within his 45 days, paypal and ebay just sided with him since he was unhappy, giving him his money back and asking me to pay them for the money they refunded him. Since I refused, they locked down my paypal account. Now I must use other peoples accounts to pay for things. (No, I didnt get my item back. The kid mailed it to Oz for all I know)

Buyers suck. Plain and simple, but a few are good. Dont let your baggage interfere with a good buyer. Asking for 1 hour pay times is unreasonable. Ebay gives 2 days, plain and simple.

 

[viewfly]

Bro, a lot of that was insulting. Also, it said TWO days is reasonable.

You need to chill:

Your posted terms only UNDER ebays posted terms apply. You are setting yourself up for trouble.

In guess we should all save up money and pay within the hour for a house or car too?

Okay, you're not getting the my point. Just leave it at that.

The house and car analogy is more than a bit off topic. Seriously, a little chilling on your side is needed perhaps.

 

[Mrg02d]

Okay, you're not getting the my point. Just leave it at that.

The house and car analogy is more than a bit off topic. Seriously, a little chilling on your side is needed perhaps.

Bottom line: eBay gives buyer 2 days to pay. Follow the rules.

 

[O O O]

Okay, you're not getting the my point. Just leave it at that.

The house and car analogy is more than a bit off topic. Seriously, a little chilling on your side is needed perhaps.

Seriously though. Calm down. You're getting all worked up.

 

[viewfly]

Problems Selling on Ebay - Buyers Not Paying!

Bottom line: eBay gives buyer 2 days to pay. Follow the rules.

It is a suggestion not a rule to the buyer: pay as soon as possible but no later than 2 days. However, if the seller makes contact with the buyer and the buyer is not responding in a reasonable fashion( I.e. no response or saying he's $100 short and please wait until payday), you may make a second chance offer to the next bidder for the lower price of his bid.

That's is allowed. You're offering the next bidder the item at a discount.

A better analogy:
If your are using eBay to sell tickets to a timed event ( opera performance that you can't go too at last minute), are you going to wait for for a non responding high bidding deadbeat to pay up beyond the time that you can offer the tickets again and deliver them? That is unreasonable and you second chance the tickets to the next highest bidder at his lower bid price. You accept the loss but make the sale.

Why did I get a second chance offer?
You received a second chance offer because the item you bid on is still available (usually because the original winner didn't pay) or the seller may have more of the same item available and they are willing to sell it to you at the amount you bid.

I'm very reasonable. I never put on my ads that I refuse first time bidders with no feedback like many do. I think that is unfair to newbies. I think it unreasonable for someone to respond and say they can't click an PayPal button for two days. It's just PayPal, and you may have a CC backing up your account. It is hard to think of a good excuse other than the ones I already stated. I'll accept a GOOD reason so it unlikely that anyone can complain.

Rather its a pretty good warning sign ( I.e. a non responder) that you have a non payer that bid up your item to an unreasonable amount and wants to walk away. So accept less money from the next real bidder. Otherwise you are waiting weeks to resolve your dispute and the average bid for your hot iphone may have dropped below even the second chance bid. I do one day auctions only and get tons of bids with my terms and the highest prices too.

I find most buyers are good. Only a few suck.

I think it comical that you're lecturing about following rules when you admit that you did not repay PayPal and they locked down your account.

 

[Mrg02d]

Good luck to you when you try your one hour thing on the wrong buyer. They will turn the tables on you fast. Yea, you may sell to the other guy, but you'll lose your fees from the first guy and pick up a neg.

Edit: I always blocked people with no feedback...screw noobs. They can go buy some baseballs and playing cards first. THEN they can bid on my stuff. That eliminated this problem for me.

 

[merkava]

Sorry if this has been posted previously, but setting 'Buyer Requirements' seems to stop most idiots from bidding:

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/sell/buyer-requirements.html

Here's mine...

Block buyers who:

Don't have a PayPal account
Have received 2 unpaid item(s) recorded on their account within 1 month(s)
Have a primary delivery address in a location I don't post to
Have 4 policy breaches reported within 1 month(s)
Have a Feedback score of -1 or lower
Have a Feedback score of 3 or lower and no credit card on file

 

[itjw]

Sorry if this has been posted previously, but setting 'Buyer Requirements' seems to stop most idiots from bidding:

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/sell/buyer-requirements.html

Here's mine...

That's about all you CAN do unfortunately.

It still doesn't stop the savvy scammer, as they are well aware of how to get above and around these restrictions, but it's better than nothing I suppose.

The sad part is eBay WAS such an awesome place. Feedback used to be real, and buyers took just as much risk as sellers. There will ALWAYS be scammers, but it was FAIR.

Now it just favors the buyers, if not 99 to 1, 90 to 10 of the time, even if you follow the rules.

As people have mentioned, there is NOTHING stopping someone from "borrowing" a product for 44 days, complaining, getting their $$$ back, and maybe sending you a box of rocks (if anything) in return. Nothing you can do to stop that. NOTHING.

If it hasn't happened to you (or something similar), keep selling, it will.

The nice thing is, as a buyer, I feel completely invincible. I can buy and not worry about ANYTHING. EVER. I'm an honest person, but there are days I wonder how much I could steal from other honest people thanks to the wonderful "system" they've created. It's a license to be bad.

 

[andiwm2003]

That's about all you CAN do unfortunately.

It still doesn't stop the savvy scammer, as they are well aware of how to get above and around these restrictions, but it's better than nothing I suppose.

The sad part is eBay WAS such an awesome place. Feedback used to be real, and buyers took just as much risk as sellers. There will ALWAYS be scammers, but it was FAIR.

Now it just favors the buyers, if not 99 to 1, 90 to 10 of the time, even if you follow the rules.

As people have mentioned, there is NOTHING stopping someone from "borrowing" a product for 44 days, complaining, getting their $$$ back, and maybe sending you a box of rocks (if anything) in return. Nothing you can do to stop that. NOTHING.

If it hasn't happened to you (or something similar), keep selling, it will.

The nice thing is, as a buyer, I feel completely invincible. I can buy and not worry about ANYTHING. EVER. I'm an honest person, but there are days I wonder how much I could steal from other honest people thanks to the wonderful "system" they've created. It's a license to be bad.

EBAY's value is the access to the buyers even if the sellers actually pay them. Of course ebay favors the buyers because if they have millions of people shopping there sellers will come. Unfortunately it's very bad with electronics. The rate of scammers is very high there. If you buy/sell other stuff like say snowboard boots then the rate of scammers is quite low.

I have to say when I buy electronics I look for sellers who have tough conditions like viewfly because they usually ship faster and are on top of things. I don't think that scammers who sell stuff put tough conditions on the sale and scare away potential victims.

 

[Neebee]

It still doesn't stop the savvy scammer, as they are well aware of how to get above and around these restrictions, but it's better than nothing I suppose.

My guess is that these savvy scammers would target people like myself who don't buy much (under 30 feedback) and haven't sold either. Not much the noob seller can do. In fact, I'd probably have better luck selling on CraigsList than ebay?

 

[NADAIL65]

I've upgraded myself and my wife annually to a new iPhone since the 3G model, and always sold the old ones on eBay for a nice price. I have a perfect sellers rating with 21 feedbacks. Never had a problem, until now.

eBay buyers are no longer paying for winning bids. They just stay silent until I have to file an Unpaid Item Case, wait a total of 8 days (wait 4 days, file unpaid item case, wait 4 more days), then try again. This has now happened 6 times in the last month! I'm selling my brother's iPhone 4, my wife's iPad 2, and my iPhone 4S.

I don't get it. On all my past sales, I always got payment minutes after the bid closed and shipped the very next morning.

Through some research I've learned that this is becoming more of a common problem on eBay. eBay does very little enforcement towards buyers, and they rarely bother to ding a buyer's record if they fail to pay. So that means a buyer can win your bid then change their mind and not pay. Or they can bid on many phones at once, win more than one, and only pay for the one they want. No skin off their backs! For sellers, yes you keep your item and can sell again, but it's a hassle and significantly delays the sale.

I don't really want to deal with Craigslist, and other online sale methods don't get enough money for the device. I've always gotten good prices on eBay.

So I'm now attempting to sell the iPad with a fixed price (Buy It Now) and see if that brings better success. I priced it a little lower this time. Hopefully I get a motivated buyer.

Anyone have advice or experience to offer here?

As a new seller on eBay I was thinking of canceling. Many of the "buyers" may be hacked accounts. They use the same tactics as the people who call and say they are from the Social security admin. or Publishers Clearing House.

 

[now i see it]

I sold a Mac Pro for $3200 on eBay with no issues. Fast payment. Several bidders. I don’t think a person can generalize about eBay. Most transactions happen quickly without a glitch.
Personally, every transaction for me both selling and buying has been perfect (for 15 years)

 

[Neebee]

I sold a Mac Pro for $3200 on eBay with no issues. Fast payment. Several bidders. I don’t think a person can generalize about eBay. Most transactions happen quickly without a glitch.
Personally, every transaction for me both selling and buying has been perfect (for 15 years)

I'm glad you had positive experiences. I'm not sure on the statistics but when I read your post it reminded me of NASA and the Space Shuttles running on luck until it ran out.

 

[MarkX]

I sold a Mac Pro for $3200 on eBay with no issues. Fast payment. Several bidders. I don’t think a person can generalize about eBay. Most transactions happen quickly without a glitch.
Personally, every transaction for me both selling and buying has been perfect (for 15 years)

You've been very fortunate then.