What happens with a non-payer?

ge_rik

ge_rik

British narrow gauge (esp. Southwold and W&LLR)
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Anyone had some experience of what happens when someone doesn't cough-up when you sell something on eBay? One of the successful bidders for my DCC stuff still hasn't paid after over a week and several email interchanges which result in unfulfilled promises.... I'll pay on Friday - I'll pay by the end of today etc. Bloomin' nuisance as he's bought 8 items amounting to around £400. I've now escalated it through eBay and they tell me he has up to four days to pay. Does anyone know what happens then? Can I relist without penalty or what? The guidance on eBay is a bit vague - peppered with loads of 'maybes' - eg "you may be credited for the final value fee" ..... "you may be credited for the insertion fee as well" etc.

Rik
 
It's happen a couple of time to me. Just follow the process as advised by Ebay. Don't try to bounce the miscreant around or threaten them. Ebay operate a three strikes and your out policy with non payers so you might try to tactfully reinforce this if you make any further communications with the buyer.

If the buyer does not pay up within a specified time then Ebay should "annul" the auction and refund any fees that have been billed/deducted. Do not attempt to re-list till Ebay confirm the annulment of the auction. Your item will show as not having sold and you will be able to re-list without uploading it all again. Do not admit any "distress" due to their delay or non payment, the buyer will only use that as a way to try to negociate the price down. Report them if they try that.

I always stipulate 7 day payment in my terms for any listing. If the buyer goes anywhere near the deadline I politely remind them of the possible consequences. Max.
 
I'll second everything maxi-model said.
 
If they eventually pay up ensure you send the goods recorded. The next move is they will deny receiving it, & then block them!
 
Stainzmeister said:
Always send your goods tracked and signed for
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Completely agree, whatever you send, make sure it is signed for. Don't forget to add the buyer to your blocked list so they can't do it again.
 
and, if this goes on and on, and you want to re-sell
id suggest letting the buyer know the drop dead payment deadline and what you intend to do, in writing and printed.

look over too, your language in your ebay post, ie does it state a time for payment? is it firm or 'would be appreciated' etc/
 
My standard T&C's on Ebay, every listing, just so there is no doubt. Does not seem to put anybody off as I am told I seem to get top prices for my lots in the past. A lot was cribbed from other listings I noted a few years ago. Max

You the bidder are responsible for payment of shipping/insurance/packing costs shown below. This cost will be included on the invoice sent to you for the item. I will post/ship anywhere in the world. My costs are based on - estimated packed weight of item + estimated value for insurance = the cost shown for individual items below. I use Royal Mail published rates for "Signed For" services to calculate charges. There will be no variation but I will offer discounts to successful bidders for multiple lots in my auctions as shown above. I will e-mail you any relevent tracking infomation on dispatch of the item should you require it.

If the item arrives in a condition that is not acceptable please contact me first before leaving feedback so that we can reach a mutualy agreeable conclusion first. I do my best to provide an accurate description of an item's condition but there are a lot of things that are not in my control once the item has left my possesion.

Payments must be deposited within 7 days of the end of this auction. Failure to do this will result in the automatic relisting or offering of this item to other bidders. I can accept PayPal/Credit Card via PayPal/International Bank to Bank money transfers/Personal Cheque (UK residents only/Postal Orders.
 
OK - an update on this.

He's now told me that he has tried to pay through PayPal as they've informed him he has exceeded his spending limit on his account so he now wants to pick up and pay in person (on Sunday). I have already opened a non-payment case which expires tomorrow (Saturday). He's also told me that for some reason he is now unable to get into his eBay account. This is sounding more and more dodgy - however the feedback he's had on eBay as both a buyer and a seller is very good.

I've just spoken to eBay and the advice I was given was a bit confusing - Don't give your contact details - too late already have! - Open an unpaid order case - already have! It seems that if he doesn't pay by tomorrow I can withdraw from the sale and relist without penalty and he will get a black mark - but he does now have my address .........

Any suggestions?

Rik
 
Rik, all the hall marks of a time waster. I sell on e-bay, and you have followed all the correct procedures. I would just re-list it. If you feel that you have to give him the opportunity to collect make sure you are not alone. if he does not turn up on Sunday cease all communication with him. If he does turn up ask for ID, like a driving license, so you have his details. If he pays cash, check the notes are genuine and don't take a check. Jeremy
 
The buyer will be aware that you have started the process and the terms, applied by Ebay, they must meet. If no pay before the Ebay deadline then no deal. As said above- cash only and check their validity. Get them to sign a note that they have received the items in good order. Get it witnessed. I would be inclined to tell them to go away. Max.
 
I would take a digital photo of punter with goods..
IF he turns up.. He may just be not very good at evilBay..

I got in a mess recently, when a card expired. - I have two setup, but only one can receive monies, the other I pay with.
 
There are loads of customers out there. Just ditch him. Not worth the risk.
 
ge_rik said:
OK - an update on this.

He's now told me that he has tried to pay through PayPal as they've informed him he has exceeded his spending limit on his account so he now wants to pick up and pay in person (on Sunday). I have already opened a non-payment case which expires tomorrow (Saturday). He's also told me that for some reason he is now unable to get into his eBay account. This is sounding more and more dodgy - however the feedback he's had on eBay as both a buyer and a seller is very good.

I've just spoken to eBay and the advice I was given was a bit confusing - Don't give your contact details - too late already have! - Open an unpaid order case - already have! It seems that if he doesn't pay by tomorrow I can withdraw from the sale and relist without penalty and he will get a black mark - but he does now have my address .........

Any suggestions?

Rik
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I have had quite a few buyers over the years who have not read the PayPal small print when opening their account and have not realised they need to put the confirmation code in from their bank or credit card account to increase the spending limit. Some I've had to talk through stage by stage, if they have online banking it is quick if they don't it can take forever. Generally speaking I find most G scale buyers honest and into the hobby, the worst are those buying household items.
 
I managed to go over the limit on the debt card and had to set up direct to bank account, it's a right pain,nat west took 5 days for the code from paypal to apear in bank transactions, luckily i had a gd seller who helped guide me through the hassle., but yr case does seem iffy
 
Thanks for all the guidance, chaps. As it turned out, the guy was genuine if a bit inexperienced on eBay. I think there was a problem with verification on his PayPal account which some of you seem to have seen before. It might be worthwhile posting an idiots' guide on here to help steer any future buyers through the process. He turned up here with cash in hand yesterday - I had prepared two receipts for each of us to sign - one showing what he'd bought from me and one showing what he'd paid me. He even took another decoder off my hands which I was about to advertise on eBay.

We've now both exchanged feedback and so the deal is done and dusted (I hope). Anyway - as Steve says, I think most garden railway modellers who trade on eBay are pukka.

Rik
 
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