Posts Tagged ‘buyer backing out’

Dear eBay Queen:

I received an offer yesterday afternoon around 2:00PM, I accepted the offer at soon as I checked my email at around 4:00PM.  Here’s a little background information on the item I was selling: It was a
pair of designer jeans. Buy it Now was $499 and he offered me $300. I charged $35 shipping from Canada to USA, which I think is reasonable given the value of the item and next day shipping, etc. I had everything listed for my item – detailed measurements of the size, several pictures, etc. I accepted the buyer’s best offer of $300.  I received this message from the buyer on eBay after accepting an offer on the item I was selling:

I’ve done a little checking, and I think these are my options but I’m not 100% sure.  I’ve been selling on eBay for a few months, so if I have this wrong, please let me know.

·         Do as he says – I'm not sure I would get back my eBay fees since I agreed to cancel – so I won't do that.

·         Follow steps of the resolution center of unpaid item – not sure what happens in this case – best case scenario I get my eBay’s fees returned. – Can I leave a bad feedback afterwards in this case?

·         Tell the buyer that didn't pay I will cancel his transaction AFTER he gives me positive feedback. This way, I cancel the transaction and leave him negative feedback. I don't want to leave him negative feedback as he'll give me negative feedback for NO reason.

Have you ever had a situation like this before? What is the best method? I think doing the second idea is probably best, but the third one may be even better.

Thank you for all your help!

Woody, Ottawa, Canada

Dear Woody:

Well, it’s that time of year. Buyers seem to be a bit strange in January.  Your problem is a common one, I can almost guarantee that.  The buyer should have waited for you to accept or deny the offer they placed.  What probably happened is the buyer made several offers, and some other seller accepted the offer before you accepted his.

Here is eBay’s help page on unpaid items. http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/unpaid-items.html

Here are your options as I see them:

·         You can file an unpaid item dispute requesting the buyer pay for the item. If the buyer didn't pay, you will be credited for the final value fee.  If the buyer does not respond to the case within the allotted time period, he will not be able to leave negative feedback.

·         You can mutually cancel the transaction.  This is where you and the buyer both agree to end the transaction.  The buyer will not have to pay, and you will receive your final value fees back.

Once the case is closed, eBay’s Trust and Safety is automatically alerted. They will note the unpaid items on the buyer's account, which can lead to limits or suspension of their account.

I need to tell you that you can not leave a buyer negative feedback on eBay. It is also against eBay policy to tell the buyer to “leave positive feedback before you will agree to cancel the sale.”  This is considered a form of FEEDBACK EXTORTION and will get you in serious trouble with eBay.  I usually won’t mention feedback at all when dealing with a buyer, unless they mention it first.  I do have selling friends that have no problem talking about feedback.  If your buyer does leave a negative or neutral feedback, you can always leave a "Follow Up" feedback and put in it; "Buyer canceled purchase after making offer."

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item 230572362929 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page): It’s cold outside and you need a blanket!  Check out this 1880’s Antique Lone Star Quilt made in Pennsylvania. SOLD $2400.00  Check it out HERE 

Suzie Eads is a nationally known eBay marketer and eBay trained Education Specialist. She lives in Rantoul. Do you have a question for the eBay Queen? E-mail: questions@asktheebayqueen.com