Buyer hasn't paid: open dispute or 2nd chance offer?

[SilkInsideAChestnutShell]

I can open a dispute later today, as the buyer hasn't paid. I invoiced immediately, and sent a friendly email yesterday asking if they were still interested. I've heard nothing.
Someone else was outbid by 2p for this item.

Do I:
a) go down the dispute resolution route
b) just offer it to the other person

Can I do b) if I have started a)?

[fergoose]

you have to open a dispute first and then only do a second chance offer after dispute is closed 4 days later. It isn't either or, you need to do both or you could have 2 buyers and only 1 item. And you need to close the dispute before a second chance offer or a relist.

[SilkInsideAChestnutShell]

Many thanks!

[Millie1]

Just adding my own question to this - I had an auction end 2 September, invoiced immediately and still no payment for one item. I emailed the buyer this morning but just said she had won the auction and I haven't received payment yet. I think I should have asked straight out whether she still wants the item - but I didn't. If I don't hear anything back in a day or two, is it reasonable to email again, asking whether they're still interested and saying that I will open a dispute if I don't receive payment within x (how long?)? If it goes that far, then it looks, from reading the above, that I'll go to second chance offer which I haven't understood til now!!

Thanks

[Millie1]

Thanks Issima - will do it that way.

[fergoose]

there really is no point emailing in my experience, it has been 10 days - just open the dispute is my advice. She still gets 4 days to pay after you have opened the dispute, that is plenty of time isn't it?

[Millie1]

Thanks Fergoose - just saw your reply. I had emailed and she paid. Sorted thankfully.

[LilQueenie]

I always open a dispute on the 4th day.