How long would you leave it before starting an unpaid item dispute?

[HairyJo]

Item was won on sunday, I sent an invoice tuesday hoping to prompt them into paying but so far nothing. I was going to send another invoice tomorrow requesting payment by sunday or I would start an unpaid item dispute. Is it reasonable to do so after 7 days (i know you can do it after just four but that seems a little too soon)? TBH the item has a shelf life as it were so I certainly don't want to drag it out for weeks.

[LawrieMarlow]

I would do it definitely by 7 days and as you can do it after 4 probably then. The only time I opened one they paid straight away - I think they had just forgotten, although I did send at least one invoice as well.

[80sbabe]

I am mercenary I am afraid when it comes to unpaid items. I always start a case after 4 days and then the buyer still has 3 further days to pay.
I always feel a week in total is sufficient.

Mind you, I run a business on there and as I don't allow real life customers up to seven days to pay I feel Ebay buyers should also be prompt.

You are being very reasonable, personally I have never understood why people leave it so long. When I buy something it's because I want it as soon as possible so I pay straight away.

Having said that though, in the scheme of things I don't get many late or non-payers the vast majority of buyers are prompt.

[HairyJo]

I have just sent a message requesting payment by sunday 31st so hopefully that will prompt them. If I start an unpaid dispute how long will it take before I can close the sale and relist it?

I'm pretty peeved by it tbh. I know technically that they don't have to pay straight away but I think it's pretty poor to bid and then leave people hanging

[fergoose]

I agree with 80sbabe - start dispute now, close on day 7 then you can relist.

If they are not going to pay a message asking them to pay is probably going to be ignored, just start the dispute asap, then it will be finished quicker.

[80sbabe]

Your buyer will have a further 4 days to pay from when you open a case. No matter how long you leave it to open the case.
However you have a maximum of 32 days in which to do so.
Therefore the longer you leave it, the longer they can spin it out.

As you say your item is perishable, I would not delay - at all.
Open the case - they have had 6 days already that is plenty.
Can you imagine doing your shopping at Sainsbury's and them saying - "ok pay us in the next 32 days" ?
You'd laugh wouldn't you ?

Thankfully most buyers are good and prompt just as most sellers are honest and quick to dispatch items.
Sadly you appear to have come across a bad one here. They are not communicating with you so please open a case, finish it asap and move on to sell to someone who does want your item and will pay you for it.
Good luck.

[HairyJo]

Thanks for the advice will open the case and close it asap so I can relist
This is the first time I've ever had a non payer I think most people are pretty prompt.

She does have very good feedback so maybe there is a genuine reason, but hey ho

[80sbabe]

HairyJo they all have good feedback as sellers can only leave positive comments for buyers these days.
Any unpaid item strikes are in the background, you can avoid the most prolific ones by setting buyer requirements.