Theoretical question re EA fee entitlement

[Thisandthat2017]

I have taken my house off the market as the market is slow and I want a break over Christmas. In the new year we plan to go back on with an online agent. I foresee this meaning we will pay upfront and leave it on until it sells.

There has been some interest on our property but these people need to sell first.

So here is the question...
If these buyers sell in the new year and then approach us about buying after we have signed up to an online agent, where would we stand with regard to agency fees to our high street EA? I only had a verbal contract with them. (They left a contract with us on the first visit which we never signed. We asked them twice to come and go through/have contract signed but they didn't bother.) I have read the contract and it doesnt say anything about what would happen anyway.

I don't want to be in the position where I pay 2 fees!

[tbaggy]

If the EA made the introduction they are due fees up until 1 year has passed. They should have sent a letter saying who they introduced. Since you haven't signed a contract I doubt it's enforceable but as an avid watcher of Judge Judy...a verbal contract is often enough. Truthfully I'm not sure.