Help - just sold first item - what to do now?

[realitychick]

First ever item has just sold but I'm not sure how I'll know when payment has gone through. If Paypal - do I wait till Paypal pays me? Or will Paypal contact me to say payment has arrived? or how will I know if they choose to pay by cheque? Do I email and ask them?

Sorry if these questions sound stupid, but I don't want to mess up on my first order, and am going away for a week in a few days time, so want to send the item asap. Slightly complicated buyer too, as she's in States but I said UK only so it's being sent via her sister. I don't even know what to put on the email - it said send clear payment instructions. Does this sound OK?

Thank you for your order. Please pay via Paypal or UK sterling cheque/postal order. Dispatch within 24hrs on receipt of payment.

Thanks

If she pays by paypal you will get an email from paypal telling you.
Also make it clear if they send a cheque you won't be sending the item until the cheque has cleared.

I always just use paypal now so I know how people are going to pay IYKWIM. You will receive an email advising payment. I always send a note as soon as I have posted telling the buyer to look out for it. Well done on your first sale!

There should be an option next to the item in your sold list "send invoice now" or something like that
Most people pay very quickly IME

Thanks, everyone.