I need to ask buyers nicely when they intend to pay

[Saltire]

I sent invoices when teh auctions ended, and have heard nothing. According to ebay resolution centre,, I can open an unpaid item dispute after 4 days.
However, I would like to contact them first.
I ahve one unpaid item dispute open from a buyer who has ignored all communication from me, and don't want naother 2 if I can help it

i would just e-mail them, via ebay, saying that you would like payment by x date otherwise you will be forced to open an unpaid item dispute.

I don't want to threaten them with that so soon though, would rather be a bit more, well pleasanter (at least for a couple of days)

say something about wanting to post the stuff as soon as possible, xmas post is slow, you don't want them to have to wait

I would go for something along the lines of, 'Payment has not gone through for item XY, could you check if there is some reason that paypal has not processed it. I would like to post asap so that you have it in time for Xmas'

Thus giving them an excuse.

use the template email for a 'reminder' - saves you worrying about what to put.

Don't forget that under ebay rules they do have 7 days to pay, however annoying that is, I tend to wait three days then send a reminder.