orisdiver

"If your buyer had not of opened the claim at your insistence, you may not have lost your money. " 

No, He wanted to "escalate" it anyway. And I instantly got the amount hold on my paypal. I thought that they won't wait another 45 days for the post to sends answers, that's why I chose to refund. It seems that was a huge mistake...

From your original posting, you had clearly stated that you had advised them to open a claim.  That what prompted the above comment.  To "escalate" is a different thing.  There has to be a claim in existance before anything can be "escalated". 

Since 30+ days had passed when he contacted you, it is possible that he would not have opened in time [45 days from payment] except you reminded him and suggested he do so.  $110 is a lot of money and I know that had to hurt, I'm very sorry this lesson was so darn expensive.

I have every confidence that you were just trying to be a good seller.  Of that there is no doubt.  And you can do that without putting yourself in harms way most times.  So we will be here if anything ever arrises again.

Now to your UID you need to file.  Once you file it, note your date and TIME you file it.  STOP all communication.  Sit back and just wait.  If your buyer does send you an email, I suggest that you come back here and share it with us before responding.  Let us help you best protect yourself and your feedback. 

96 hrs and one minute after you file the UID, if payment hasn't arrived, close the UID.  This is your best protection for your FB.  So if you open it at 11:00 AM today, you can close it if payment doesn't arrive at approximately 11:01 AM Friday.

Reading this forum is a very good idea if you have the time.  HOWEVER, don't start from the beginning.  This is an old thread.  Much of the information in the 150 pages or so is outdated and may only lead to confuse you.  My suggestion would be just to read the last handful of pages, maybe 10 or so.  And somewhere in those pages you will find a posting from me that I do from time to time that gives you the 4 options you have when a buyer doesn't pay.

That posting is FULL of very useful information.  If you don't see it, just let me know and I'll post it again.  You really should read, digest and memorize the info as it is very much in your best interest to understand them.

********* Sellers need to have their Buyer Requirements [in Site preferences] set to the strictest possible for UIDs. 2 in 12. If all sellers would file UIDs when appropriate along w/having your settings at 2 in 12, it would cut down on NPBs. They would be blocked from bidding or purchasing from ALL sellers that had their setting 2 in 12. This is our best defense, but each of us is dependent upon other sellers following suit. This will dramatically reduce the non payers if we work together.

Here's my humble opinion -- the majority of items won through eBAY are now paid with through PayPal. Why not make this more automated? If eBAY doesn't see payment through PayPal, refund the final values fees and give the strike. Easy. Make the buyer responsible for marking if payment has been made if another form of payment is used.

Oh boy I sure hope they never do this.  Not at all sure it is even legal.  To force us into just one payment method with no choices at all would potentially create a monopoly, which is illegal.  Certainly I agree that most buyer do use PP, but we do have choices and so to buyers.  I don't want those taken away.  I love it when a buyer asks if they can pay with a money order.  I just love it and I don't want to lose that option. 

Also -- honestly -- you can't really get rid of crappy buyers. If they are intentionally bidding just to not pay, then they know they can open another user ID and do it again.

Ebay in the past year or so is making this far more difficult for buyers to do.  It is on the decrease and hopefully Ebay will continue to move in this direction as they have more work to do.

You're not gonna get rid of bad buyers that are actually going to be a repetitive problem. And the buyers that are just ignorant are only going to be a problem here and there.

Yes you can.  Well not all of them, but you certainly can get a better control on this.  If Ebay continues to stop repeat offenders from opening new accounts and IF sellers do their part, we most certainly can get a better control of this problem.  But sellers need to set their site preferences for buyer requirements for 2 in 12 so as to block buyers from even bidding that are repeat offenders and sellers need to open UIDs when appropriate.  So many sellers don't do this and it only adds to our problems.

********* Sellers need to have their Buyer Requirements [in Site preferences] set to the strictest possible for UIDs. 2 in 12. If all sellers would file UIDs when appropriate along w/having your settings at 2 in 12, it would cut down on NPBs. They would be blocked from bidding or purchasing from ALL sellers that had their setting 2 in 12. This is our best defense, but each of us is dependent upon other sellers following suit. This will dramatically reduce the non payers if we work together.

Oris

Your international buyer has you a bit over a barrel.  There isn't anything you can do to them since they filed the claim.  So what I would do if I were in your position is call and report this to Ebay.  Let them know exactly what has happened and that the buyer is in possesion of the item AND your money.  Come back and let us know what they say.  Chances are they won't be able to do much, but it is worth a try.

To the buyer, I'd send them something like this.

I did not delay the shipment in any way.  Unfortunately it was the carrier that had the delay.  I am actively researching how to take care of that with the carrier and if they refund me for the shipping, I'd be happy to extend that discount back to you.  But for the time being, the amount is due as stated in the listing.  I have recorded with Ebay that this item has now been delivered to you, so Ebay is aware we are working on this together in an effort to resolve the matter.  I've asked them not to step in at this point as you are working with me to a resolution in this matter.

See if that helps.  Even though Ebay isn't doing anything, he doesn't have to know that.  And what a lame excuse that his friend had it instead of him, so he was saying it wasn't delivered.  He is trying very hard to take advantage of you so be very careful.

Funny, Judge Judy had a case on yesterday very similar.  But it was a guy's mother in law that received the package, but because he didn't have it, he said it was not delivered.  He put a chargeback on his credit card for it, then got his MIL to deliver it to him.  This was a $1200 item.  So he had the item and the money.  Judge Judy stuck it to him like no one else can.  It was quite entertaining.

Yes those setting you chose are perfect.

********* Sellers need to have their Buyer Requirements [in Site preferences] set to the strictest possible for UIDs. 2 in 12. If all sellers would file UIDs when appropriate along w/having your settings at 2 in 12, it would cut down on NPBs. They would be blocked from bidding or purchasing from ALL sellers that had their setting 2 in 12. This is our best defense, but each of us is dependent upon other sellers following suit. This will dramatically reduce the non payers if we work together.

I should close my UID if the buyer pays, right??

Oris

Good, let me know what your buyer says next and I'll be happy to help with a reply.  We need to keep him thinking that ebay is working WITH you.  He does not need to know any different.  It will be your best chance in getting money.

As to the discount, I could not agree with you more.  YOu have done far more that is reasonably expected of you, so I will assist you in standing firm on that.

********* Sellers need to have their Buyer Requirements [in Site preferences] set to the strictest possible for UIDs. 2 in 12. If all sellers would file UIDs when appropriate along w/having your settings at 2 in 12, it would cut down on NPBs. They would be blocked from bidding or purchasing from ALL sellers that had their setting 2 in 12. This is our best defense, but each of us is dependent upon other sellers following suit. This will dramatically reduce the non payers if we work together.

Does anyone know how many strikes a buyer gets before their account is suspended?

lizturq wrote:

Does anyone know how many strikes a buyer gets before their account is suspended?

This is such a great question and one we all deserve a straight forward answer to, but Ebay doesn't see it the same way.

They use to have a straight forward written policy on this.  A couple years ago they re-wrote it to be more obsure and subjective like so many other policies.

The OLD rule was 3 strikes in a 30 day period by 3 different sellers.  But not anymore.  Now it is Ebay "MAY" penalize or otherwise reprimand a buyer.  If you have a buyer you feel has a number of non paying strikes, CALL Ebay and report it.  That can move things along much quicker.

Now keep in mind, under the old rules and still under the new rules, a buyer only gets one strike on their account, even if you had 15 transactions with them in a calendar week.  It is one strike no matter how many transactions you had with them in a Monday through Sunday week.

Fair????  Of course not.  For me, I think of it this way.  It is just another one of those extremely lop sided rules they have that leans to the buyer. 

Lets say you have a buyer that bought 10 items from you, and didn't pay.  You file the UIDs and eventually close them for non payment.  That buyer gets ONE blemish on their account. 

Now lets take a look at this a little differently.  Lets say this buyer did pay you for the 10 items and you never had to file the UIDs.  For whatever reason this buyer has, when they left FB they decided to hit your DSR for description, lets say they give you a 2 in that DSR.  For every transactions they rate you a 2, it counts against your DSRs.  So if they do it on all 10 transactions, then this hurtful DSR counts against you 10 times.

So for buyers no matter how many transactions there are, if they don't pay it only counts as 1.  But if they pay and hit your DSRs, it counts against you once for every transactions.  What a ridiculous policy !!!! 

********* Sellers need to have their Buyer Requirements [in Site preferences] set to the strictest possible for UIDs. 2 in 12. If all sellers would file UIDs when appropriate along w/having your settings at 2 in 12, it would cut down on NPBs. They would be blocked from bidding or purchasing from ALL sellers that had their setting 2 in 12. This is our best defense, but each of us is dependent upon other sellers following suit. This will dramatically reduce the non payers if we work together.

aseroppgh

There is no right or wrong answer to this.  It is what you want it to be is what is important.  Certainly I and others have our opinions, but at the end of the day, you are the one that has to live with them and you have every right to run your business as you see fit.  With that said, I'm never very shy about my opinions, so here we go.

Don't have a PayPal account. (Note: This block only applies to future listings and can be disabled per item on the Sell Your Item form.) 

I never recommend checking this as some buyer don't have PP accounts but do like to use them to process a CC payment.  And that is allowed without a PP account.  So if you decide to check this box, you will not have access to some buyers.

Have received 2 Unpaid Item strike(s) within 12 Month(s). 

Perfect in my opinion.

Have a primary shipping address in a location I don't ship to  

I don't know if you checked this one.  I personally have it checked.

Have 4 Policy Violation report(s) within 1 Month(s). 

I have mine set stricter at 4 in 6.  But with that said, I have NEVER had any buyer ever blocked do to this.

Have a feedback score of -1 or lower. 

This one really doesn't matter.  It would have to be a seller buying to have any kind of negative FB since 2008.  So you are good with our without checking this one.

Are currently winning or have bought 10 of my items in the last 10 days.- Only apply this block to buyers who have a feedback score of 5 or lower.

Oh no, not this one.  What a big way for you to lose sales.  Limiting what a buyer can purchase isn't a good idea.  And this requirement isn't always accurate.  It could end up blocking your buyer for weeks because it thinks your buyer has purchased 10 items.  This one is a headache and as good as throwing your money out the window.

********* Sellers need to have their Buyer Requirements [in Site preferences] set to the strictest possible for UIDs. 2 in 12. If all sellers would file UIDs when appropriate along w/having your settings at 2 in 12, it would cut down on NPBs. They would be blocked from bidding or purchasing from ALL sellers that had their setting 2 in 12. This is our best defense, but each of us is dependent upon other sellers following suit. This will dramatically reduce the non payers if we work together.

Okay here's my current situation.  I have not 1 but 2 NPBs.  The first has never contacted me since the end of the auction.  The second asked a question about an item within the auction.  Since the end of both auctions, neither has even contacted me a word.  I have sent 2 invoices, 2 requests for payment.  I now have a UID against the first I put in just now.  This auction was more than 10 days ago.  The second auction will be 10 days early tomorrow.  They have had ample time to respond and make payment.  I will put in the second UID tomorrow sometime.  So if got this right, in 8 days if they do not respond to the dispute, they cannot give me a negative feedback symbol even with a negative feedback response.  And eBay will make a not that they didn't respond to the dispute.  Also, after the case is closed I may relist my item.  Is that about it in a nutshell Mam?  Thanks for your effort to help myself and others against this unjust act, and hopefully one day eBay will find an efficient system for buyers and sellers both to deal with unfair buyers and sellers.

Whenever an eBay buyer doesn’t pay there are basically 4 different actions that a seller can choose to take.  And always remember, no matter what, a seller can’t leave Negative or Neutral FB. 

1. Seller Takes NO ACTION against the Buyer

Do you get your FVF back – No

Can you qualify for a “relist” credit - No

Can Negative or Neutral Feedback Be Left – Yes
Can Negative or Neutral Feedback Once Left be Removed for Reasons of Nonpayment – No

2. Seller Files a MUTUAL CANCELLATION against Buyer

Sometimes a buyer asks a seller to cancel the transaction which would then result in the buyer not receiving any adverse action on their account.  A mutual cancellation means that the bidder does not receive a nonpaying bidder strike and eBay does not consider the buyer has done anything wrong.  Often sellers will agree to a mutual cancellation because they are fearful that buyers will leave negative feedback if a seller reports them for nonpayment.  Most of the time sellers think they are “protected” from negative feedback but they are not.

Do you get your FVF back – Yes [if the buyer agreed to the cancellation]

Can you qualify for a “relist” credit – Yes [if the buyer agreed to the cancellation]

Can Negative or Neutral Feedback Be Left – Yes
Can Negative or Neutral Feedback Once Left be Removed – Not normally but it is possible it could fall under some other policy so that it could be removed.  However it is in your best interest to understand that Ebay does not remove FB left on an MC except for ones that clearly violate a policy.

What if the buyer doesn’t respond to the MC?  - The seller can close the MC after 7 days if the buyer has not responded to the request.  However keep in mind, the buyer still retains the right to leave FB, but you will get your FVF returned and the right to relist.

CAUTION:  Keep in mind this is exactly what it is called a “MUTUAL” cancellation.  If the buyer does not agree to the cancellation and responds to the email Ebay sends when you file for the cancellation telling them just that, you have a problem. You can’t touch this buyer now.  Absolutely nothing you can do and if this buyer still does not pay even though they did not agree to the cancellation, there is NOTHING you can do.  You can’t now go file a UID, it is not allowed.  You can only file either for a cancellation or a UID, you can’t file for both.  So with this situation:

Do you get your FVF back – No

Can you qualify for a “relist” credit – No

Can Negative or Neutral Feedback Be Left – Yes
Can Negative or Neutral Feedback Once Left be Removed – Not normally but it is possible it could fall under some other policy so that it could be removed.  However it is in your best interest to understand that Ebay does not remove FB left on an MC except for ones that clearly violate a policy

And just to add insult to injury – You do not get paid.

3. Seller Files Unpaid Item Dispute MANUALLY against Buyer

Do you get your FVF back – Yes

Can you qualify for a “relist” credit - Yes

Can Negative or Neutral Feedback Be Left – Sometimes
Can Negative or Neutral Feedback Once Left be Removed for Reasons of Nonpayment – Yes (at eBay’s discretion).  But handled properly with Ebay, you can get it removed providing the UID was filed and closed properly for nonpayment.

UIDs can be opened as soon as 48 hours after the buyer purchased and item or items.  So remember it is not 2 calendar days, it is 48 hours.  For example:  The buyer purchases an Item at 1:00 PM on Monday.  You can open the UID at about 1:01 PM Wednesday.  Make sure you note your date and time you open a UID.  You can close the UID 96 hours after you opened it if payment does not arrive.

It’s important to remember that you need to close the UID to get your FVF back, the right to relist and block the buyer from leaving FB.  So close is as quickly as possible.  You have a maximum of 32 days to open a claim, after that you lose the right.  If you have opened a UID, then you have a maximum of 36 days in which it can stay open.  If after that time, you do not close it, then Ebay will auto close it in the buyer’s favor.

4. Seller Files Unpaid Item Dispute AUTOMATICALLY through Unpaid Item Assistant against Buyer

Do you get your FVF back – Yes

Can you qualify for a “relist” credit – Yes

Can Negative or Neutral Feedback Be Left – No (once the dispute has been OPENED)
Can Negative or Neutral Feedback Once Left be Removed for Reasons of Nonpayment – Yes (at eBay’s discretion), again handled properly this can be removed.

If a buyer ends up paying with an electronic payment method after the UPI Assistant opens a case then the buyer can leave feedback.

Note: Once you file a UID, stop all communication with your buyer.  No invoices or anything.  Ebay sends reminders to them.  You do not want to encourage your buyer to communicate now.  If you buyer does send you an email, then of course you need to respond appropriately. OH and don’t forget to add them to your BBL [Blocked Bidder’s List]

********* Sellers need to have their Buyer Requirements [in Site preferences] set to the strictest possible for UIDs. 2 in 12. If all sellers would file UIDs when appropriate along w/having your settings at 2 in 12, it would cut down on NPBs. They would be blocked from bidding or purchasing from ALL sellers that had their setting 2 in 12. This is our best defense, but each of us is dependent upon other sellers following suit. This will dramatically reduce the non payers if we work together.

When designing a title, only completely capitalize keywords.  A keyword is something you think your potential buyers would actually put into the search to try and find the type of item you are selling.  All the other stuff doesn't matter and only takes up valuable real estate.

Your title should also be in order.  The most important KEYWORD stuff should be at the beginning, the less important stuff to follow.  Take a look at some of my titles.  For craft books, the type of craft comes 1st, followed by the book title, then any other stuff I think looks good.  For my fragrances it always leads with the name of the fragrance. 

You don't have to fill up every space allowed for the title.  Gumming it up with a bunch of words that now one whould put into the search will actually have a negative affect.  If not in the Ebay search, possible Google or some other search engine.

********* Sellers need to have their Buyer Requirements [in Site preferences] set to the strictest possible for UIDs. 2 in 12. If all sellers would file UIDs when appropriate along w/having your settings at 2 in 12, it would cut down on NPBs. They would be blocked from bidding or purchasing from ALL sellers that had their setting 2 in 12. This is our best defense, but each of us is dependent upon other sellers following suit. This will dramatically reduce the non payers if we work together.

Oris

As for your UID, close it as soon as you can.  Which is 96 hrs after you opened it if payment doesn't arrive.  If they pay you, you will get an email from PP notifying you of the payment, however I always verify by logging into my PP account to see if it is there.  I do that 100% of the time.  I wouldn't respond to the buyer or I'd send a really short response like.  Thank you, please keep me informed.  And then leave it at that.  Chances are payment isn't going to arrive before you are able to close the UID.  Then get it closed and protect your FB.  Hopefully you noted the time and day you opened it.

The other guy.  I suggest you send him basically the same note you did a couple days ago expect somewhere in ther add this or something similar:  I have not heard back from you, please advise as I'm require to update Ebay. 

Obviously not true, be he may not know that and it could help.

********* Sellers need to have their Buyer Requirements [in Site preferences] set to the strictest possible for UIDs. 2 in 12. If all sellers would file UIDs when appropriate along w/having your settings at 2 in 12, it would cut down on NPBs. They would be blocked from bidding or purchasing from ALL sellers that had their setting 2 in 12. This is our best defense, but each of us is dependent upon other sellers following suit. This will dramatically reduce the non payers if we work together.