EBay has a very well  defined and reasonably effective procedure for bidders who don’t pay. Here are the steps:

1.  After one week to 10 days send an email requesting payment.  I like to send one that recognizes that it is easy for things to slip your mind and that is kind and simply a reminder.   You would be amazed at how effective it is!  If you get no response in three days, be polite but clear in warning the buyer that you will file a non-payment complaint to eBay if they don’t pay within a specified time.  If they still fail to pay, go to "My eBay Page" and locate the link to the Dispute Resolution Center.

2.  Follow instructions to make a claim, and file for a final value fee (FVF) credit (to get your final value fees refunded to you).  Once you file for the FVF it triggers an email from eBay to the NPB reminding them that bidding is a contract and notifying them of eBay's policy and strikes that will be against them if they don't pay. They issue a specific violation warning which often results in payment to you.  Bidders who receive a three such warnings will be indefinitely suspended from eBay.

3.  Alternatively, there is also another option.  In your terms of sale at the end of each auction description, place the following statement (or a variation):

“I appreciate prompt payment and will always work with you if you email me.  However, listing costs money.  If you fail to pay within 10 business days unless we have agreed to different terms, this auction is cancelled by mutual agreement and I will contact eBay.”

Then, when you have a non-paying bidder, go to the eBay Non-Payment Bidder Page.  There is a button you can check that indicates that this auction was cancelled by mutual agreement.  If you check this button, then your fee will be immediately refunded without going through all the steps and waiting the full warning period. (eBay does email the NPB and ask if they agree -- but they almost always do, so they don't get an unpaid item strike against them).

4.  Make sure that you put the eBay IDs of any problem customers into your "Block or Pre-Approve Bidders" area (Go to Seller Resources on the left side of the main summary page and look for "Block or Pre-Approve Bidders" in the first grouping of link options.  Once entered into this section this eBayer will be unable to bid on any of your sales in future.  It makes sense to only have to deal with them once.

Frankly, if you sell on eBay you will run into NPBs once in awhile - it comes witht he territory.  The trick is to do all you can to prevent it.  Hope this guides helps.  NPBs don't happen often but it never pays to let them ruin your day. 

Happy Ebaying

Pepper120851