We know unpaid orders can be frustrating, so we’re making changes to reduce them

We’re testing a process that collects payment details from some buyers when they make an offer for your items. This should help reduce unpaid orders, as payment will be processed once you accept the offer



What you need to know

Starting in April, we’re testing an automated payment collection process in Australia to help reduce unpaid items. As part of this test, certain buyers will be required to provide their payment and shipping details at the point of making their Best Offer. More buyers will be included later this year as we expand our coverage in Australia.


Later this year, we’ll also start collecting payment details in other Best Offer scenarios, including Offers to Buyers and counter offers. You won’t need to do a thing because these changes will be applied automatically for buyers.


We’ll also introduce a new feature that lets buyers request a bundled offer on multiple items. Sellers will also be able to issue an offer for multiple items that they sell and then conclude in one transaction. We’ll give you more information on these changes later in the year.

Why we’re making this change

We want to help you save time when selling on eBay, so you have more time to focus on running your business. These changes will reduce operational costs and unpaid items, giving you more control and confidence to make the best decisions for your business.


What do I have to do?

Nothing at all. We’ll keep you updated as we roll out new features throughout the year.

This topic was reviewed by Jason Ramage, eBay seller since 2005

“Non/delayed payments from best offers can sometimes be difficult to navigate, from removing "stock from our store and potentially missing sales if an item is unpaid adds layers of both administrative costs and rework to relist (hoping we don’t forget to as well). With eBay capturing payment details and authorisation at time of submitting a best offer, it removes this concern and potential loss of time and revenue when non payments occur – in reality, it may actually bolster our cash flow as payments should come through quicker than the up to 4 days. This will provide an all round better experience for seller and ultimately buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

After an offer is accepted, it’s usually a smooth process to complete the transaction, but occasionally the buyer may not pay for the item they offered to buy even when they are required to do so. These are called unpaid items.

While you may have fewer unpaid items from offers as we scale this program, they may continue to happen occasionally in some specific scenarios, such as offers with a very high offer price. We’re trying to prevent the challenges unpaid items bring and are tackling them wherever possible. These changes don’t apply to auction listings.

If an item is unpaid, you should continue to cancel the order just as you do today. We recently streamlined our unpaid item process and moved it to the cancel flow, where you can specify your preference and whether you want unpaid items to be canceled within four days of the purchase.

Yes. You can opt out of this feature in Buyer Payment Requirements. If you opt out, eligible buyers will not be asked for payment and shipping information upfront when they submit offers for your listings. We encourage you to remain opted in so your items are paid for and orders are created quickly.