You told us unpaid items were frustrating
So here's what we did.
What you need to know
We’ve heard from many sellers about the challenges that unpaid items cause. To make selling easier, we’ve taken steps to reduce unpaid items for Buy It Now sales, and soon we’ll extend these updates to Best Offer listings. Since launching the Buy It Now changes in early June, we’ve seen significant improvements in successful payments and we’re monitoring these trends as we make further updates.
What's changing
To purchase a Buy It Now item, in most cases buyers are now directed to the checkout process where they must provide a payment method.
We’re currently testing a new feature that requires buyers to have a payment method on file before making offers on Best Offer listings. Once you accept the offer, we’ll automatically collect payment from the buyer’s payment method, eliminating the need for buyers to return to eBay to complete the purchase. We plan to introduce this feature gradually by the end of the year, however we’ll keep you updated with our progress.
FAQ
What is an unpaid item?
An unpaid item occurs when a buyer doesn’t pay for an item they offered to purchase.
Does this program mean I won’t have any more unpaid items for offers?
While our goal is to minimise unpaid item claims, occasional instances of unpaid items may still occur in some scenarios, such as offers with a very high offer price. Also, these changes currently don’t apply to seller-initiated offers, counteroffers and auction listings.
When will these changes take effect?
Buy It Now listings already reflect these changes. We are currently testing the implementation for Best Offer listings, with the aim of launching later this year, however we’ll keep you updated with our progress.
Should I still cancel unpaid items if they occur?
Yes, if an item remains unpaid, you should cancel the order and indicate the reason as an 'unpaid item'. You can also specify whether your preference is to have unpaid items cancelled automatically after four days.
Can I control whether buyers are asked for payment and shipping information for my Best Offer listings?
Yes, you have the option to opt out of this feature in Buyer Payment Requirements. However, we encourage you to remain opted in to ensure prompt payment and orders are created quickly.
Will there be a solution for buyers requesting combined shipping?
We are actively working on a solution that addresses combined shipping while minimising unpaid items. We’ll keep you updated with any progress.