Non-Paying Bidder Policy - Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently-asked Non-Paying Bidder questions. Please review our Non-Paying Bidder Policy for more information.

What if there is a valid reason I was unable to honour my bid(s)?
We do realise that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances in which it is necessary for a bidder to back out of their obligation once an auction ends (bidder becomes ill, death in the family, computer problems). This is why we provide three warnings before you are indefinitely suspended. If you feel you there is a valid reason why you did not honour your bid(s), you may appeal your warning.

What is the Non-Paying Bidder Alert Form?
The Non-Paying Bidder Alert Form is intended to be a workout period to assist the seller and high bidder complete the transaction. After you file a Non-Paying Bidder Alert, eBay will send an email to both the seller and high bidder, advising the high bidder that the seller has notified eBay that the bidder is a potential non-paying bidder and encouraging the high bidder to complete the transaction.

Why do I have to file a Non-Paying Bidder Alert Form before requesting credit?
Sometimes sellers innocently file a final value credit request prematurely. That is, the buyer had the full intention of completing the transaction but there was miscommunication between the two parties. Or, the buyer in fact sent the seller a cheque but the cheque was in the mail when the seller requested credit. Therefore, we ask that both the buyer and seller attempt to work things out for at least 10 days before the seller may request credit. We believe this "workout period" will assist all users in completing their eBay transactions.

If I had an Dutch auction, how many times may I submit a Non-Paying Bidder Alert Form?
If your auction was a Dutch auction, you may file a Non-Paying Bidder Alert against as many bidders as you deem necessary, but you are entitled to file a Non-Paying Bidder Alert Form only once for each such auction. Thus, please wait until you know the status of all winning bidders before you file a Non-Paying Bidder Alert Form.

What if I got a Non-Paying Bidder Warning, but I paid for that item?
If you receive Non-Paying Bidder Warning that you did not complete the auction, but you actually did complete the auction, you may appeal your Non-Paying Bidder Warning by using our Non-Paying Bidder Appeal form. We will look into the matter and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Who knows that I received a Non-Paying Bidder Warning?
Only you and eBay are notified when you receive a Non-Paying Bidder Warning. Further, the Non-Paying Bidder process and Non-Paying Bidder Warnings are independent of your feedback rating--Non-Paying Bidder Warnings are not displayed in your feedback.

When is the Non-Paying Bidder Warning sent to me?
Once the seller submits a final value fee credit request, the system will automatically send you a Non-Paying Bidder Warning.

How do I retract my Non-Paying Bidder Warning or credit request?
Please contact us via our webform, click here.

I submitted three credit requests for auctions that had the same high bidder, why isn't that bidder now suspended?
There could be a number of reasons. First, the system will not automatically suspend a bidder if that bidder receives three Non-Paying Bidder Warnings from one seller. This does not mean that the bidder will not be suspended, it simply means that the bidder will be manually reviewed and if appropriate, suspended. Second, just because you submit a credit request does not mean that the bidder receives a Non-Paying Bidder Warning. Certain criteria must be met before a Non-Paying Bidder Warning is issued to the bidder.

How do I report a non-paying bidder?
When a seller submits a final value fee credit request, non-paying bidders are automatically identified by our system. The system will keep records of the credit requests that are received from sellers regarding transactions that were not completed. When certain criteria are met, the system will automatically generate a warning letter to the bidder.

If a user has 3 feedback comments for nonpayment, will they be suspended?
No, feedback comments are separate from the non-paying bidder policy. eBay encourages you to leave appropriate feedback about your trading partners.