Appealing unpaid items
We want you to feel confident that your trading partner will follow through on a sale. That's why, when a buyer doesn't pay for an item after winning it or using Buy It Now, the unpaid item is recorded on that buyer's account. eBay may place restrictions on buyers' accounts if unpaid items have been recorded.
Occasionally, there may be reason to remove an unpaid item from a buyer's account. If you have evidence that you paid for the item before the unpaid item case closed, you should appeal the unpaid item through eBay Customer Support. Please note the seller doesn't have the ability to remove the unpaid item—you'll need to contact eBay directly.
How to appeal
Use the online Unpaid Item Appeal form.
Proof |
What to include in the appeal |
Payment confirmation from PayPal or other online payment service |
Include the text of the email that you received from the payment service, confirming that the payment was sent. |
Email from the seller indicating that you paid |
Include the email text. |
Copy of cheque or postal order |
Send copies of the front and back of the cheque or postal order. Include the item number and your user ID. |
To send the appeal by fax or post:
Fax: Include the item number and your User ID on the documentation. Faxed appeals take up to 5 business days to process. Write "Unpaid Item Appeal" on the fax cover page and fax your appeal to: +44 (0) 207 681 2348.
Post: Include the item number and your User ID on the documentation. Posted appeals take up to 10 business days to process. Send your appeal to:
Investigations Department
Attn: Unpaid Item Appeals
eBay International AG
P.O. Box 9473
Dublin 15
Ireland
What if I have a reason for not paying?
In general, you're expected to pay for all items that you purchase or win. However, there may be cases in which you feel you have a valid reason for not paying. Check the table below for guidance.
Reasons for not paying Seller changed the price, P&P costs, or payment method after the sale. |
This is a violation of the rules for sellers. If this happens, contact us. | The seller was suspended. |
Appeal the unpaid item by following the guidelines above. | I didn't order the item. I think my account may have been accessed by someone else. |
Report the account theft and then take steps to secure your account. |
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