Help Topics
A-Z Index
Contact Us
eBay Explained
Safety Centre
Answer Centre
VeRO - Protecting Intellectual Property
You can't cancel a purchase via the eBay website after you've won an auction or clicked "Buy It Now". A bid or Buy It Now purchase on eBay is considered a contract and you are obliged to complete the transaction.
However, if you make a mistake, it's often possible to negotiate a solution with the seller. If you haven't already, you should request the seller's contact information and give them a call.
How can the seller get their fees back if I back out of a purchase?
As soon as you buy an item, we charge a fee to the seller. If you then back out of the purchase, the seller must file an Unpaid Item Dispute against you to get this fee back. If you both confirm to eBay that you mutually withdrew from the sale via the dispute, the seller can get their fee back without you receiving an Unpaid Item Strike against your account.
Please note that failing to purchase an item you've won may result in negative Feedback and/or an Unpaid Item Strike from your seller. Too many Unpaid Item Strikes may result in indefinite suspenion and all negative and neutral Feedback you had left for other members removed permanently. In some cases, limits may be placed on your account in advance of suspension.
Other problems
If your seller misrepresented the item, and, you refused to pay for it on pickup or you initiated a chargeback after taking delivery, you'll need to work out a solution with the seller. You and the seller should agree to mutually withdraw from the purchase, via an Unpaid Item Dispute, filed by the seller.
If your seller changed the terms of the sale after the end of the listing, for example, they've asked for a different payment method or increased the delivery charge, please report the seller. You should send us any emails the seller sent you regarding the change, along with the email headers.
If you've paid for an item but you didn't receive it, or the item you received is significantly different to advertised, see Item Not Received or Significantly Not as Described Process.
Ask the Seller a Question
Request a Seller's Contact Information
Request a Seller's User ID
Rules for Buyers: Overview
Unpaid Item Process
Can I retract my bid?
If you're looking for more help or have a question to ask, contact us.