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Unpaid item abuse policy

eBay- Unpaid item abuse policy

Policy overview

Sellers aren't allowed to abuse the unpaid item process, and they're not eligible for a final value fee credit if the buyer has paid for the item. If a seller has requested a credit on a sale that was completed, the buyer can appeal the unpaid item.

Sellers who falsely report unpaid items may be subject to several actions, including reversal of all credits for the time period in question, inability to use the final value fee credit system for a period of time, limits on buying and selling privileges and suspension of the seller's account.

Examples of policy violations

Not allowed

  • A buyer sends full payment to the seller and receives the item from the seller. The seller still opens an unpaid item case.

  • A seller refuses to complete the sale, and then opens an unpaid item case.

Additional information

eBay Money Back Guarantee
If you paid for the item but didn't receive it, talk to the seller directly and contact the payment service you used to track the payment. For more tips on resolving the situation, find out what to do if you don't receive your item.

Selling practices policy
While it's understandable that there may times when sellers can't complete a sale, they're not allowed to refuse payment at the end of a successful transaction. To find out what sellers are generally responsible for, see our selling practices policy. If a seller refuses to complete the sale, contact us by clicking the Report link at the bottom of the selling practices policy page.

Why does eBay have this policy

To make eBay a safer place to buy and sell, we don't allow false reports of unpaid items. The online unpaid item process is designed to help sellers get paid for items that buyers have committed to purchase. It also helps with getting a final value fee credit if the buyer doesn't pay.

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