Buyer asking to save an item until they get paid?

[karylopez]

I’m kind of new to selling on eBay. I received a message from a potential buyer asking if I could save an item for them because they have to wait for their paycheck two weeks from now. Said they’d purchase after they get paid. They said they can pay extra if they have to because my item is rare to come by. 

I don’t mind saving the item for them, but idk if this is some sort of scam or something. 

[mr_lincoln]

Hi @karylopez 

No scam, I've had customers make similar requests but for me it was usually on Auctions that they won and wanted more time to pay.  Some would ask before they bid and others would message me after they won the auction.  Knowing the item will sell again anyway I always work with them as long as it's not too long to wait.

The choice is yours but you will have to End the listing and the Relist it sending them the eBay item number when it is Relisted.  They can cut and paste that number in the eBay search window and go right to the item.

If the item is that rare you may want to sell it Auction style and starting the bidding around the price that others have sold for.  NEVER start an eBay auction too low because if it only sells for one bid you have ot ship it.

[klhmdg]

Leave it listed.

If someone else buys is - good.

If it is still there in 2 weeks your potential buyer can become a buyer.

Im not sure if its a scam but .... when it comes to buying stuff, only the person with money today counts.

[caldreamer]

Personally, I don't save anything for customers anymore (I have been burned too many times).   They could be just "buying time" so they can see if they get a cheaper price somewhere else.

[femmefan1946]

Tell them that they can pay by Visa MasterCard Discover ApplePay GooglePay or Paypal.

And that they have up to 30 days to pay any of those without attracting interest.

It's not a scam, but their eyes are too big for their stomach.

If they can't get a credit card (not even Discover?) they can't afford it.

You are not a bank.

[kabilab]

I became a retailer in the Spring of 1992. As I neither accepted checks nor cards, I would occasionally encounter shoppers requesting I hold a product. After a few months, I began tracking the BEBACKS; my number was 19% returned. That low number was unacceptable, so my next step was to require a 20% non-refundable deposit to hold an item one week. Most declined, but for those who accepted my terms, very few skated.

As this is e-Bay, I can not envision any circumstances where I would hold an item.

[theteamsetguy]

@kabilab ,

I have no problem with it. I get the request about half dozen times a year. I have gotten quite a few repeat customers. Not everyone is a deadbeat.

[kiss-3]

   I do not sell rare items but my items can get costly. My situation is such that, items can sit in limbo a few days without a problem. I will often accept a bid on an item and if the buyer requests a hold, this is what I would do: 

   If the buyer is a repeat buyer, I have no problem waiting for payment. (Especially, if they are communicating with me).

   If the buyer is a new customer, I do some research and if no red flags, I will hold the item (again communication is important). With the items I sell, buyers usually pay when they say they will.

   If there is a red flag (and no communication), I would politely say: "Item will be relisted but you can purchase when your funds become available".

   Again, all selling situations differ and with rare items, you may not want to sit on the item.

[kensgiftshop]

Since your items are all new, don't think it would be to rare to come by.

Could be another seller that's selling one and hoping you'll remove yours until theirs is sold.

[dhbookds]

I've removed the item and then relisted later for a buyer and can't remember anyone not buying........but strictly your choice.......

[toysaver]

What does their feedback look like?  Two weeks from now means they just got paid...  If their money is that tight they could have deeper financial issues.  What happens if the toilet breaks or the electric bill is 20% higher?   Can you wait another 2 weeks?  

[mr_lincoln]

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@femmefan1946 wrote:

Tell them that they can pay by Visa MasterCard Discover ApplePay GooglePay or Paypal.

And that they have up to 30 days to pay any of those without attracting interest.

It's not a scam, but their eyes are too big for their stomach.

If they can't get a credit card (not even Discover?) they can't afford it.

You are not a bank.

---

@femmefan1946   Actually, they may just manage their money differently and have made the choice not to use credit cards.  Maybe they use the Dave Ramsey (or similar) approach to spending money.  

[luckythewinner]

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@karylopez wrote:

I’m kind of new to selling on eBay. I received a message from a potential buyer asking if I could save an item for them because they have to wait for their paycheck two weeks from now. Said they’d purchase after they get paid. They said they can pay extra if they have to because my item is rare to come by. 

I don’t mind saving the item for them, but idk if this is some sort of scam or something. 

---

I would simply say that your item is available to everyone on eBay, and when they have the money they are welcome to purchase it.

AS far as scams go, if this potential buyer tries in any way to get you communicate out side eBay ("text me because I have questions", "I need your email so I can arrange PayPal payment", etc.) then they are very likely trying to set up a scam.

[farmalljr]

Personally, no I don't hold items. This is not a layaway site. While I believe in good customer service, that does not include a layaway plan.

If a buyer wants something, I need paid for it first, then it's theirs. If they can't afford it today, then they need to shop when they have money in hand, like everyone else. People that ask you to hold something, tend to forget about it or do not have the money when they say they will. 

And like it was pointed out, most everyone has a credit card. They are in the business of "layaway", I am not. 

You as a seller can do whatever you want, but be prepared for headaches if you accept those terms. Most sellers will not for a good reason.

[collectfest]

In the “old days” I use to get the request and do it all the time. No right or wrong s I see it.

in todays world I’ve got mixed feelings about it.

if me, I’d determine if it’s a hard to sell item. If it was I’d give it go and save it for them. Not out anything but time. Buy it now immediate payment solves scam issue. If it’s somebody selling same item playing games I can do a quick search if ur item is listed else where.

good luck.