Is it okay if I send a text message to a buyer? If they don’t reply to my messages on ebay

[effie*s_trinkets]

So, I sold something, but seller chose Local pickup, but they live a bit far (about 2 hours from my town), I messaged them if they're planning to come pick up, otherwise I need payment for shipping. I can't ship for free, my profit would be very little... 😞 I am waiting for them to answer... But in the details i see their phone number, would it be okay if i text them about this? If i don’t hear back in the next hours… thanks 

[redmodelt]

If they only paid for the item, without shipping, there is really no way to charge for the shipping now. I would send them one more message asking if they would like to cancel and rebuy with shipping. If they don't respond to that, I think canceling with problem with address and refund. Then re list and block them. Yes you will be out the .30. Besides, there wouldn't be a way to mark shipped, without the code from the buyer.

[johnrj1226]

1.  Do not communicate via text or telephone  eBay frowns upon communications outside of eBay  & you can be penalized for it.  If you have an issue eBay cannot  see/read your text messages.  Read this policy

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/resolving-buyer-issues/contacting-buyer-bidder?id=4083&st=12&pos=1...

2.  The buyer already knows the payment is due via an eBay communication.  if you want to send another reminder simply just communicate through eBay messages or send them an invoice.  Two communications on payment is more than enough.

[variety_nook]

Lets see if we can get this straight OP.

Your post says "I sold something, but seller chose Local pickup" Did you sell something to yourself?

If you mean that you sold something and the BUYER wants to pick it up, then have at it. No need to worry about shipping. If they don't pickup don't worry about it. 

Balls in the buyers court! let them call you. If the buyer decides that they would rather have it shipped to them, fine. just tell them how much it will cost to ship. when they pay the shipping charge, ship it.

[variety_nook]

Golly people over think too much and make things so difficult for themselves. Stop that! Relax and try to enjoy life a little bit. 

[effie*s_trinkets]

Buyer has already paid. For the item. That’s  not the issue. The problem is they didn’t pay for shipping.

[effie*s_trinkets]

I meant the buyer. Sorry.

so i don’t do anything until they reply? And i won’t get in trouble with ebay? I’ve never had a situation like this.

[effie*s_trinkets]

Wow ! really? Sorry for wanting to be a great seller. 🙄

[ckimodog]

Contacting the buyer is risky and ebay highly suggests that you refrain from doing so.  In many cases accounts have been suspended.  Lots of scams out there.  I would suggest you let them know that you need them to remit shipping costs.  If the don't, cancel the sale and save yourself the troubles. There a lot nuts out there.  Be smart.  Good luck. 

[wibbets · Accepted solution]

I would send a polite text just to be safe. I don't see any harm in it and you should at least follow up.

[yuncreations]

Unnecessary and mean

[redmodelt]

The OP listed and sold an item with two options; A local pickup and B with shipping (I looked at the sold listings)

The item sold

Buyer paid and picked option A local pickup

OP sent messages about picking up the item

Buyer has not replied to those messages

OP now needs to know what their next step should be

Chances are, the buyer did not pay attention to which box they ticked when paying and may not have enough experience to have seen the difference. I agree the ball is in the buyer's court, but the buyer should respond to the messages that have been sent. I would send 1 more message with the choices in my first post. If they don't respond to that, cancel and refund.

I would suggest not using the local pickup option on any items unless they are too large to ship at a reasonable cost. You are potently selling to the whole world, not just down the street.

Others have run into this same issue, someone bought an item and lived hundreds of miles away with no way to pick up. They, too, run into the same issues, no way to charge the buyers for shipping via eBay if they did ship.

[d-k_treasures]

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@wibbets wrote:

I would send a polite text just to be safe. I don't see any harm in it and you should at least follow up.

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I would call - unless you know that the phone # is a cell phone and not a land line.

[Anonymous]

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@alcoforever wrote:

If the BUYER is not replying to your ebay messages, what makes you think they would reply to a text message?

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Not necessarily true. I've had buyers on other sites state that they don't check their <fill in the blank> site account very often nor emails and were appreciative that I texted.

Also common if the user is new to eBay or whatever.

People have been accustomed to their phones more than anything else.

[effie*s_trinkets]

I just did and she replied right away! yay! thanks

[effie*s_trinkets]

yes, it's a new user. Thanks!