How can I avoid a late shipment record when I'm waiting on a response from the buyer?

[myescape]

If buyer has paid you don't.If they have not clock has not started yet

[makebelievekids-6]

I make items to order and I need to know what weight to make the item. I need to send it today according to ebay but I cannot send unless the buyer tells me what weight he requires.

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

Today is Sunday, which is not a business day.

What you can do, however, is mark the order status in Paypal's tracking section. There are several options other than actual shipping. I don't know how or if this affects eBay but at least you'll have some defense.

You also can request contact information and CALL the buyer, although some people don't appreciate calls on weekends. A phone number and a direct e-mail address also should be visible on the Paypal transaction details page.

~~C~~

[partial*eclipse]

It's  Monday morning in Australia, where the OP is located.

  I agree with the above suggestion to give the buyer a call to clarify this information.  But to avoid this sort of situation, your listings should be set up separately for separate weights; or use the "Variations" format.

[makebelievekids-6]

I have changed most of my listing the way you suggested, however this is the last one in that format.

[rusticscents]

I handle custom orders also, there isn't much you can do except call the customer. I always message them right away asking for their choices and most of my regular customers respond pretty quickly but new customers don't. So I have lost my top rated seller seal..