0 Feedback Buyer Issues

[jerrodku]

I recently just sold two different high price items to two different people with 0 feedback. 

A person with 0 feedback bought my iPod touch I had listed, I sent the invoice right away, and about a day later I went to see if I have received payment, I haven't yet. So I check their profile, and now they have 1 feedback so they're 100%, but the feedback says they're not paying (so i'm unsure of why it's positive). It's now day 3 and no payment. I'll give it a few more days, but what will happen if they don't pay? Will eBay force them to pay? As that is the original deal here? 

And I sold another high priced item today (about $110 US) and the person has 0 feedback.... and is in Costa Rica... I don't have a problem with shipping out there, but I feel kind of weird about shipping out there plus them having 0 feedback, they haven't paid yet either and for some reason I feel as if they aren't going to, but if they do, what safety precautions can I take?

Thanks 

[nudibranch4569]

after 4 days file a not paid claim

[maggiebvintage2010]

Customs in Costa Rica opens most items sent by mail that are bigger than a regular envelope.  (Interestingly, they open all outgoing packages as well, to "confirm" the contents.)  Sometimes that is the last anyone ever hears of the package (in both directions).  High duties are assessed, especially on electronics, and customs delays of over a month are common.  He**, people delays at the border due to Customs are significant!   Mail service is worse outside of the large centers.  I have spent some time in Costa Rica, never had any of my outgoing postal mail/shipments make it to their destinations, and used a private company to receive my mail in the USA & courier it to Costa Rica, then I picked it up at their offices.  I don't ship there.  Which is not to say I don't love the "pura vida".  There are lots more expats living there now, so maybe postal service has improved - there is always hope!

[eyerave]

After they pay you, make sure you have a shipping method that includes tracking information or else they could file an item not received and you are out the cost of shipping and your item. Always confuses me why customers dont pay for the item right after they buy it. Seems a little odd that that two items you sold both of the buyers have 0 feedback and neither of them have paid. But im also a new eBay seller, so I still have lots to learn haha. From the sounds of the post above me regarding costa rica's shipping I would stay far away from doing any transactions with the country, but again I wouldnt know best.

Some of the other ebay sellers who have been selling for a long time will probally post on here and give you some advice that is better than mine! Hope everything works out for you.

[rose-dee]

In the case of "0" FB buyers, I would only give them the 4 days that eBay asks you wait before filing an Unpaid Item Case.  Remember to keep any messages businesslike and very friendly, since these buyers will be able to leave FB and DSRs for you if they do end up paying.

You'll get your FVFs back should either (or both) buyers not pay and you are able to close the UIC against them.  They will also get a strike on their buyer records, which may protect other sellers if these are serial non-payers.

One (or both) buyer(s) may ask you to cancel the transaction after you open the UIC, which you can do, but it's wise to explain to them that they'll get a message through eBay to agree to cancel, and ask them to do so promptly.  You have to initiate the mutual cancellation process yourself - the buyer can't do this. 

Whatever the outcome, you may want to put these two on your blocked bidder list once the dust settles.  

As for Costa Rica, I'd take 'maggie's' advice and put that country on your exclusion list.  Tracking won't help you avoid an INR case from a buyer in such countries, but sending the parcel with tracking and insurance might protect you from monetary loss (which is a different thing).  Check first to see if Canada Post even provides tracking to Costa Rica.  Given 'maggie's' comments, I wouldn't be surprised if that country is not on their list.  In that case you can either take your chances or purchase 3rd party insurance for the parcel.  I believe "Shipsurance" is the company many sellers use -- put that into the search box on these boards and you may find some information on it. 

Realize that you're in a high fraud, high risk area of selling (small electronics) and that your best strategy, in my view, is to limit the countries to which you'll ship until you have more experience.  Choose countries with reliable postal systems and that are less expensive to ship to.  For many new sellers, that means basically the US and Canada.  I know this may limit the number of eager buyers you get, but it will also limit many of the more serious problems with shipping and insurance.  

[jerrodku]

Thanks for the feedback. Neither one of these buyers are replying  to me and I do find it to be very weird how they both have 0 feedback, both aren't paying, and both seem to not even exist. 

I'm glad I heard this about Costa Rica though, I definitely do not want to ship there. Is there any way I can cancel it? They only bought the item yesterday so it's to early to make a claim, but even if they do pay i'd rather not do it now knowing the dangers of shipping to Costa Rica. I know it's my fault for making it worldwide, but after this i'm going to just stick to Canada/US I think. 

How do I make a claim for the other buyer though? It has now been 4 days, and i'd rather relist it and find a better buyer.