Accepting Payment

Now it's time to get paid. As recommended in Chapter 19, "Accepting PayPal and Other Methods of Payment," you've presumably determined how you want to get paid, and indicated so in your item listing. You need to repeat your preferred payment methods in your post-auction email to the high bidder, and then wait for that user to make the payment.

Whatever you do, do not ship the item before you've received payment! Wait until you've received a cashier's check or money order in the mail, or been notified by PayPal that a payment has been made, and then prepare to ship the item.

When you receive payment, it's good business practice to email the buyer and let him or her know that the payment has been received. If you know when you'll be shipping the item, include that information in the email, as well.

And if the buyer never sends payment? Turn to Chapter 24 for my detailed advice.

Caution

Remember, if you receive a payment via personal check, wait at least 10 working days for that payment to clear before you ship the item.