What if a buyer backs out??
Follow the ICMP Non-Paying Buyer Process
As part of our continued efforts to improve the ICMP Marketplace community, we've created the following process to discourage buyers from failing to complete transactions. Buyers should be aware that placing orders and failing to complete the resulting transactions could result in the suspension or termination of their account.
If sellers encounter non-paying buyers, they should complete this process:
- Within three days of the transaction date, contact the buyer to arrange payment.
- Within 7 to 45 days of the transaction date, complete the Non-Paying Buyer form located on the closed transaction page. ICMP Marketplace will then send a message to you and the buyer.
- In the next ten days after filing the Non-Paying form, contact the buyer again and try to work things out.
- Ten days after the form is filed and up to 60 days after the transaction date, if there is no resolution, visit the closed transaction page and escalate your complaint.
- Next, rate the buyer and blacklist them if appropriate.
- Or, if the problem is resolved, visit the closed transaction page to cancel your complaint.
Typical Enforcement Action
Buyer Offense Enforcement Action
First and Second Offense: A warning to the buyer from ICMP Marketplace.
Third Offense: A warning and 30-day suspension from ICMP Marketplace.
Fourth Offense: The indefinite suspension of buyer's ICMP Marketplace ID.
*Please note: Appropriate enforcement action is determined at ICMP Marketplace's sole discretion. This enforcement schedule is approximate.
More Tips for Sellers and Buyers
Tips for Sellers
Sellers, please consider the following when dealing with non-paying buyers.
- Contact the buyer and try to resolve the dispute directly. Your buyer may have a legitimate reason for not responding right away.
- To review the complaint at any time, return to your closed transaction page. Also visit the page to cancel or escalate the complaint.
- Only escalate the complaint as a last resort.
- Use PayPal to receive quick payment when your item sells.
Tips for Buyers
Buyers, if you feel you have been wrongfully accused, you may file a Buyer Appeal form by clicking on the appropriate link from the closed auction page.
Please consider the following suggestions to help avoid disputes or misunderstandings:
- Be cautious. Check a seller's rating and past transaction comments before placing a bid.
- Contact the seller and request payment instructions as soon as you place an order. Be sure to include your shipping address. Keep paper copies of all email correspondence between you and the seller.
- Send payment as soon as possible and always keep proof of payment. If you send a check, the seller may have to wait a couple of days for the check to clear before sending the item. If you and the seller both use PayPal, you can send payment immediately by email.