off-topic--what would you eBayers respond to this?

[yo-Nate-y]

Help out an eBay naif! What would you say to this? :

"I intend on bidding on the brakes, but I want to make sure with you first that it is okay that I will not be able to pay for them depending on the price till the end of next week?"

...from an international (well, Canada) bidder with low feedback (albeit positive).

 

[Enid_Puceflange]

Ask the buyer for a non returnable deposit to secure them.
At least 10-25% of the value. then if he drops out you still covered some (if you have any ) losses

Gc

 

[scant]

i'd block him from bidding.

 

[stavros222]

At least he's had the decency to ask, rather than bidding then telling you he can't pay! The idea of getting a deposit sounds good, if ylou can get one.

 

[W W Biffta]

whats wrong with that? hes saying depending how much it goes for he might not be able to pay til the end of the week, not that hes gonna wait til the end of the week do decide if he doesnt want to pay. ok probably would be better if hed put a comma in.
so i guess he gets paid at the end of the week and doesnt want to muck you about after the auction. better than i ever do lol. worst case you can just offer the the next highest bidder, what you lost?

 

[yo-Nate-y]

Thanks for all the replies!

We came to a good agreement based on the deposit suggestion. Non-refundable 25% of the final value and then the rest and shipping once he is able (in a week). I will say I am slightly wary since I've had non-paying buyers in the past and the brakes may end up rather expensive. Any extra potential for hassle is a good thing to avoid on eBay, naw mean?