I sold something on Ebay a couple of days ago. It was to a buyer in Australia. I have send 2 or 3 emails detailing carriage etc but still had no reply. How long do I give it before assumimg they dont really want the item and can relist it. They are first time ebayers so feedback rating is zero. Thanks

many sellers quote  a 3 day window for making contact....and when selling I think it is useful to make such a statement in your listing. Most buyers are keen to get the item, so pay promptly. However, there can also be a genuine problem e.g My internet failed and I couldnt contact the seller or pay, as I had no other internet access. Ebay encourage negotiation before initiating a dispute, but I think that they would not expect you to phone Oz. I would send daily reminders for a week with a deadline, and then relist. I would leave the issue of feedback a bit longer than that, but would leave negative feedback after 2 weeks of no contact. You also can opt for formal dispute.

Ebay recommendations are that you wait seven days for payment and, if not forthcoming, open an 'unpaid item' dispute on the eighth day.  You cannot do this any sooner than the 8th day so it is pointless putting 'payment required within x no. of days' as it is unenforceable.  If the buyer does not respond to the dispute (I think they have a week to do so) you can close it and you will receive a refund on your final value fees.  I would not relist the item until I was sure the dispute was closed as, if the buyer decides to play ball at the last minute and you have sold the item to someone else, they can report you as a non performing seller.

I usually send one or two reminders and open a dispute around 10 days after the end of the auction...I think that generally gives enough grace in case there is a genuine reason that the buyer is unable to respond sooner.