September 17, 2026, 3:36 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
If you buy an item on eBay but don’t pay for it, you will soon face restrictions more quickly. The platform has announced several changes aimed at securing the sales process. At the same time, sellers will have new options to encourage potential buyers to make a purchase. eBay is also adjusting some procedures for international shipping.
eBay Takes Stronger Action Against Non-Payers
After purchasing an item, buyers still have four calendar days to complete the payment. If payment is not made within this period, the seller can cancel the transaction. eBay then notes the incident in the buyer’s account.
If such cases accumulate, eBay can restrict a user’s purchasing capabilities or set certain purchase limits. According to the company, these measures can also affect other accounts linked to the same eBay account. Additionally, bids from users with unpaid items will be restricted more quickly in auctions.
Sellers Can Offer Discounts Directly to Interested Buyers
Another change targets users who are already watching an item or have added it to their cart. Sellers can now offer these interested buyers a lower price directly.
If a product has been in the cart for at least two days, the offered discount must be at least five percent. Sellers can send price proposals to up to 30 interested buyers simultaneously.
Different deadlines apply. Individual offers remain valid for 96 hours. For bundled price proposals, eBay sets the deadline at 48 hours. Additionally, sellers can allow counteroffers.
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Purchase Is Not Reserved Despite Price Proposal
An accepted price proposal does not reserve the item. The person who completes the purchase, including payment, first will still get the item.
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For commercial sellers, eBay is expanding the functions in the Seller Hub Pro. There, rules can be set for automatically sending price proposals to potential buyers.
eBay Adjusts International Shipping
There are also changes in international shipping. German sellers will gradually gain access to a new hub model for international orders.
The new hub model initially directs purchases from customers outside the European Union to a shipping center in Duisburg. According to eBay, they handle customs clearance, onward transport, and possible returns there.
However, the solution is only available for certain product values, sizes, and categories. More information on all the announced changes can be found in the eBay Seller News.