How long should you wait?

[Desert Rose]

I'm curious what the norms are regarding selling and trading.

If you put something up for sale/trade and you forget to add how long you're willing to hold items for, then how long do you in general hold the items for if the person who has expressed interest doesn't get back to you?
I'm curious what the general opinions are on this matter as I am having this dilema myself. Like, when can you assume the sale/trade won't happen if you don't hear anything and feel guiltfree with putting the items back up for sale?

Thoughts and opinions wanted

[Oneleo1]

I will hold something for a couple of days, and if I don't get any communication in those few days, I'll take it off hold

Post Merge: September 12, 2012, 07:15:36 AM

I will send the person a PM though, letting them know that the hold has expired

[kitkatvintage]

It depends on the communication from the buyer & how badly I need to sell. If the buyer tells me upfront exactly when they can pay, I don't mind holding for a week or maybe 2 (possibly longer under certain circumstances). If I need to sell quickly, I would probably only hold 2-3 days.

[Alatariel-Silimaure]

I know if I have multiple people expressing interest in the item, I won't hold more than 2 days, but I let people know upfront before the hold expires that I have multiple people interested in the item.

[ponylady]

I think you have received some great advice so far.  And it is exactly how I would handle it.

I suppose if you want to add that you will keep it on hold for several days and if you don't hear back from them unless other arrangements are made the item will be relisted for sale.  I honestly don't feel that you should have to track someone down because they showed interest.  If they are interested they will make sure that the sale is completely secure.


All in all it is going to be what you prefer though  Whether you mind waiting a week or waiting a month. 

[Rosse]

I only put stuff on hold if the person is absolutely sure that they will buy, and can give me a date when they will pay (if it's someone I trust, a couple weeks is no problem). If they stop communicating/don't pay in the time agreed, I would feel free to leave them neutral feedback tbh. Sick of time wasters!

If someone just asked you to put something on hold for them but didn't specify a time frame, I would put it back up for sale after two days or so if they didn't communicate.