Need more information about how to cancel an order?
When a seller can cancel an order
A seller can cancel an order if:
- The buyer asks to cancel the order and they haven't shipped the item yet
- The buyer hasn't paid within the time allowed
- The buyer used the wrong shipping address when they completed their purchase
- The item is out of stock (this will result in a transaction defect)
Sellers won't be able to cancel an order if the buyer has reported that the item hasn't arrived, or has opened a return request.
When a buyer purchases more than one item, the entire order will be canceled. Sellers can't cancel individual items when multiple items are purchased as part of the same order.
Actions & time frames for order cancellations
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Action |
Time frame |
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Buyer requested cancellations: |
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The buyer requests to cancel an order
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Latest:
If this time frame has expired, the buyer can still contact the seller directly and ask if the order can be canceled. |
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The seller responds to the buyer's request |
Latest:
If the buyer has paid for the order and the seller doesn't respond within this time frame, we'll close the request and the order won't be cancelled
If the buyer hasn't paid for the order and the seller doesn't respond within this time frame, we'll automatically accept the cancellation |
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Seller initiated cancellations: |
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The seller cancels an order
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Latest:
If the buyer doesn't pay, the seller can cancel the order after 4 calendar days
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If a cancellation has been initiated but isn't resolved within 30 days, we'll automatically close the request.
Refunds
If the buyer completed payment through eBay checkout and the seller cancels the order, a full refund will be issued to the buyer's original payment method.
If payment was not completed through eBay checkout and the seller cancels the order (for example, the buyer paid by check or cash), the seller will be responsible for issuing a full refund to the buyer.
Abusing the order cancellation process
Sellers aren't allowed to abuse the order cancellation process. A seller should never cancel an order and select an incorrect cancellation reason, including falsely claiming that the buyer failed to pay. Learn more in our Unpaid item policy.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Other terms and related policies
- Once an order has been cancelled, it can't be undone
- A seller may be eligible for fee credits for cancelled orders
- Buying an item or bidding on an auction on eBay is a commitment to complete a purchase. Buyers should pay for items within 4 calendar days or the seller can choose to cancel the order. If buyers have excessive cancelled orders for unpaid items, they may be subject to the consequences outlined in our Unpaid item policy and Abusive buyer policy
- A buyer can still leave feedback on a cancelled transaction, unless the order was cancelled because they didn't pay for the item. Learn more in our Unpaid item policy
- Canceling an order because the item is out of stock will result in a transaction defect, as sellers are responsible for fulfilling the items they've sold.
- If the buyer has paid and the seller declines or doesn't respond to the buyer's request to cancel, they'll need to wait until the item is received and then start a return request instead