These are the messages we've seen work best for eBay sellers over the years. They're deliberately short, because most buyers read them on their phone, and they stay within eBay's rules: no links or contact details that take the buyer off eBay, and no asking for positive feedback or offering anything in return for it.
Jump to: After purchase, When you dispatch, Delays and problems, Feedback reminders, After they leave feedback, Feedback comments for buyers.
After purchase
Sent once the buyer has paid. Its job is to say thanks and let them know you're on it.
Friendly thank you
Hi [first name], Thanks for your order of [item]! We've got it and it'll be packed and posted as soon as possible. If you have any questions, just send us a message here on eBay. Thanks again, [your name]
Short and simple
Hi [first name], thanks for buying [item]. We'll post it shortly and let you know when it's on its way.
Returning buyer
Hi [first name], Great to see you again, and thank you for another order! Your [item] will be with you soon. We really appreciate you coming back to us.
Made to order or personalised items
Hi [first name], Thank you for your order! As your [item] is made to order, it usually takes [number] working days before it's ready to post. We'll message you as soon as it's on its way. If you haven't already sent your personalisation details, please reply to this message with them.
When you dispatch
Sent when the order goes out. The line asking buyers to get in touch before leaving feedback is the most useful sentence in it.
On its way, with tracking
Hi [first name], Good news, your [item] has been posted and is on its way. Your tracking number is [tracking number]. If anything isn't right when it arrives, please message us before leaving feedback and we'll put it right straight away.
On its way, no tracking
Hi [first name], Your [item] was posted today and should be with you in the next few days. If anything isn't right when it arrives, please message us before leaving feedback and we'll sort it out.
International order
Hi [first name], Your [item] has been posted today. International delivery usually takes [7 to 14] working days, and sometimes a little longer if it's held at customs. Your tracking number is [tracking number]. If it hasn't arrived after [3] weeks, please send us a message and we'll look into it.
Delays and problems
For the messages nobody wants to send. Getting in first, before the buyer has to chase, makes a big difference to how they feel about it.
Dispatch is running late
Hi [first name], I'm sorry, but your [item] is going to be a little later than expected. [Short reason, e.g. we're waiting on a delivery from our supplier.] We expect to post it on [day]. If you'd rather not wait, just let me know and I'll cancel the order and refund you in full straight away.
Item is out of stock
Hi [first name], I'm really sorry, but we've just found that your [item] is out of stock, so we can't send it. I've started a cancellation and you'll get a full refund. Apologies for the trouble, and thank you for your patience.
Parcel arrived damaged
Hi [first name], I'm really sorry to hear your [item] arrived damaged. That's not the way it should have reached you. I can send a replacement or give you a full refund, whichever you'd prefer. You don't need to send the damaged one back. Just let me know which you'd like.
Parcel hasn't arrived
Hi [first name], Sorry your parcel hasn't turned up yet. I've checked the tracking and [what it shows]. Could you give it until [day]? If it still hasn't arrived by then, let me know and I'll send a replacement or refund you, whichever you prefer.
Feedback reminders
Sent around two weeks after a UK order, or three to four after an international one, to buyers who haven't left feedback yet. Ask for feedback, never for positive feedback. When to send a feedback reminder, and who not to send it to.
Gentle reminder
Hi [first name], I hope your [item] arrived safely and that you're happy with it. If you've got a minute, I'd be really grateful if you could leave some feedback for the order. It makes a big difference to a small business like ours. If anything isn't right, please send me a message first and I'll do what I can to sort it. Thanks, [your name]
Short and simple
Hi [first name], hope you're getting on well with your [item]. If you have a moment, we'd love to hear what you thought by leaving feedback on eBay. Thanks again for your order!
International buyer
Hi [first name], Your order should have reached you by now, but international post can be slow. If it hasn't turned up yet, please let me know and I'll look into it straight away. If it has arrived and you're happy with it, I'd really appreciate it if you could leave feedback when you have a moment. Many thanks, [your name]
After they leave feedback
A quick thank you once the buyer has left you feedback. Optional, but people remember it.
Thank you
Hi [first name], Thank you so much for your feedback. It really helps a small business like ours, and we hope you enjoy your [item]. Hope to see you again soon!
Short and simple
Thanks for the feedback, [first name]! We hope you enjoy your [item].
Feedback comments for buyers
For the feedback you leave for your buyers. eBay allows 80 characters, and only positive feedback. When to leave feedback for buyers.
Quick payment
Great buyer, quick payment. Thanks for your order!
With their name
Thanks for shopping with us, [first name]. Hope to see you again!
Smooth transaction
Fast payment, smooth transaction. A pleasure to deal with.
Repeat buyer
Thanks for coming back to us, [first name]. Always a pleasure!
Making them your own
Templates are a starting point. A few small changes make them sound like you:
- Use your own sign off. Your first name reads warmer than a shop name.
- Mention something specific to what you sell, like care instructions for clothes or a quick tip for using the item.
- Keep a separate version for buyers abroad, with longer delivery times and simpler wording.
- Don't send all of them. If you only send two, make them the dispatch message and the feedback reminder.
For more on what to send and when, see what to message eBay buyers after purchase, dispatch and delivery.