If the buyer backs out of an auction you can apply for a refund of the success fees. You can do this as soon as the auction closes.

How to apply for a refund

1. Go to your 'Sold items' page from the desktop site.
2. Select the auction you require a refund for.
3. At the bottom of the 'Seller's options' box there is a heading that states 'If the sale falls through...'.
4. Select the third option down to request a ‘refund of your success fee’.

We will then email the buyer and ask them for their side of the story. Once we have this, or after a maximum of 5 days, we will make a decision on whether you are eligible for a refund and email you the outcome.

If your refund is approved, will receive an email letting you know. The refunded fees will be in your Trade Me account.

If a refund is granted a comment from Trade Me will be placed on both your and the buyer's feedback record - this will not affect your overall feedback rating. You should also post feedback on any members that you deal with.

When are you eligible for a refund?
You are eligible for a refund of the success fees charged if:

• Your auction met reserve, sold by Buy Now, or a fixed price offer for the auction was accepted and;
• You are unable to contact the buyer or they refuse to complete the sale and;
• The success fee was incurred less than 40 days ago.

We do not give refunds when you have not described the goods accurately or are no longer willing to complete the sale.

What happens to buyers that back out of auctions?
Members that repeatedly default on auctions will have their membership suspended.

What if the sale ends up going through after the refund is granted?
You can automatically return your success fee to us by clicking the "Repay your success fee" link on the auction page.