How long do you hold an item?

I'd say 24 hours is long enough. It's easy to say you want something and string the seller along. I need to here the words I'm sending you a check tomorrow before I feel like I have a commitment. If I don't here back in 24 hrs it's time to move on.

When the deal is struck, I e-mail or talk to the buyer and tell them the item is theirs (marking the item sale pending). I always ask them to e-mail back to say when they are going to send payment out, and then to e-mail again when they have to confirm that it's on the way. Sometimes people are busy and it might take them a couple of days to get payment out; that's fine, I just want to know when it's going to happen and when it does. I do the same with all my purchases-it just makes sense to keep the lines of communication open. I've never had a problem, but if a buyer did not have a legitimate excuse for sending payment when they said they would and I was uncomfortable at all, I'd re-sell the item at that time, explaining to the buyer I was going to.

I ask my brokers advice on this topic, I had utility stocks that I had held for a very long time.

He suggested I hold my water and let my gas go.

Just my experience I am speaking from; sometimes it's hard to reply quickly. But if they want to buy/sell an item they will get back within 48 hours (out of town for extended periods of time due to work). I usually send e-mails specifying my ETA's for responses to questions; but have to admit there are circumstances beyond my control.. I am currently without phone service but have my DSL????? Best, Charlie

Good one Albert!! As far as holding something--It depends on whom you're dealing with. Unknown buyer??- About 10 sec.is fine.--Lots of feedback buyer/seller?? Longer for sure.I've been promised a MO that never came--or a paypal that never was posted.(Both this year) I think the type of questions asked,and the time between communication tells me a lot. If there are 14 similar adds--expect lots static.If it's a unique item--first with the funds,is my buyer. My bank won't accept promises; for deposits. If it's an expensive item the lookers are easy to "see".I have twice returned a buyer's funds because they didn't send the money as soon as promised.--If I say I'll wait,I do--but it better be "as promised". I always ship the day the funds arrive;I expect if the buyer wants the item--they will be just as prompt. I use a case by case, logic. Many are similar / many are different.