To change your payment method on BrickLink, you primarily select it during the checkout process; if you need to alter it after submitting an order, you must contact the seller directly.
Selecting Your Payment Method During Checkout
When you are ready to complete a purchase on BrickLink, the platform guides you through a clear checkout process. This is your primary opportunity to choose your payment method before the order is finalized.
Here’s how you typically select your payment method during checkout:
- Browse items and add them to your shopping cart from a seller's store.
- Proceed to checkout once you've finished selecting your items.
- Review your order details carefully, including items, shipping costs, and total price.
- Select the payment method you prefer from the choices provided by that specific seller. Common options might include PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer, depending on what the seller offers.
This step allows you full control over how you intend to pay for your purchase. For more details on the buying process, you can refer to BrickLink's buyer guide.
Changing Payment After Submitting an Order
Once an order has been submitted on BrickLink, directly changing the payment method through your account settings is generally not an option. To modify your payment method after an order is placed, you will need to contact the seller.
Why Contact the Seller?
Sellers manage their own orders and payment preferences on BrickLink. They may use various systems that impact the flexibility of payment method changes:
- Instant Checkout: Many sellers utilize Instant Checkout, which requires immediate payment upon order submission. In these cases, the transaction is often processed or initiated instantly, making it very difficult or impossible to change the payment method afterwards.
- Invoice-Based Orders: Alternatively, some sellers may choose to send an invoice for the order after you submit it. If an invoice hasn't been sent yet, or if the seller is flexible and hasn't processed the original payment, they might be able to adjust the payment details or offer an alternative. However, this is entirely at the seller's discretion.
Example: If you accidentally selected PayPal but intended to use a credit card, reaching out to the seller quickly might allow them to cancel the initial payment request or provide alternative instructions, especially if it's an invoice-based order.
How to Contact Your Seller
To discuss payment method changes, use BrickLink's built-in messaging system:
- Go to your Order List on BrickLink.
- Locate the specific order you wish to modify.
- Click on the order number or the "View" link to access the order details page.
- Find the "Contact Seller" or "Send Message" option, usually available on the order page.
- Clearly explain your situation and your request to change the payment method. Provide any relevant details.
- Wait for the seller's response and be prepared to follow their instructions.
Important Considerations
| Scenario | Action to Take | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| Before Order Submission | Select desired method at checkout | Full control over available options |
| After Order Submission | Contact the Seller Directly | Depends on seller's policy, payment type (instant/invoice) |
| Instant Checkout Used | Contact seller, but changes often difficult | Very low, payment is usually processed immediately |
| Invoice-Based Order Used | Contact seller, higher chance of adjustment | Moderate, if invoice not yet sent or seller is willing |
Seller Discretion
Any changes to payment methods after an order is placed are entirely at the seller's discretion. They are not obligated to accommodate such requests, especially if their stated payment terms were clear or if immediate payment was required via Instant Checkout.
Communication is Key
Always communicate promptly and politely with the seller. Provide all necessary details and be open to their solutions. Quick communication increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Cancellations
If a payment method change isn't possible, the seller might offer to cancel the original order. This would then allow you to re-order the items with the correct payment method. Be aware that repeated cancellations could potentially affect your buyer rating.
