text: how long do i have to wait for a buyer to consummate auction?   are you asking about an on line auction?  are you asking about a regular live auction?  for an on line auction, you should have set the terms in the text of the auction before you listed it.  i sell on ebay  and i put in my auctions that the terms are payment in 7 days.  most people pay immediately with paypal.  if you are asking about an on line auction; i can help you but we need more information.  on what auction site you used, etc.