CIP

1. What does CIP mean in online marketplaces?

Customer initiated payment

CIP is an acronym that appears on various online marketplaces, including eBay, to indicate that an order will only be processed and shipped once the buyer submits payment. Unlike automatic payment methods or invoicing systems, CIP requires the customer to take action by manually completing the transaction before the seller moves forward, which helps ensure that sellers don’t ship items without receiving funds first.

The CIP model is commonly used in auction-style listings, high-value transactions, or cases where buyers and sellers negotiate payment terms. It offers an extra layer of security for sellers and reduces non-payment risk. Buyers should pay attention to CIP listings to avoid delays and ensure they complete their purchases promptly.

Example

I sold my old graphics card on eBay, but the buyer hasn’t paid yet
Did you list it as CIP?
Yeah, so I’m not shipping it until they send the payment

Homer initiating payment

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Updated February 25, 2025
2. What does CIP mean in messages?

Cell it please

CIP is a quick way to ask someone to send information to their cell phone, such as the location of a meeting place or contact information. For example, a person may send "CIP" in reaction to a person suggesting a restaurant to go to get them to message them the deets.

While CIP was more common in the 2000s, it is relatively obscure now since messaging occurs via many different devices. Also, with the rapid decline of landline telephones, most people refer to cell phones as "phones" (or "mobile phones" or "smartphones").

Example

Instead of sending an email reminder, can you CIP?
Sure thing!
While CIP is uncommon, you may still see it in messages
While CIP is uncommon, you may still see it in messages

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Updated August 29, 2023

CIP definition by Slang.net - The Slang Dictionary

This page explains what the acronym "CIP" means. The various definitions, examples, and related terms listed above have been manually compiled and written by the Slang.net team.

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