eBay

braun-81 · ‎05-07-2024

I'm a relatively new seller, and I put up an older gaming laptop for auction. I've gotten some weird messages and offers from some buyers, and I even blocked one of them. Is this normal for eBay or with higher value items? The only other item I've sold/listed didn't get messages like this.

wastingtime101 · ‎05-07-2024

Not sure what you mean by weird, but it is normal for new sellers to be targeted by scammers, especially for higher value items, especially in the gaming category.

New sellers are targets for scammers that will make fake offers and try to get you to text or email them outside of eBay. Using fixed price listings with immediate payment required will cut down (but not eliminate) the number of those scam attempts. Keep messaging on eBay and if you have any more questions come back and ask.

Getting started:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-started-selling

Selling limits:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/selling-limits?id=4107

Selling fees:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/selling-fees?id=4822

Payment holds for new sellers:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold/payments-hold?id=4816

General payments info:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814

Shipping basics:

https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping

Optimizing listings:

https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/listings/listing-best-practices

If it's an expensive item, I suggest using "local pickup only" and not offering a shipping method. Until you build up a selling history it's best to sell low priced items.

Using local pickup:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/local-pickup?id=4181

GLORIOUS!

Confused about the switch to eBay discounted shipping? Read this discussion to make an informed decision about opt in / opt out.

ittybitnot · ‎05-07-2024

I've gotten some weird messages....

@braun-81

Can you give EXAMPLES of the messages? Why do think they are weird? Did they want you to end your auction? Did they want your PayPal email address to send you the funds right away for their "offer"?
Do you know what a 'text me" scammer is?
Do you know what a "change of address" scammer is?

Your listing is an AUCTION, there should be no more "offers" occurring unless you are getting them via the eBay message system. You can report any unwanted or suspicious message right on the message itself under the ACTION tab.

When you get paid, pay attention to where this is supposed to be shipped as a opposed to the country of registration of your buyer. If your buyer has a ZERO feedback rating you may have to use this form to find out:

ckimodog · ‎05-07-2024

@braun-81

Hello and Welcome-

Here are some tips and hints to look for where scammers are concerned:

1. Buyer asks for your email address, Paypal address- They don't need it. They can pay thru eBay
2. Buyer sends you a phone number to text/call him/her- Don't reply. There's no need and it's not a good idea to do business off of the eBay platform.
3. Buyer asks you to buy gift cards to go with the order-You'll never be repaid and be out the money, they're lying to you.
4. Buyer asks you to send the item to a different address after paying-Ship only to the address on the invoice eBay provides
5. Buyer wants you to send the item overnight/express and will pay you a lot extra to do this-No they won't
6. Buyers says that they cannot pay through the eBay website and sends you a link to click on so that the payment will go through-Not true
7. Buyer offers more for your item than the price you have it listed for- Again, don't reply and block them

Good luck & Happy Selling

braun-81 · ‎05-07-2024

Thank you for the tips, as well as the others in the thread so far.

As for the weird messages, 2 people asking for a quicker way to make a sale before the end of the auction and then another accusing me of using another account to drive the bidding higher? I'll try to be more careful.

tobaccocardyahoo · ‎05-07-2024

Any questions on other than on the condition of the item are likely to be a prelude to a con job.

pcobra93 · ‎05-07-2024

It's probably not the ones messaging you to end the auction and sell as a Buy It Now you should be worried about....most likely. Its the winner of the item that has zero feedback that wins that I would be worried about....no way as a new seller I would list and sell a high value electronic device on this site. You are a HUGE magnet for the scammers.....and they know how to use ebay's policies against you.

ittybitnot · ‎05-07-2024

2 people asking for a quicker way to make a sale before the end of the auction

@braun-81

Those two likely feel that since the item is in "auction" format, the price will go higher than they want to spend. There could be more nefarious reasons, but you can respond if you wish with something like this:

Dear buyer,

Thank you for your interest in my listing. It is in auction format, and since there are bids a Buy it Now price cannot be added. Looking forward to your participation!

Sincerely,

You

The other one accusing you of shill bidding I would just ignore. There is a "Report this Item" button on all listings this person could use to have eBay investigate.

Good luck with your listing, and hope it works out well for you!