Can another member see my location if I only message them (did not buy from or sell to)?

[larkrise15]

I currently have my location set to simply "United States" because I don't want my state of residence shown.  I realize that when I purchase something on eBay, the seller sees my address and that is fine; what I don't want is my location shown publicly or to anyone from whom I do not actually buy something.

This evening I sent a polite and what I thought was a helpful message to a seller regarding a listing which was described incorrectly, hoping to save them (the seller) probable grief from a disappointed or angry buyer.  The seller replied in a very hostile, nasty manner and made specific reference to the part of the country in which I live. This bothers me even more than the tone of their reply, because I was not aware that simply sending a message to another member will reveal anything more than the "United States" that appears when my username is clicked on.

I tried using the automated Help/Chat to find out about this, but that function is useless; it's like talking to a brick wall, and it won't even connect me to an agent unless I select one of the categories that has nothing to do with my question, LOL. So I gave up.

So, a question for you sellers: If a member who has not bought something from you, sends to a message (for example, asking about an item you have listed), does their message reveal their location in more detail than simply clicking on their user profile name?  If so, I think members should be aware of that. Thanks!!

[albertabrightalberta]

When a potential buyer sends a question, the seller receives something that looks like this - The red is my editing to redact identifying information

Get to know the buyer  (buyer ID) 

•	Located: City, CA, UnitedStates
•	Member since: Mar 23, 2022
•	Positive Feedback: 100%

[larkrise15]

Wow, thank you, I really had no idea...so just from a message (not a purchase), the other party can see the state AND the city? I am not crazy about that, especially in today's polarized society. 😕

The seller's message doesn't exactly fall into the 'violating member conduct' category (it wasn't threatening or discriminatory on any of the bases listed), but it was definitely disturbing and completely unwarranted given the context and content of my communication.  If you can imagine a situation where you decided to offer help to someone and they responded by verbally attacking you in a snarling, offensive manner... well, that about describes it.

I'll probably think twice (or even more) before sending a message on eBay to anyone from whom I have not already decided to purchase something, though. I had no idea that my state and city was disclosed (or that it might provoke a response as nasty as the one that I received) just by doing that.

Thanks again, you have been really helpful! I truly appreciate it.