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Contacting seller for potential or proposed local pickup listing or offer - acceptable communication question
Summary: pax_nubium inquired about the eBay policy regarding contacting a seller to propose a local pickup arrangement to save on shipping. jacbarcollectibles advised that using eBay's messaging system to request a local pickup option is acceptable, but noted that this is only applicable to 'Buy It Now' listings, not auctions with existing bids. They also mentioned that sellers are not obliged to agree to such requests.
Hello,
I am trying to determine if it does or does not violate eBay policy for a buyer/bidder to contact a seller regarding a listing that happens to be local to the buyer/bidder, and to propose a local pickup listing or alteration to the original listing to save shipping for both parties.
For example, would the following be appropriate and acceptable use:
Buyer/Bidder:
"Hello, I am located near [your/seller location]. I know it violates eBay policy to exchange any personal information, or to go outside of eBay for a listing. But I do know that it's possible to list items for local pickup, or local pickup only. I wonder if you would consider a local pickup listing or alteration for this item to save shipping?"
Thank you for any information and answers regarding this communication policy question.
jacbarcollectibles
Mentor1 month agoSaying what you want to will get you in trouble with eBay. All you need to do is to use the eBay message system and just ask if they would add a local pick up option. This should not be a problem with a buy it now listing but would not be possible with an auction listing that has received bids already. Keep in mind that the seller does not have to comply with your request.
pax_nubium
OP1 month agoSorry, not following this part exactly. Are you saying that some portion of the example request is in violation somehow?
And yes, this would, of course, all be through the eBay messaging system; direct between buyer/seller, as mentioned.
So, requesting the addition of a local pickup option to the listing, without shipping costs, would be the only or correct approach?