HOW CAN I TELL IF A SELLER HAS BLOCKED ME FROM BIDDING

[massey_1993]

I'd contacted a seller about his shipping expenses, as it was TWICE what it costs me to ship a similar item to his area.  When I went to bid on an item seller had listed, I got some sort of message about an error and I needed to contact the seller.  Rather uncalled for on his part, but after reading seller's responses to negative feedback from unhappy buyers, it's not a total surprise.

[evry1nositswindy]

I think it says something like this seller is not accepting bids from you.  I have blocked buyers for questioning shipping charges (before I went to free shipping) because sometimes they will turn around and ask for a partial refund.  It is not personal, just business.  

[lady_madonna]

@massey_1993 

The seller probably did block you based on your complaint regarding their shipping charges. The block is not  uncalled for at all.

Why would you bid on one of their listings if you think they are over-inflating their shipping charges?

[massey_1993]

OK.  It's just that most sellers seem to prefer you ask questions beforehand, to avoid issues later.  I try to do free shipping on MOST items myself, for a number of reasons.  I HAVE contacted sellers before about shipping fees, though, and on several occasions they have come up with a less expensive method.  I DID notice that the shipping charge in the listing changed after my question.

[evry1nositswindy]

As sellers we know the cost of shipping, which most people don't.  But as buyers, we have to either pay the fee listed or find another seller.  I don't like to question other people's listings.  Not everyone has access to free boxes and shipping supplies, so the cost of that is wrapped into their shipping fee. 

[massey_1993]

I have never had ANYONE block me for having the audacity to question shipping charges.  In fact, I have asked sellers in the past, and we have been able to come up with a cheaper method.  Interestingly enough, after my question, the shipping charge in the listing in question was lowered.  And I bid bc it was a nice item, and at the right price, I would not have minded paying too much for the shipping.