eBay

thrift-theory · ‎05-07-2017

A while ago, I had an item for sale, which I shortly removed. It was scrap precious metal. The scale I used showed it weighed a certain amount (24g) or something like that (can't remember right now). It only said 24g (or whatever weight it was) and nothing in the decimals. Calibrated and working, I was sure it was the right weight, but in the description, I stated that it's approximate; could be more, like maybe 24.2g or 24.3g. Maybe I shouldn't have stated that (anyone here agree?) I priced the scrap metal a bit lower than the cost of 24g anyway.

I received a really rude and sarcastic message from a buyer typing in some all-caps, and broken texting language. In a way, it was pretty funny because the sarcastic analogy he made, made no sense.

It said something like this (except without the all-caps and texting language):

"So what's the actual weight? I don't want the approximate weight, I want the actual weight. How would you feel if I gave you approximatly $25 instead of $20. Would you be ok with that?"

I blocked this buyer and I also removed the listing realizing the sale of scrap precious metals might give me more problems than I want. I didn't answer his question either. I'm fine with people asking questions, but based on the way he "spoke" to me, it made me not want to sell to him or sell the item in general anymore. What if he had purchased the item anyway and then file a claim saying it wasn't the right weight.. or wasn't real? Etc. I didn't want to deal with that.

So, I'm wondering, for you, other sellers, at what point would you block a new potential buyer? (Not a previous buyer that has scammed you and went on your BBL.) When they're rude? When they're demanding? Any specific situations you'd like to share? Just curious.

retrose1 · ‎05-08-2017

I don't use Best Offer and will block anyone that makes one. If they have to pay more than what they want, ebay will be sure to let them know that they could have gotten a better deal and can complain about it after and ebay lets the buyers get away with just about anything.

I will also block anyone that disparages my listing, my packing, my description or my item because if they do so before they even get the item, experience has taught me they will be a pain after they get the item.

I don't block anyone that asks about combined shipping, but will block anyone that complains about ship costs. If they don't know how the real world costs now, I don't want to deal with their delusions when I am helpless and they have my wallet in their clutches.

I will block anyone that asks a question about something that is already stated in the listing. I make my listings lean, there is no extraneous TOS in it, if the buyer can not take the time to read 5 sentences and comprehend that, what makes them think that they will comprehend my response to a question.

I block anyone that wants to tell me how to do the things I have been doing for years without problems. If they are picky about how you pack an item, they will be picky about condition.

I will block anyone who files a dispute/case through ebay/paypal and anyone who will inquire about where their package is when tracking shows delivered. And finally I block anyone who reports a problem and asks what I am going to do about it - well the first thing I am going to do is block you so you can't ask me that question again.

(*Bleep*)

thrift-theory · ‎05-08-2017

I was advised here to remove the "approximate" also, because it's misleading. I decided not to sell the metal here anymore, but I still appreciate the suggestions.

thrift-theory · ‎05-08-2017

@7606dennis wrote:
@thrift-theory wrote:
@skatesave wrote:
I block a potential buyer the moment they lose their potential.

Allow me to give you an example. I had an item listed at $135.00 BIN or best offer. I had a low parameter setting at $90.00 to the listed price which meant I would mull it over if you hit $90.00

Buyer comes along and offers $30.00. Default settings tossed his offer immediately. Fast Forward to 3 months later. Same buyer comes on with an offer of $75.00 which was default rejected again.

Fast forward to last week. Same Buyer offers $80.00 which is countered with $100.00 by me, but with text stating that this is my lowest price. . He allowed my counter offer to expire, 48 hours later.

3 days ago buyer posts New Offer of $90.00 knowing full well for 3 months now, that I will not accept less than $100.00. I immediately decline his offer and pulled my listing.

This week when I re-list the item, it will show a BIN at $110.00, which will fix his wagon once and for all. I won't have to block him/
Ah, I see. I stopped Best Offer, and let potential buyers message me their offers, if they have any. I have had $65 items where people offer $20.. even $10 and $5. I can't believe after all this time (3 months+), your buyer was still offering up. Such resilience.
I'm not too sure I'd be in favor of the allowing people to simply make their offer without using the Best Offer option. It wasn't too very long ago considered that a no-no offer to engage in an off-eBay transaction.

I actually didn't intend on buyers doing it, but I always received occasional messages asking "would you take $x?" And I usually say yes or no. When I do agree, I either change the item's price or re-add the Best Offer option.