Bidder keeps messaging me even after answering questions. Red flag??

[azonicbruce]

I know this is probably a bit late, as my listing is set to end in a few hours, but wondering what else I can do.

I have a cell phone listed as NEW condition, with the additional condition description: New In Box, Never been powered on. 

The reason I described it that way, is because it is not a sealed box. The phone is visible/accessible by lifting the magnetic cover. So I wanted to be clear that the phone is indeed new, and that's it's never even been powered on. 

The bidder keeps messaging me and asking, "Why don't you just turn it on to check if it works?"

I politely explained my reasoning (namely, because I specifically state it in my listing), and explained if for some reason there is an issue, they can contact the manufacturer for support as I am not making a guarantee that the phone is in perfect working order, simply that it's in new condition.

They just so happen to be the high bidder at the moment as well, so I'm a little worried that no matter what, they're going to be looking for any reason to back out, or to return the item.

Am I being unreasonable here? Anyone else that could help share their experience and let me know what my options are? Thanks!

[chapeau-noir · Accepted solution]

Just my POV  - I sell computer equipment, and unless it's in a sealed container, everything gets tested, without exception, open box or used.  I think, given it's open box, the buyer is making a reasonable request.  It also protects you to a certain extent as you're not selling an unknown, possibly defective item.

[dhbookds]

Even if it's new/in a sealed box...........buyer can claim not as described and send it back opened.........to YOU, not the manufacturer.  New mean it works......... 

[azonicbruce]

Ok, thanks for the feedback. I just wasn't sure if a buyer might be upset if I said it had never been turned on but it actually was. Does makes sense that verifying that it works is probably more important. 

[chapeau-noir]

^^^ Exactly - chances are, they're not going to contact the manufacturer, they'll just file with you as Item not as described, you'll be hit with item cost and both-ways shipping and a black mark.  It's why it's better to test.

[chapeau-noir]

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@azonicbruce wrote:

Ok, thanks for the feedback. I just wasn't sure if a buyer might be upset if I said it had never been turned on but it actually was. Does makes sense that verifying that it works is probably more important. 

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Cross-posted with you, but that's right.

[azonicbruce]

Makes sense. I really do appreciate the feedback. One more thing though, they also asked "Would you do fastest shipping if I win the bidding ?"

Will I be able to add a more expedited shipping option to the listing this late in the auction?

[plantaddict]

So you just basically admitted that you aren't even aware if it works or not. Also if you are a new seller to Ebay the WORSE thing you can do is sell a high scam item. You are a blaring red target for scammers and quite obviously don't understand how things work here. I don't care what you put in your listing or state to a customer, if they open a SNAD return...even if they are lying and you know they are lying ebay will NOT side with you and will force you to take the return. Usually a switch happens and junk comes back with you left not only without a phone but out the money and the Ebay fees also!

[mtgraves7984]

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@azonicbruce wrote:

Makes sense. I really do appreciate the feedback. One more thing though, they also asked "Would you do fastest shipping if I win the bidding ?"

Will I be able to add a more expedited shipping option to the listing this late in the auction?

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You can invoice them and add the amount for the 'fastest' method that they  choose to pay for. Do NOT let them bait you into promising it at the listed price.

And, no, you can't change the shipping during a live auction. Tell them to wait for an invoice. Or bill them for additional costs.

[azonicbruce]

Appreciate the feedback. So would your recommendation be to update the description to say "tested/verified working"?

[a_c_green]

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@azonicbruce wrote:

The reason I described it that way, is because it is not a sealed box. The phone is visible/accessible by lifting the magnetic cover. So I wanted to be clear that the phone is indeed new, and that's it's never even been powered on. 

The bidder keeps messaging me and asking, "Why don't you just turn it on to check if it works?"

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Okay, you're getting way too fixated on this Never Powered On idea, which is simply not true anyway, not just because you're selling an open-box item and can't say what happened to it before it came to be in your possession, but also because it was certainly powered on at the factory. It would have had a full round of tests before going out the door. The buyer's question is entirely reasonable. 

All that aside, though, you are definitely a scammer magnet, in terms of selling a high-scam item from a relatively low-feedback selling account (less than 10 sales, not even enough to produce a star rating on your feedback page). This interested party's question about express shipping may be because you will be paid with stolen funds (or possibly even an entirely fictitious payment notification that tells you to ship before funds will be deposited in your account), and the expedited shipping is to ensure that the item is delivered before the fraud is discovered and you try to intercept the delivery. 

You're too late to make any further changes to the listing, as far as I know, but keep us posted here, especially if the eventual winner starts making any special requests or demands.

[azonicbruce]

I really appreciate all the feedback. I'm not new to ebay but definitely don't sell on a regular basis, so all of this has been very helpful information. Crossing fingers that things do go awry on this one, but will definitely make sure any future electronics listings have better info. 

[chapeau-noir]

Depending on what

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@azonicbruce wrote:

Appreciate the feedback. So would your recommendation be to update the description to say "tested/verified working"?

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You can add to the description, but not change it after bids, so an addendum would be at the bottom of the listing, but it would still be recorded. I'm not sure if you can within the last 12 hours, but I recall doing so (it's been a long time since I've done auctions).

Yes, if your buyer wants expedited service, you'll need to invoice him.  I had to do this once for a buyer who needed a coat shipped UPS instead of USPS, which is more expensive (I don't know why they wanted it this way, I didn't ask).  I'm immediate pay required but invoiced them for the extra amount.  They paid promptly and I UPS'd the garment.

Better if you can roll it into the auction price with shipping upgrade.

Predicting that this surely will be a scam isn't going to help the situation, I don't think.  Cell phones are successfully sold on here by the thousands and, yes, they have a higher scam rate, it doesn't make it inevitable, or statistically even likely, but cross that bridge when you come to it.

ETA: Yes, AC is right - If there are problems, come back here for advice.

[plantaddict]

Yes you need to update the description but also a few things to safeguard yourself. Should any buyer open a return inform them all returns are held and opened at your local PO as a means of protecting yourself, granted it doesn't really mean much but sometimes it can scare others into not following through with what they are about to do. Just make sure you don't make it sound accusatory in the off-chance it's a genuine return.

Now should you actually ever receive something back that in-fact was not yours know that on a SNAD return you absolutely CANNOT fight the return. Provide your own label, opting to provide a RMA return number stops Ebay's automatic return label and gives you the option of providing your own as with something expensive you definitely want something with insurance. Follow normal return procedures and if something comes back you did not send out reach out to the buyer, even though you know they done it play nice to begin with, informing them what you sent is not what you received and you will be opening a mail-fraud case if a mistake didn't occur on their end. Most likely won't respond or they'd play ignorant but do file that fraud report along with a police report either in their city or yours as well as a Internet fraud report and appeal to ebay uploading those report numbers and Ebay MAY reimburse you. It certainly takes a fight.

Why I said any newbie seller, or newer seller, shouldn't sell such high scam items on here. At least until you learn all the ins and outs and understand the real risk you have from selling such items on here. Basically if you can't afford to lose it on here don't list it but rather opt to list it locally on Facebook or something similar where you meet someone and receive cash money.