Buyer demanding email address be included with item

[venutian01]

Hello,

Sorry to be a burden, but it's always the one of, first time issues that give me pause. 

Just got this in payment notes from a buyer:

Buyer: "Thank you for accepting my Best Offer! I would appreciate your shipping this mouse in a cardboard box with padding to protect it from the rigors of the postal system. Please do not include any batteries. PayPal and eBay no longer include the seller's email address with their routine messages after a sale. Please include your email address inside the package. Your consideration is appreciated."

Item in question was a small wireless computer mouse, sold for $7. I have no issues with their packaging requests, but their demand for an email address is unacceptable. This person likes to leave a lot of "positive negatives" for sellers, but that's its own issue. I called Ebay, they told me not to provide this with the package, and to educate the buyer. 

I replied:

Me: "I am happy to comply with your shipping requests. I package things very well anyway, so that's not a problem. However, Ebay's member-to-member contact policy does not allow members to exchange things like an email address. If there is a problem, you may of course contact me through Ebay's messaging system."

Them: "Thanks. Just to clarify, eBay's member-to-member communications policy applies solely to those communications that occur when using their messaging system. eBay has no authority to restrict your communications with anyone when their facilities are not being used. You can include the requested email inside the package without violating any eBay policy."

I could reply again, but at this point, they're basically demanding that I provide my email address as part of the transaction process and service. There is just no valid reason for this. I'm just not sure if this falls under the abusive buyer policy.

P.S. I've already blocked them from buying anything else, for what little to no good that's going to do.

[chapeau-noir]

---

@lotzofuniquegoodies wrote:

---

@chapeau-noir wrote:

@venutian01   If you don't want to give the info, and it is not necessary, then that is your prerogative. I don't even see why you need to explain.  Again, I would simply encourage my buyer to contact me through eBay.

We're vendors on a managed marketplace, not running our own websites.

---

As a side note a valid email address/cell number is required for Intl shipments(specifically now for VAT applicable countries) so customs is able to message a buyer if there are taxes owed or issues with a delivery address. It's also been a requirement for courier shipments (Fedex, USPS etc) for years. Yes, you can include a generic or your own info but there could potentially be the risk of delays or items being returned at the sellers expense. So in theory something the eBay should be including to satisfy international customs.

From the Danish Postal Service website regarding VAT collection: For reference purposes.

Similar information available on the UK's Royal Mail website. 

Custom information in regards to Brexit | PostNord Pay special attention to:

• It is obligatory to send information on the recipient’s SMS number and e-mail address. The contact information is used by DPD UK to inform the recipient about VAT collection. Parcels that do not have a mobile number and/or e-mail address will be returned to sender. 
• It is important that you send correct customs documents and electronic customs data to us.
• You must remember to put a trade invoice on parcels to UK. Unfortunately, we receive many parcels without invoices and/or necessary information. Therefore, we have to return parcels without an invoice to sender.
• If the customs data is incorrect or incomplete, PostNord can help fill in the data for a fee. Alternatively, the shipments are returned to sender.
• Expect delays to/from the UK after Brexit. This is due to new processes both in Denmark and UK. Furthermore, decreasing parcel volumes to UK mean we have fewer departures per week.
• There are no changes for shipments containing documents.
• For more information on the preparations, see www.gov.uk/brexit.

-Lotz

---

Those would be present on customs forms, though (at least that's where I include my info) and yes, definitely needs to be there.  In this case it's the buyer asking it to be included in their package.  Maybe they want to send the OP love notes lol. I just think it's kind of a funny thing to ask.  I wouldn't block someone for asking, though.

[wpt05]

---

@rockyroadtradingpost wrote:

If this buyer leaves you  "positive negative" feedback, you should be able to reply to it.  Make your reply professional and concise, so you present yourself well to potential buyers scanning your feedback.  

---

IMO most buyers will not read a "positive rating / negative comment" so it is best to leave it alone.  Replying will just draw attention to it. 

For example "🍏 bad seller, would not give me their email address" will probably go unnoticed.   

A negative rating / positive comment" can be removed.     

For example "🍎 great seller, will be emailing you shorty to ask how to use my item" will be removed by customer service.