Buyers who send buyers notes are a problem 90% of the time

[rmv5555]

I went back through my sales history and discovered that buyers who send buyers notes when buying are an issue 90% of the time.  They always find a problem. Anyone else have this correlation?  The second group of red flag buyers are those that message for a lower price.  They are also never satisfied it seems.  Ive begun just blocking both these types of buyers immediately

[tdl_collectibles]

Pretty sure the original poster is talking about items that sell, and they include a note in the sales transaction itself. Not the conversation back and forth before they buy.

For me it's typically "please include some type of protection to ensure the item doesn't get bent in the mail".    Sometimes it's "don't include any paperwork, invoice, etc", so assuming it's a drop-shipper.

In any case, I ignore the messages and just ship like I always do and never have a problem.

[onefootflippers]

While it certainly isn't 90 percent I have found that any presale communication or any note to seller is a huge increase in the percentage of customers who are going to have a problem after the sale. 

You can safely block anyone for any reason you want and longterm it is going to have zero negative effect on your sales, the buyer pool is essentially endless. I know sellers who block every single person that messages them. 

[jasoheat_0]

wow 90% feedback thats awesome , i cant even get close to 50% myself , your way above most , nice job 

[mam98031]

For me, it is likely an opposite percentage.  Most just have a question they feel they need answered.  However a few do seem like they are potential issues that will come down the road.  I handle each situation on it's own merits.  I don't assume they are going to be issues, but if the communication is problematic, then I use great caution when dealing with them. 

I have found few times that I need to block them before they purchase.  But that is NOT a cure all or a guarantee there will be no issues with that buyer.  We all know how easy it is for a buyer just to open another account, come back and purchase.  Now this buyer is more upset than they were before.  The BBL is not a cure all.

[mam98031]

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@jasoheat_0 wrote:

wow 90% feedback thats awesome , i cant even get close to 50% myself , your way above most , nice job 

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@jasoheat_0 

The conversation is not about feedback, it is about messages received from buyers.

[sextons-sweet-deals]

I understand your issue.

A seller needs to use their experience, check the potential buyer profile, and gut feeling overall. 

Are the questions getting strange? BLOCK!

Do the questions make you feel like you're being setting up for a case? BLOCK!

If the buyer asks for additional photos / details that are not in the active listing, make sure you revise your active listing with those additional photos and details. 

If the buyer starts asking questions or requesting additional information, or even payment questions, it would probably be best to cancel the order base on 'buyers address' and block them. You should be able to relist for free. 

Even if you're communicating within eBay messaging. Think of yourself first!  Protect yourself! If the buyer opens a case, I don't see eBay revieing communication thread. Probably more like a glance at the actual listing and no more.

[yuzuha]

Not my experience. The last buyer note I got was "Can you please put a note in the box that says 'Happy Birthday, [Name]'?"

[inhawaii]

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@rmv5555 wrote:

I went back through my sales history and discovered that buyers who send buyers notes when buying are an issue 90% of the time.  They always find a problem. Anyone else have this correlation?  The second group of red flag buyers are those that message for a lower price.  They are also never satisfied it seems.  Ive begun just blocking both these types of buyers immediately

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That's a fair observation but I don't really find that true with my customers.

Besides that, it's not like i'm going to cancel an order (or even worry about an order) just because they asked a question or questions.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

It is often a problem telling which came first, the chicken or the egg.

Some buyers who use Buyer's Notes have had problems with sellers and send the notes, and are intolerant of seller screw ups because of their history.

Other Buyer's are certifiable PITAs and use Buyer's Notes.

Some sellers are only marginal performers, and only upset some of their customers.

[inhawaii]

Wow you guys are a tough crowd.

I don't block potential buyers who ask questions.

I don't block potential buyers who ask many questions.

I don't block potential buyers who ask stupid questions.

[rmv5555]

In my years of experience I've learned eBay has the worst buyers in all of retail.  Not even close.  

[rmv5555]

I'm not talking about them.  I'm talking about the ones that say "pack carefully" or some other instructions.  Like they can't see I've sold 5k items.  Bunch of clowns and always end up being a headache

[rmv5555]

I also block someone if I see they are a reseller.  They will never offer fair value

[rmv5555]

I'm blocking you now.  Thanks

[rmv5555]

good list you have.  100% concur