eBay

thebricktank · ‎08-10-2023

Must we respond swiftly (or at all) to every Buyer eBay message regardless of how inane in order to feed the eBay algo?

Most messages I get are “Will you take [50% of asking price]?”

my-cottage-books-and-antiques · ‎08-10-2023

ebay has the ability to track your responses.

Some sites track this and use it as a factor in deciding your visibility. I do not believe ebay has ever said they do that, however, my assumption would be since ebay can track it, there is no reason to think it is not a factor, and if it is not, it could be made a factor at any time (and I don't believe ebay would be required to tell us, as long as it does not effect seller performance rating)

My policy is to respond to pretty much everything, including low ball offers, whether made through best offer or messages. I am a small seller (only about 800 listings) and therefore the amount of messages I get is not burdensome. Some of those low ball offers, after a little back and forth, go on to become sales at a reasonable price. My responses are always polite and professional, thanking them (no matter how absurdly low the offer) for their interest and either politely declining or making a counter-offer.

I never consider this wasted time. To me, wasted time would be answering with a snarky or insulting remark or spending time explaining why the offer is ridiculous, what my costs are, etc. I avoid the urge to be snarky and the urge to "educate" the buyer about the true costs of doing business. THAT sort of thing is wasted time.

I do not respond in order to feed the ebay algo. I respond because it is good business to do so.

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hartungcards · ‎08-10-2023

If you had a brick-and-mortar store, and somebody came in and asked you a stupid question, would you just walk away?

dhbookds · ‎08-10-2023

In my opinion.........that message is an invitation to a possible sale. I always answer with "thanks for your interest.......can't go that low........but will take x............

I know many will disagree with that, but sell about 50% or so.....and have no problems..........

But no, you don't have to answer any question......

luxgoods · ‎08-10-2023

Yes, no soup for you!!!!!!

luckythewinner · ‎08-10-2023

@thebricktank wrote:
Must we respond swiftly (or at all) to every Buyer eBay message regardless of how inane in order to feed the eBay algo?

I am not aware that responding quickly to messages has any effect on your item's visibility, if that is what you are getting at.

cambriachick · ‎08-10-2023

I don't think that you have to answer, but maybe they'll come back another day with a decent offer so why not.

tobaccocardyahoo · ‎08-10-2023

I do not respond to insulting offers and frequently block the buyer who makes them.

You do not have to waste your time.

If you are soliciting offers on your listing, you can set a minimum offer and have Ebay auto-reject below that level.

But Ebayers who send you an lowball offer on items which you have not solicited offers on are preying on desperate sellers. I am not desperate.

wil_483592 · ‎08-10-2023

Mine are mostly "what are the measurements", which is clearly stayed in the description.

powell-memorabilia · ‎08-10-2023

@tobaccocardyahoo wrote:
I do not respond to insulting offers and frequently block the buyer who makes them.

Always puzzled by this stance. I've never been insulted by an offer. Rejected or countered plenty, sure, but someone offering $10 for a $50 item isn't offensive to me. I wouldn't block someone for making a low-ball offer (as if that is actually a thing).

my-cottage-books-and-antiques · ‎08-10-2023

ebay has the ability to track your responses.

Some sites track this and use it as a factor in deciding your visibility. I do not believe ebay has ever said they do that, however, my assumption would be since ebay can track it, there is no reason to think it is not a factor, and if it is not, it could be made a factor at any time (and I don't believe ebay would be required to tell us, as long as it does not effect seller performance rating)

My policy is to respond to pretty much everything, including low ball offers, whether made through best offer or messages. I am a small seller (only about 800 listings) and therefore the amount of messages I get is not burdensome. Some of those low ball offers, after a little back and forth, go on to become sales at a reasonable price. My responses are always polite and professional, thanking them (no matter how absurdly low the offer) for their interest and either politely declining or making a counter-offer.

I never consider this wasted time. To me, wasted time would be answering with a snarky or insulting remark or spending time explaining why the offer is ridiculous, what my costs are, etc. I avoid the urge to be snarky and the urge to "educate" the buyer about the true costs of doing business. THAT sort of thing is wasted time.

I do not respond in order to feed the ebay algo. I respond because it is good business to do so.

atlasesattic · ‎08-10-2023

I agree totally, yesterday I got and offer of 5.00 on a 20.00 vintage doll, so annoying so I just block too.

yoonix1 · ‎08-10-2023

I think EBay message apps are not tied to Seller's evaluations, search engine etc. You can answer or not. I always answer to any Buyer's questions. It's a part of customer service. I do not waist a time on low offers, but always send a message that the offer is not acceptable to me.

ebeths_eclectic_collectibles · ‎08-10-2023

A quick “no thank you” works for me

ebeths_eclectic_collectibles · ‎08-10-2023

I say no thank but do not counter offer on a low ball offer. I would rather let them make a second offer and maybe then counter that. It is too easy of falling into the trap of getting a low ball offer and countering too low.