Only on eBay

[wastingtime101]

A buyer would not walk into his favorite department store and ask this question. None of my buyers on Amazon (where I sell the same product) ask these kinds of questions. Only on eBay do I receive inquiries about a sealed pack of 10 items where the buyer says (paraphrased), "I need 12. Can you open one of the packs and sell me just what I need? If not and I'm forced to buy 2 packs, will you accept an offer so I'm only paying for the 12 I need?"

Share your "only on eBay" buyer requests. You guys must get them, too.

[gwzcomps]

They get really mad when you want to charge them extra for the inconvenience. 

Buyers on eBay are really dumb in general.  They come up with some of the stupidest stuff... 😐

[tsylor-31]

I was selling marbles. I had a ton of colors, the buyer contact's me off the listing for mixed colors and asks if I can pick out 2 dozen blue. I sent them the listing for the blue ones and they got really mad at me, cussing me out. I blocked them, they turn around and ask "Why did you block me?" Gee I wonder..

[josepmcelro_3]

A buyer asked me to make her a special order. every time I was almost finished with what she asked for she would add something else to make. I finally asked her to pay for her order she then tells me I only get paid once a month can you wait.  Blocked her listed items. Every once in a while she emails why am I blocked.

[parkersparrow]

I had a buyer ask for free shipping if they were to buy 2 items. I think I ignored it the first time. Then they tried again so I replied nicely that I couldn't and I had a special shipping promo etc.  So they follow up with ok then could I give them the equivalent of the cost of the shipping as a a discount on the items instead.... 

[smileytown18]

I had a buyer write in the notes of a purchase: "Please waive shipping fee, I live in same city"
Some issues with this request:
1. They had already paid the shipping
2. They were not in the same city, nor in the same state!
3. They spelled it "wave". I had to read it 3 times to get it
Only on eBay!

[18704d]

"A buyer would not walk into his favorite department store and ask this question. None of my buyers on Amazon (where I sell the same product) ask these kinds of questions. Only on eBay do I receive inquiries about a sealed pack of 10 items where the buyer says (paraphrased), "I need 12. Can you open one of the packs and sell me just what I need? If not and I'm forced to buy 2 packs, will you accept an offer so I'm only paying for the 12 I need?""

--------

If I owned that store (or yours)

I'd say Yes.

But I'd have to charge you for 15.  (that mean you keep 3 for 'free')

Then.. tell the next buyers. Yes, I can split the packages.

You'll make More money.

Lynn

[inhawaii]

TITLE: Expired $50 Ruth's Chris Gift Card

DESCRIPTION: Expired $50 Ruth's Chris Gift Card.  The card expired <whatever date>. I checked with my local Ruth's Chris, they said they will still accept this card.  Please check with your local Ruth's Chris to make sure they will accept this card before bidding. 

The buyer messaged me immediately after receiving the card to say THIS CARD IS EXPIRED!!!!!

[bigdeals.etc]

Awhile ago when I tried to entertain messaged negotiation offers (probably the reason why I don't anymore), I get this buyer asking about a $20 dollar item (w $5 shipping) if I would accept $10 with free shipping.

I politely messaged that is even below my cost and countered with $15 with paid $4 shipping (24% off). The buyer replies with a "Forget it. Stop wasting my time."

[bigdeals.etc]

Recently a buyer messaged me a list of questions and numbered each one. Ranging from "Even though it's preshrunk can you guarantee it won't ever shrink?", "What are the measurements (exact centimeters) are the graphics on the clothing?", "Can I waive the shipping if they buy 2 items?", "If not then can I give a better discount on buying 2 items?", etc.

I never bothered to answer that buyer because of my spidey senses going off. Two weeks later they message me again asking the exact same questions. I ignore and block. One week later I get an email from Ebay CS telling me to respond to this buyer. The CS agent even typed out the exact same questions to me in the email. Basically the buyer called ebay and told on me that I wasn't responding to him. I know an actual person had to type out that email to me because they mistakenly spelled the buyer's SN wrong. I'm still not responding to the buyer.

[moldy5]

I've had a few weird requests similar to those but more in my favor. One lady asked before buying if she could buy only the 2 jokers from a sealed deck of playing cards. For the price of the full deck!  Another wanted only 7 of the ancient empty spice jars from a 2 dozen set. Also for the full price.  I was quite doubtful when they messaged me first but accepted their requests (and payments) .  Both were very happy with their items. You never know!

[smileytown18]

---

@bigdeals.etc wrote:

Recently a buyer messaged me a list of questions and numbered each one. Ranging from "Even though it's preshrunk can you guarantee it won't ever shrink?", "What are the measurements (exact centimeters) are the graphics on the clothing?", "Can I waive the shipping if they buy 2 items?", "If not then can I give a better discount on buying 2 items?", etc.

I never bothered to answer that buyer because of my spidey senses going off. Two weeks later they message me again asking the exact same questions. I ignore and block. One week later I get an email from Ebay CS telling me to respond to this buyer. The CS agent even typed out the exact same questions to me in the email. Basically the buyer called ebay and told on me that I wasn't responding to him. I know an actual person had to type out that email to me because they mistakenly spelled the buyer's SN wrong. I'm still not responding to the buyer.

---

I would just respond:

Sorry I can't assume any responsibility for shrinkage. I'm unable to measure it at this time. The prices are firm. Have a nice day!

Just to get everyone off your case. You can keep them blocked 😉

[kitchen-topia]

Some years ago I sold a vintage quilt AS-IS and explained and photographed all flaws. 

A buyer
BOUGHT
PAID FOR
the quilt then messaged me "will you please sew up the open seams before sending, I can't do it." I did, shipped, and buyer was fine with it. 
(still annoyed 🙂 )

[kitchen-topia]

oh, oh, wait! 

Also some years ago I had listed a group of baby clothes at one super-cheap price - just to get rid of them. Few things are as time-consuming as baby clothes! 

A buyer messaged "I only want X and XX, how much and how much shipping?" 

Just as a guess I think it was a lot of 10 or 12 items for five bucks, OK? 
I do not remember my reply - but seriously? 
I'd have had to re-photograph the whole lot to weed out those two items, then relist, blah blah. Just no.
(I don't sell baby clothes anymore)

[lgonzalez28]

This one is my favorite "only on ebay request":

Selling custom curtains listed at cream (off white color).

Buyer: can you please get a Benjamin Moore paint sample of " xxxx color "and take photos indoors and out with it next to this specific paint. And tell me if it reads brown or gray.

I responded as politely as possible. Lol

It is hard enough to view paint online and now she wants complete design services on eBay. These curtains were NEITHER BROWN NOR GRAY to begin with. 

This is why designers charge consult fees