eBay

inhawaii · ‎09-05-2020

Potential customer: "Is this item brand new?"

Me: "Yes, it is brand new and in the original unopened box."

You answer in a timely manner with what i imagine would be the best possible answer, yet no sale.

Why even bother asking?

eburtonlab · ‎09-05-2020

"Just to be clear, this item is a 3.5mm MALE to 2.5mm FEMALE Mono Adapter. I just bought 5 that were mislabeled with reverse sizing."

To be fair, the problem with this description is that there is some ambiguity due to the way the terms are inconsistently used (by some).

Most people describe the adapter itself: meaning the adapter has a 3.5mm MALE plug connected to a 2.5mm FEMALE jack. This adapter allows you to plug an existing 2.5mm M plug into an existing 3.5mm F jack by inserting the adapter between the two.

But some people are actually describing the application instead of the adapter: they are looking for an adapter that converts a 3.5mm MALE plug to a 2.5mm FEMALE jack -- meaning the adapter itself actually has a 3.5mm F jack (to accept an existing 3.5mm M plug) and a 2.5mm M plug (to allow that to be plugged into an existing 2.5mm jack).

A google image search turns up both kinds, side by side:

Those are both results from a search for 3.5mm-male to 2.5mm-female adapter yet they are labeled oppositely.

I am not surprised that people are confused.

chapeau-noir · ‎09-05-2020

I never expect a sale from a question, though. It's just a question.

Hell is empty. And all the devils are here.

upgradedendmills · ‎09-05-2020

Due to the items I sell, I would answer that question with an honest response and add the disclaimer that I had others in different conditions. Many times it generates a sale if I ask a potential customer exactly what they are trying to do and if it would be helpful if I gave them some options.

lightlily_arts · ‎09-06-2020

Historically, the number of people who ask questions and then actually purchase my item has always been dismally poor. Has made me wonder why they bother too. It doesn't seem to matter what venue you sell on either. Therefore, it's a pleasant surprise when they do.

fern*wood · ‎09-06-2020

That's actually a pretty common occurrence for me. I give it little thought and assume they found a better deal elsewhere. At least I'm not out much but a little time.

Now if you want to know what really annoys me, ask me to combine some listings with only certain items included, which requires ending listings and making a new one with new photos, then negotiating and finally agreeing on the price. All this while I'm missing my football game in order to not keep them waiting and then not buy.🙁

vintagecraze50 · ‎09-06-2020

I would rather they ask me a question then to buy something and then return it becuase they did not ask a question.

lightlily_arts · ‎09-06-2020

Just curious why you would need to make new listings? I have had buyers want to purchase several items and combine the shipping. If we agree on price I can modify the shipping charge on existing listings so they can put them all into the cart and then check out.

fern*wood · ‎09-07-2020

@lightlily_arts wrote:
Just curious why you would need to make new listings? I have had buyers want to purchase several items and combine the shipping. If we agree on price I can modify the shipping charge on existing listings so they can put them all into the cart and then check out.

It wasn't as simple as modifying the shipping or agreeing on a price. They didn't want everything in each listing. They were cherry picking from several and didn't want the other items. I should never have entertained this request, lesson learned for sure.

a_c_green · ‎09-07-2020

@eburtonlab wrote:

Those are both results from a search for 3.5mm-male to 2.5mm-female adapter yet they are labeled oppositely.

I am not surprised that people are confused.

Ayup, I get a brain cramp just reading those contradictory descriptions, which both seem right in their own way. This is a definitely an example where a description can be confusing, but the photo is crystal-clear regarding what you are getting here. Imagine the nightmare of a confusing description paired with a blurry photo. I'd be hitting the Back button for sure.

vintage-car-magazines · ‎09-07-2020

@inhawaii wrote:
Potential customer: "Is this item brand new?"

Me: "Yes, it is brand new and in the original unopened box."

You answer in a timely manner with what i imagine would be the best possible answer, yet no sale.

Why even bother asking?

This happens regularly.

"Does this issue have an article on abc car. It was my father's."

"Yes, it's in there with some great photos."

.....crickets.....

I've always taken it that they're kinda interested but not really.