Sellers. Please read your messages!

[killerofworlds]

I realize this post has no real point to it, and it's just me venting, but I just want to stress how frustrating it is and how common it is for sellers to not read and/or respond to messages.. I understand that people have lives, and I understand that it's your choice whether or not you respond to questions, but just know, that it directly affects your feedback and reliability as a seller.. Thank you.

[killerofworlds]

In my opinion, as a seller, you're part of a business.. Even if you're only selling a few items. It's business. It's customer service.. Yes, there are some exceptions, and yes I know some buyers can be ridiculous.. But there's a line here between lazy sellers and ridiculous buyers.. Would you want to be ignored if you went out to a retail store to purchase something? What if you asked a retail employee a question, and just got silence in return? Would you go back? Would that be good for business?

[killerofworlds]

If a customer goes into a retail store, and is being ridiculous, the staff still have to deal with them and treat them properly, for the most part...

I used to work in retail, and was asked numerous stupid questions.. In my head, I told myself it was stupid, but was nice to them anyway for the sake of my job...

I suppose that's the nature of the internet though, since there's no real consequences for ignoring someone, must make it okay and acceptable.

[stanleysoverstock]

I've learned to look at messages before I do anything else when I get here. If I have to cancel I can do it before I pack and buy a label. Sometimes when I get caught up there will be an order from a message I answered or a thank you for the answer. I've never been injured from answering messages. Andrew 

[johnrj1226]

@lex-talon 

Been a career seller  for 41  years and eBay seller  since 2010 plus a buyer since 2008.  As a seller  during these time periods I answered 100%  of the questions was asked by prospect buyer (aka shoppers) or current  customers no matter if the answer  is readily available in the listing.  It is simply  "common courtesy".

As a buyer if my question goes on answered after two days I simply do the  "walk on by".  As I see it it is my prerogative due to the sellers lack of interest to make a buck or so..

[mam98031]

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@lex-talon wrote:

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@killerofworlds wrote:

I realize this post has no real point to it, and it's just me venting, but I just want to stress how frustrating it is and how common it is for sellers to not read and/or respond to messages.. I understand that people have lives, and I understand that it's your choice whether or not you respond to questions, but just know, that it directly affects your feedback and reliability as a seller.. Thank you.

Before reading your post, I received a message from a buyer and did answer it. You have to understand that some of these bigger, mega sellers receive a huge amount of questions and cannot possibly answer them all. Then there's the smaller sellers who for some reason or another, never answer questions.

This year, I've only had one seller who never got around to answer a few questions. No problem, just move on. It seems that some sellers will only respond to offers or if their item sells, just my opinion. 

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Typically the mega sellers have a department to handle all of that.  That is their job.  Customer Service.

[the_fancy_fox]

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@killerofworlds wrote:

@jobs-7

Let me ask you a question... Let's say you were looking for a particular shirt or pair of pants or shoes, and there was only one listing on the entire site for the pair that you wanted, but the seller didn't list the correct size... So, until and unless they reply to your question of "What size are these?" you can never own said pair of shoes or said t-shirt... Would this frustrate you?

Also, are you so busy, that you can't take 30 seconds out of your day, to reply to someone who is paying you money? Even if it's only $15 or $20...?

Really?

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Usually for me it’s the person asking “what size are these?” (When it’s clearly listed in the title, item specifics and the body of the ad along with all the actual measurements ). After answering that question it goes to “will you take less”, or “are they new” (when listed as pre owed, barely worn, washed, whatever). Will you add free shipping? ($5.00 item with actual shipping of $7.99? Uh..... no.)

Then comes the kick in the pants, I get an email from Ebay warning me against outside ebay sales and all the repercussions thereof.

nowadays I only answer question when it’s apparent the answer to the question is not in my listing (which get fixed immediately) or after a sale. 

[chapeau-noir]

Someone here on a thread was saying with their listings they want to 'set it and forget it' - evidently that's a selling method and perhaps some of these sellers don't engage unless something sells so that's why questions go unanswered. I answer any and all questions unless it's an obvious scam or phishing - it's just part of the job.

People need to understand, though, that a seller may not be able to get to that question right away.

[stanleysoverstock]

Sometimes I'm alerted to something I left out and can correct it. Andrew

[chapeau-noir]

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@stanleysoverstock wrote:

Sometimes I'm alerted to something I left out and can correct it. Andrew

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OMG, the mistakes my kind and alert correspondents have alerted me to - I'm really grateful for that.  

[domin-tomas]

I usually answer all messages except for the low ball offers where they ask to sell at a price less then what you can purchase at wholesale. All other messages I will answer to. Like, no thanks, price is firm or description of an item and always with a thank you for the message.

[jobs-7]

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@killerofworlds wrote:

@jobs-7

Let me ask you a question... Let's say you were looking for a particular shirt or pair of pants or shoes, and there was only one listing on the entire site for the pair that you wanted, but the seller didn't list the correct size... So, until and unless they reply to your question of "What size are these?" you can never own said pair of shoes or said t-shirt... Would this frustrate you?

Also, are you so busy, that you can't take 30 seconds out of your day, to reply to someone who is paying you money? Even if it's only $15 or $20...?

Really?

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As stated, when someone wants 4 additional measurements in addition to the 3 or 4 I've provided on a $10 blouse, I don't want their money.  After I list, I pack everything for when it will be shipped and put it in storage.  Doing the silly things many buyers want me to do would require me getting it from storage, ripping apart the packaging, taking measurements, then having to re-pack and put it back in storage.  WAY more than 30 seconds.  And, the kicker, is if I did all that the buyer probably still WON"T buy my item.  

If a perfect fit of clothes for you is important, I suggest one go to the store.

[bohemianspirit18]

Well My reply to you is  i get constant drill from buyers yet I reply to them all. Btw not all are potential buyers many just ask questions for the sake of asking and its not only asking they want more photos so i take more photos for them and then nothing happen no ty no reply no perches. and last i am not mentioning all those who come to check my store and leave bad comment.i am here for 20 years i lived it all .My main concern now that there are no sales worst of the worst Christmas season.I am sure the reason there are no buyers is not because sellers do not reply to messages.  

[gracieallen01]

And, of course, you have noticed that there is no sign 'over the door' saying that business people only are allowed to sell here - or most places.  Right?

And, you do realize that there are hobbyists and part-timers and some that really don't have both oars in the water, at the same time, but still function as real people.  Right?

It might do some people well to understand that answering questions isn't the highest priority of everybody who utilizes the Internet.  Perhaps to their detriment, perhaps not, however, it is a fact and it does/doesn't happen.

[Anonymous]

I agree totally about the lack of photos and poor written descriptions that ell you nothing. I'm a seller but I'm a buyer too and much of my inventory is bought on here. If an item doesn't have GOOD/lots of photos or description, I move on very quickly and don't even bother to try to contact the seller. Their loss for being lazy.

[lasantino]

jobs-7... I totally agree with your thinking. You are running a business. When selling at very low prices , something has got to give. Buyers seem to forget ,, lower prices mean better value, but you don't get neiman marcus service when buying at target prices.. sorry. Now.. For clothing items that are more expensive, Of course, I will include all measurements and go the extra mile to answer questions.
For the most part, I've learned when people ask questions ad nauseum. they are 10X more likely to complain or return the item.. This hold true for 9 out of 10 purchases by customers who asked way too many questions. lol