Selling stuff that is fully test and buyer sending messages asking if they work.

[incrediblefinds199]

So last night i had a buyer message me about a item i have for sale that is rather expensive and buyer writes.  I am interested in purchasing a couple these. But, I don't want to be stuck with expensive paperweights if they don't work. Do they work?
I have them listed as used condition but they are fully functional and i mentioned in the description. 
Often times i get these people asking weird stuff or assuming i made a mistake in the listing and i look at their feedback and if they have a history of leaving a lot of negatives i will block. This person has a really fine feedback record. 
I am just curious how others would handle this block them or just send them a polite message confirming they are working and fully functional in all aspects. I will mention this buyer wants two of the same item and there just under 2 grand each. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@incrediblefinds199 wrote:

So last night i had a buyer message me about a item i have for sale that is rather expensive and buyer writes.  I am interested in purchasing a couple these. But, I don't want to be stuck with expensive paperweights if they don't work. Do they work?
I have them listed as used condition but they are fully functional and i mentioned in the description. 
Often times i get these people asking weird stuff or assuming i made a mistake in the listing and i look at their feedback and if they have a history of leaving a lot of negatives i will block. This person has a really fine feedback record. 
I am just curious how others would handle this block them or just send them a polite message confirming they are working and fully functional in all aspects. I will mention this buyer wants two of the same item and there just under 2 grand each. 

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You should respond to them quickly and politely. That is a lot of money to spend on eBay and i don't blame someone asking questions regardless if you already answered the questions within your listing. Personally i would ask them a few questions (qualifying questions) to make sure these are exactly what they need. (spec wise or compatibility)

[bonanza125]

I would tell the buyer that the items work. That's a standard question. That's not a reason to block a buyer.

[fern*wood]

Since you are brave enough to sell something of that value, I'm sure you realize the risks.  That question may be more about a buyer trying to feel out the seller, though, to make sure you are responsive and actually have the items. 

[richard1rst · Accepted solution]

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@incrediblefinds199 wrote:

So last night i had a buyer message me about a item i have for sale that is rather expensive and buyer writes.  I am interested in purchasing a couple these. But, I don't want to be stuck with expensive paperweights if they don't work. Do they work?
I have them listed as used condition but they are fully functional and i mentioned in the description. 
Often times i get these people asking weird stuff or assuming i made a mistake in the listing and i look at their feedback and if they have a history of leaving a lot of negatives i will block. This person has a really fine feedback record. 
I am just curious how others would handle this block them or just send them a polite message confirming they are working and fully functional in all aspects. I will mention this buyer wants two of the same item and there just under 2 grand each. 

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Getting a question about something that you have already detailed in the description is NOT that unusual.

Because of the way the sales page is laid our many buyers (it seems at least) never make it to the written description. You have the headline at the top, then a bunch of adds for other sellers THEN your written description.

Although I do not use a mobile device I gather that on a mobile device it is even harder to find.

I routinely get questions such as “What are the dimensions” when they are clearly spelled out in the description. I have never considered a buyer’s legitimate question to be a red flag, even if the information is in the description. I just politely respond (usually by copying and pasting the info from the description) and move on.  I blame eBay’s layout more than anything.

[house*of*paws]

Hi @incrediblefinds199 

I don’t think that’s an unusual question when a seller has a ‘no return’ policy … especially from a newer buyer who is unfamiliar with eBay’s Money Back Guarantee.

[bashort]

What causes this is the fact that you have a no returns policy and there are buyers who do not understand that no returns does not mean no returns.

While I fully understand how "no returns" works unless it is something special I will just move on to a seller who accepts returns

[fbusoni]

@incrediblefinds199 

"Dear buyer: yes, the items work, but if you have any problems, you may return the items to me.  I will pay for return shipping."

And make no mistake: you WILL pay for return shipping, or you will lose your items and your money.

[itsjustasprain]

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@bonanza125 wrote:

I would tell the buyer that the items work. That's a standard question.

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Especially for buyers who are looking at the mobile app and have no idea that there is actually a description in there someplace and not just a few photos accompanied by ads for listings by other sellers.

[incrediblefinds199]

Thank you everyone for your input. It seems we share a similar perspective on this matter. I have encountered inquiries from buyers before, but this one stood out due to its somewhat abrupt tone, particularly the comment about not wanting to buy paperweights. Some people communicate differently, and sometimes messages can sound rude in text, but they might convey a completely different tone when spoken.

However, I realize I should clarify that this buyer has a history of selling similar items in small amounts as of 2024 and has been a member since 2002, with a five-digit feedback score (over 10,000), although with less activity in the past year. I assume they are aware of the coverage available to them.

Personally, I did not get a strong gut feeling of concern from this buyer's question, as I sometimes do. I wanted to reach out to the community for guidance and see how others would see it. 
Thanks, Community! 

[incrediblefinds199]

Thanks you have really thorough explanation and well worded. I chose yours are the best answer. 

So something i should also clarify, questions are the norm and not red flag to me it was the Semi-rude way of asking. I dont want to end up with paper weights. That is why i came into the community and see how others see it.  

Thanks again! 

[frankenhobbit]

I think it's a fair question. So many items are sold as 'fully tested' when all the seller did was power it on. Fully tested means all functions have been tested as well as the device being left on for a while to make sure it doesn't overheat or cut out, if it has belts that they don't slip, no weird smells. That kind of thing.  

[itsjustasprain]

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@frankenhobbit wrote:

I think it's a fair question. So many items are sold as 'fully tested' when all the seller did was power it on. 

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If that.

My favorite would be sellers listing a battery operated toy or whatever - and call it 'untested'. Seriously? You cant find two flashlight batteries?