What's your ratio?

[u_cant_take_it_with_u]

Of those would-be-buyers who ask for additional information, how many actually buy your item?  Personally, the norm for me, is that they rarely (and even that might be a bit ingratiating) buy the item.  I often wonder it they are just on a power trip, to see if the seller will jump through their hoops.  And of those who ask "ridiculous" questions , they NEVER buy- 

[hawkwind5454]

I must say, that once I think about it...my ratio is not good.  I always try to oblige those who ask for additional pictures, crazy measurements,  and "will this fit" some obscure application.  I do wonder how many of them are just chain jerkers.  

[mcdougle4248]

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@u_cant_take_it_with_u wrote:

Of those would-be-buyers who ask for additional information, how many actually buy your item?  Personally, the norm for me, is that they rarely (and even that might be a bit ingratiating) buy the item.  I often wonder it they are just on a power trip, to see if the seller will jump through their hoops.  And of those who ask "ridiculous" questions , they NEVER buy- 

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I have not kept a record on this, however for me, I would say that the number that actually bought the item is in the 75% percent range.  I would also add that the percentage that ask if I have or can make an item similar to the listed item, when the listing goes up, it is purchased 100% time by the buyer that asked.  I have never been "stiffed" on a special request.

I try not to put a label of "ridiculous" question on any question asked.  Often times the answer is in the listing description.  However, if the potential buyer is asking the question, I just assume that they did not see the information and answer their question.  The most popular question I get is "Do you offer combined shipping"?  The answer is in the item description and also in the shipping details.  I just answer the question and move on.

[cherry*fizz]

I've had one question (just a few days ago). I answered, and she wrote back and said it wasn't for her, but she had never had anyone give her such a detailed answer to a question. I didn't drone on or anything, it was maybe 3 sentences lol. 

[lex-talon]

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@u_cant_take_it_with_u wrote:

Of those would-be-buyers who ask for additional information, how many actually buy your item?  Personally, the norm for me, is that they rarely (and even that might be a bit ingratiating) buy the item.  I often wonder it they are just on a power trip, to see if the seller will jump through their hoops.  And of those who ask "ridiculous" questions , they NEVER buy- 

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If a buyer has to ask for additional information or photos, then the seller isn't providing enough of both of those. 

[u_cant_take_it_with_u]

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@lex-talon wrote:

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If a buyer has to ask for additional information or photos, then the seller isn't providing enough of both of those. 

 C'mon....Really?  If you can say you are a seller, who has honestly never had any ANY prospective bidder ask for additional information, you are either not being honest, or the exception.  High & mighty are not colors that look well on anyone-

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[dubiousgain]

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@u_cant_take_it_with_u wrote: High & mighty are not colors that look well on anyone-

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     Confucious says: "He, who sits highest, topples easiest" 

[luckythewinner]

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@u_cant_take_it_with_u wrote:

Of those would-be-buyers who ask for additional information, how many actually buy your item?  Personally, the norm for me, is that they rarely (and even that might be a bit ingratiating) buy the item.  I often wonder it they are just on a power trip, to see if the seller will jump through their hoops.  And of those who ask "ridiculous" questions , they NEVER buy- 

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I buy vinyl records, and I am often looking for a very specific pressing, variation, or detail.

The norm for me as a buyer is that the sellers I ask rarely (and even that might be a bit ingratiating) have the item I want. 

[southern*sweet*tea]

I rarely get questions, but of the few I get, maybe half wind up buying.

[membersinceaug2001]

Even worse is when they ask you to re-list something and then don't bother to buy it.

[tamaralea]

Friday "Will you ship to me in Russia?" No

Saturday "Will you ship to me via London?" No

Sunday "Thanks.  I just bought it and am having it sent to my friend in Florida." Grrrreat

Now I have to pack it for Russia, as it is ceramic.

[itsjustasprain]

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@u_cant_take_it_with_u wrote:

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@lex-talon wrote: 
If a buyer has to ask for additional information or photos, then the seller isn't providing enough of both of those. 

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C'mon....Really?  If you can say you are a seller, who has honestly never had any ANY prospective bidder ask for additional information, you are either not being honest, or the exception.  High & mighty are not colors that look well on anyone-

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High & mighty are not colors. 

If someone is asking a question that isnt in the listing then you should answer it. They took the time to go through the ask seller a question menu to send you a question about the item. That shows theyre interested. Maybe its also something that you should have had in the description. If thats true then you should either update your descrptionn or at least add to it if bids have been made. 

Bottom line here is if someone is writing to you with a question then there is no reason to think that others might be wondering about that too. Deal with it and you might get more interest. Even if the guy who asked doesnt buy it someone else might. 

Even if its a question thats answered in the description - not everyone sees it. Especially if theyre browsing on a phone. The mobile version is terrible at pointing someone to where the description can be found.

[bubbleman2010]

I want 6 plates and they can just go in a bubble mailer to cut down on postage costs....  Sorry I only have two and they have to go in a box to avoid being damaged... Only buys one and two hours before it arrives emails and informs me it arrived broken and to go ahead and ship the other one out as a replacement.....

[u_cant_take_it_with_u]

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@itsjustasprain wrote:

High & mighty are not colors. 

If someone is asking a question that isnt in the listing then you should answer it. They took the time to go through the ask seller a question menu to send you a question about the item. That shows theyre interested. Maybe its also something that you should have had in the description. If thats true then you should either update your descrptionn or at least add to it if bids have been made. 

Bottom line here is if someone is writing to you with a question then there is no reason to think that others might be wondering about that too. Deal with it and you might get more interest. Even if the guy who asked doesnt buy it someone else might. 

Even if its a question thats answered in the description - not everyone sees it. Especially if theyre browsing on a phone. The mobile version is terrible at pointing someone to where the description can be found.

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You are so missing the boat, I can't even respond.  Oh, and FYI, "missing the boat" does not mean I think you stepped of some pier, and fell in the water...Sheesh!

[annasunicorns]

Id say 50%. If they go to the trouble to ask a question its usually because they really like the item. The sales 50 would usually be questions about speed of delivery, or fit, or people who want to offer without making an offer (I nearly always discount for them, in fairness). The non sales 50 would be people asking about colors or for info I already have in the listing. Answer each new person as a new customer, you never kjow.