buyer wants to see specific pages in fashion magazine

[twoopals]

I'm relatively new to ebay and am unsure how to respond to a request from a buyer. I'm selling vintage fashion magazines where each magazine has photos of the design of several fashion designers in a particular season. In my listing of one magazine, I photographed one page from one of the big designers as an illustration. A buyer messaged me and wanted to "take a look" at the rest of the pages from that designer to "check the condition of those pages." I'm hesitant to respond because the buyer could just want to read those pages and is not really interested in buying. Have you had requests like? How should I respond? What happens if I don't respond at all?

[gltreasurehunters]

I have had that with a book before. They just asked for random pages though. Some in the front. SOme in the middle and some towards the end. 

[lakefor94]

You are allowed 24 total photos. Would not be a bad idea to include more, especially since you have a potential  buyer.

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques]

If it's only a few pages I would go ahead and provide the photos (preferably in the listing photo gallery, so other buyers can see them as well.) Yes, it's possible the buyer only wants to read those pages and has no intention of buying. It's also possible the buyer is this close to clicking buy it now but wants some reassurance about condition.

I assume you have done price comps so you know your prices are in line with current value? Which magazine and which designer are we talking about here?

[chapeau-noir]

It sounds like this 'buyer' wants specific content (from that specific designer) without paying for it.  This is a not uncommon ruse.

[asset_liquidators]

They are just trying to read the artcile without paying for it. I am 99% sure you will never hear from that buyer again after you give them the article for free.

[lamber9347]

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@twoopals wrote:

<snip> I'm hesitant to respond because the buyer could just want to read those pages and is not really interested in buying. Have you had requests like? How should I respond? What happens if I don't respond at all?

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These are the chances a seller takes when selling items online to perfect strangers. This platform offers a 30 day money back guarantee. If that buyer just wants to read a few pages, they can simply purchase your magazine. That would give them 30 days to scan every page into a PDF then open a return case claiming the magazine wasn't as described and receive a full refund. It's that easy for them to do. Most likely they simply do want to just view a few pages to ensure the quality of a vintage magazine. 

I have purchased vintage magazines before and there's nothing worse than receiving a magazine with torn pages or writing or folds on the corners. Unfortunately there are sellers who aren't honest and buyers have been burned too often so they have these types of requests. 

You listed the magazine with the intention to sell it and now you found someone interested. Send them photos of the pages and hopefully they will purchase. Try to remain positive that all will work out. Best of luck to you....

[1786davycrockett]

@twoopals 

In the past, I have picked up many new buyers who had previously requested that I add particular photos to my listings, in order for them to decide whether or not to purchase particular issues of magazines.

One of my regulars just purchased 36 magazines yesterday.

Does that answer your question?

[broto_64]

I would take the pictures but in such a way that the entire article / page can not be read, in fact in such a way that only part of the page is legible and that way no free article.

[janet9988]

Using the term 'buyer " I am assuming they purchased the item in question already as they are not a buyer until they actually pay.

You do not owe them any more pictures.

[ebooksdiva]

That's an interesting way to get your magazine without buying it.
Personally, I wouldn't entertain that request, but that's the way I roll. 

[slyders_finds]

I have taken additional pictures couple times. One where the buyer wanted to see the spine of a cassette tape case. But as far as taking pictures of certain page in a magazine, I personally wouldn't. In my experience these are what I call hoop jumpers. They want you to do extra work(even though there are plenty of pictures) so you hope you will make the sale. They also could be OCD and will always find something wrong with the item. And they usually dont have any intention of buying. But do what works for you. It's also a good idea to check feedback they have left other sellers. You have to do that on the website. 

[chapeau-noir]

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@1786davycrockett wrote:

@twoopals 

In the past, I have picked up many new buyers who had previously requested that I add particular photos to my listings, in order for them to decide whether or not to purchase particular issues of magazines.

One of my regulars just purchased 36 magazines yesterday.

Does that answer your question?

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Not so much. In this case it's the request for photos of all pages of that specific designer (so they can 'examine' them) that alerts me. If it was a query about general condition, they would simply request a few more general photos.

This just isn't a new gambit.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi @twoopals 

You take a chance when selling online, with every transaction there’s risk. Ignoring the request could lose you the sale along with a potential repeat customer. Alternately, if you send the page copies, you could still lose the sale to someone intent on not paying.

That all said, I would grant the shopper’s request and treat them as a valued customer. That’s because in the 15 years i’ve sold here, never had a bad buyer. My experience, with vintage items especially, has been very positive. Buyers are happy to finally find the special item from the past they have searched for. 

As a result, i have found giving the shopper the benefit of the doubt has served my eBay business well. The philosophy i adhere to is that good customer service—such as prompt responses, keeping buyers’ needs in mind, relinquishing suspicion—has helped me meet sales’ goals consistently, and in addition, without negative feedback or any cases opened (knock on wood). 

Whatever you decide, i wish you all the best. Good luck and do come back anytime.

[twoopals]

Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge about the various behaviors and motivations in the community of buyers and sellers, in part as function of the policies of ebay. I know my item is priced reasonably but I didn't think about checking out the potential buyer etc. I'll follow those pointers and then perhaps  take a middle of the road approach by providing a good description of the requested pages with photos of parts of those pages.