Why do (some) sellers not check their messages?

stabilo85

Sorry, a bit of a rant:

I've had my eye on a top that is a factory second. In the description, the seller states that the top has been 'repaired', with no further details on how it has been repaired. I messaged them this morning asking them to elaborate a little- no reply. Fair enough, not everyone lives at their computer. Five hours later, still no reply and the auction ends in an hour.

I don't think I'm being unreasonable in expecting sellers to check for any questions from potential customers on the day that one of their auctions is due to end, particularly when they've given such a vague description. Oh well. If they don't get back to me soon I guess I will miss out.

frivolous_fay

Not everyone does eBay as a full-time job

jojo1964

Buyers sometimes dont help themselves, i just sold an item and the winning bidder then asked if i would send a photo of the item, after the auction ( i never included a photo, as its a stock item, easily googled, and was also sealed in a box, so unwilling to open the box) then to top it all, my account gets limited, and his payment to me goes on hold, ho hum the joys of paypal.

stabilo85

frivolous_fay wrote: »

Not everyone does eBay as a full-time job

I never said they did. Note:

stabilo85 wrote: »

Fair enough, not everyone lives at their computer.

I have never sold anything on eBay. However, if I ever do, I will ensure to check in every now and again before an auction is due to end to make sure any potential buyers are not turned away by unanswered questions. It's basic customer service.

stabilo85

jojo1964 wrote: »

Buyers sometimes dont help themselves, i just sold an item and the winning bidder then asked if i would send a photo of the item, after the auction ( i never included a photo, as its a stock item, easily googled, and was also sealed in a box, so unwilling to open the box) then to top it all, my account gets limited, and his payment to me goes on hold, ho hum the joys of paypal.

I understand your being annoyed in this case. Saying 'Buyers sometimes don't help themselves' isn't relevant here though. My point is that some sellers are simply crap. Of course, at the same time, some buyers are too. All I wanted was an answer to my question, due to a poor description. Nothing wrong with that.

frivolous_fay

Ok, but perhaps you're overlooking the obvious.

Not everyone has eBay as a full-time job.
Ergo, there are still some eBay amateurs.
So, some ebayers do stupid stuff like setting listings to end at 3pm on a Monday when they're due to be in meetings all day and their office has a no eBay policy anyway....

Point is, people on eBay do stupid things
Stupidity is more likely than someone intentionally failling to read their messages.

skylight

Of course, perhaps the top has been repaired so badly, they don't want to answer your question!

stabilo85

frivolous_fay wrote: »

Ok, but perhaps you're overlooking the obvious.

Not everyone has eBay as a full-time job.
Ergo, there are still some eBay amateurs.
So, some ebayers do stupid stuff like setting listings to end at 3pm on a Monday when they're due to be in meetings all day and their office has a no eBay policy anyway....

Point is, people on eBay do stupid things
Stupidity is more likely than someone intentionally failling to read their messages.

It might be fair to say that I overestimate people sometimes. I haven't been on eBay for a great deal of time but in that time I have dealt with some really great sellers who answer questions promptly and have generally offered great customer service.

skylight wrote: »

Of course, perhaps the top has been repaired so badly, they don't want to answer your question!

Indeed! There's no way I'm going to take a chance and bid anyway, particularly as their photo is a stock photo. :rolleyes:

itsnotfair_2

Has the item got any bids on? If so sellers cannot reply to a message sent through ebay regarding an item within 12 hours of the finish if a bid is on it.
yes I know they can go around the houses and message the buyer direct and explain etc.
I do (as a seller) but really wish ebay would stop assuming nobody wants to ask a question near the end of an auction.
Maybe your message never arrived. It does happen.

jojo1964

stabilo85 wrote: »

I understand your being annoyed in this case. Saying 'Buyers sometimes don't help themselves' isn't relevant here though. My point is that some sellers are simply crap. Of course, at the same time, some buyers are too. All I wanted was an answer to my question, due to a poor description. Nothing wrong with that.

My comment was not directed at you, apologies if it seemed as if it was, i was simply adding a comment about some buyers.

JustLittleOldMe_2

itsnotfair wrote: »

Has the item got any bids on? If so sellers cannot reply to a message sent through ebay regarding an item within 12 hours of the finish if a bid is on it.

Really?? I think you've got that a bit wrong! You cant edit the listing with less than 12 hours if theres a bid. But you can answer questions any time!