Seeking ebay advice

cuteusmaximus

I have a laptop I am selling on ebay. I am concerned that both the bidders
that are competing for the item are newly registered with zero feedback.

I have read on this board that cheques can bounce up to a month after
being "successfully" deposited and that paypal payments can be made
with stolen credit cards that paypal then backcharges you for. This is, of course, why feedback is so important.

What should I do? I'm wondering if I should email these bidders or post a notice saying payment by postal orders only for those with less than 10 feedback. Short of payment with cash in person, I can't think of another rock solid way of getting paid.

Thanks

cuteusmaximus

Hi,
I've done as you said, although I don't see the option to block bidders with less than 5 feedback.

I don't know how to insert a photo, so just go here to see the screen capture:

http://www.heingriggs.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ebay.jpg

thanks

frivolous_fay

You can't *stop* people with low feedback bidding. How would new people ever bid?

You can only stop people with low feedback who don't have a credit card on file, as in the screenshot TS posted.

If you're really concerned about people with low feedback who your preferences don't prevent from bidding, all you can do is cancel their bids and block them.

cuteusmaximus

I understand that, but I want to block people with under 5 feedback who don't have a credit card on file. Look at my screenshot - I don't see that option listed.

frivolous_fay

Are you using ebay.com instead of .co.uk?

cuteusmaximus

I'm using ebay.co.uk.

Even on this help page:

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/sell/buyer-requirements.html

I don't see the option to block those with less than 5 who do
not have a credit card on file.

I cancelled the bids of the zero feedback bidders - one has already
bid again. He has a hotmail address. Seems like warning lights
for a scammer.

aj3001

Put a note on saying all 0 feedback ebayers contact you first?

frivolous_fay

Block them as well as cancelling bids.

cuteusmaximus

Thanks to everyone for their help.

I had to block a couple of zero bidders repeatedly. Wouldn't
be surprised if they were scammers.

In the end my laptop was purchased by someone with private feedback. This
is something I've not encountered before. Should I take any extra precautions? Is it safe to accept a paypal payment?

Here are the stats I can see.

Feedback Score: 413
Positive Feedback: 99.5%
Members who left a positive: 415
Members who left a negative: 2
All positive feedback received: 624

Past Month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months
Positive feedback rating positive 25 196 385
Neutral feedback rating neutral 0 0 0
Negative feedback rating negative 0 0 0

Member since: 17-Nov-03
Location: United Kingdom

ollyk

cuteusmaximus wrote:

Thanks to everyone for their help.

I had to block a couple of zero bidders repeatedly. Wouldn't
be surprised if they were scammers.

In the end my laptop was purchased by someone with private feedback. This
is something I've not encountered before. Should I take any extra precautions? Is it safe to accept a paypal payment?

Here are the stats I can see.

Feedback Score: 413
Positive Feedback: 99.5%
Members who left a positive: 415
Members who left a negative: 2
All positive feedback received: 624

Past Month Past 6 Months Past 12 Months
Positive feedback rating positive 25 196 385
Neutral feedback rating neutral 0 0 0
Negative feedback rating negative 0 0 0

Member since: 17-Nov-03
Location: United Kingdom

How long ago did they get the poor feedback? It maybe a hyjacked account I would question thoroughly ONLY through ebay (i.e. not there personal email) and if you are not happy cancel and repost item.
I personally don't like people with private feedback - they are obviously hiding something!

arnie&caseysma!

I only accept Paypal payments for increased Seller and buyer protection. If you look on the left had column of 'my summary' you will see a bit for my account and then preferences. You can edit preference to block buyers who do not have a paypal account. Good luck in the future!