Buyer with 0 feedback

Kazonline

After being stung previously by a nonpaying bidder I am a little apprehensive now that I have another buyer with 0 feedback bidding on my item. I'm particularly concerned because the bid is currently over the rrp for the item - which is what also happened last time.
I know we all start out with a 0, but it's nervewracking when one bids on your item! Can anyone please advise me on the best way of ensuring I get prompt payment should they win? Also, if they do win is it ok if I come here for advice again should the payment not be forthcoming?
Last time it was for a valentines item and the buyer stalled payment - by the time it was clear they weren't going to pay in time to receive it for Valentines it was too late to offer it to anyone else.
As they say 'once bitten...' (It also doesn't help that the ID is a bit suspicious IYKWIM)
Kaz x

bobbarley

I had someone similar bid on my laptop, similar kinda name, new members. They were a scammer. Second time around I just kept removing bids from new users unless they contacted me beforehand to verify who they were. It worked

Bexstars

I had the same thing happen to me just before christmas, it happened twice where I didnt get paid for the item with people with 0 feedback and the 3rd time I added to my t&C that bidders needed to have 5 feedback or more and explained as to why and that time it went through ok. Hope yours turns out to be genuine, its so frustrating when you get messed about

Kazonline

Thanks both for your replies

bobbarley wrote:

I had someone similar bid on my laptop, similar kinda name, new members. They were a scammer. Second time around I just kept removing bids from new users unless they contacted me beforehand to verify who they were. It worked

Would you contact them before removing, and if so how would you verify who they were/whether they were genuine? What sort of thing do you say?
The item I'm selling isn't anywhere near as costly as a laptop, so I've not as much to lose - but I like to get my parcels out ASAP and would prefer not to be messed around by a non payer if possible IYKWIM (plus the money is very much needed, lol)
Thanks again,
Kaz x

Crazychik

Have you looked at their item location, and how long they've been member for. I no that doesn't help matters, seems strange if he's been a member for a few months and not purchased anyting up until now! Could be genuine - who knows!

Is there somewhere when listing an item you can block certain bidders! But i think its for people with -1 feedback rating. That could be an option for you to try, can you withdraw his bid, if you feel uncomfortable!

Send him a message and ask politely how he intends to pay, and does he have a contact telephone number you can call him on just to clarify he is who he says he is. Again, he could give out a false number and get a friend to act on his behalf! But still worth a try.

Good luck !

susplum

When you list your item you can block bids from people without a certain level of positive feedback etc. Its at the bottom near the postage bit if memory serves. I don't know if editing your listing will give you that option now, but have a look.

syanide

had loads of 0 feedback bids the last few months and non of them have paid...
and you cannot block people with 0 feedback from your auctions.

pinkgem

syanide wrote:

had loads of 0 feedback bids the last few months and non of them have paid...
and you cannot block people with 0 feedback from your auctions.

i think you can if they don't have a credit card on file with ebay if you specify that people with 0 feedback must also have a credit card on file with ebay

motorguy

Kazonline wrote:

Thanks both for your replies


Would you contact them before removing, and if so how would you verify who they were/whether they were genuine? What sort of thing do you say?
The item I'm selling isn't anywhere near as costly as a laptop, so I've not as much to lose - but I like to get my parcels out ASAP and would prefer not to be messed around by a non payer if possible IYKWIM (plus the money is very much needed, lol)
Thanks again,
Kaz x

For electrical items such as laptops, phones etc, i always put in the listing '0 feedback bidders must contact me in advance of bidding and provide full contact details including postcode, land line telephone number etc'.

You then are within your rights to remove their bid if they don't comply.

Personally, with this one, i would email them saying that due to the number of 0 feedback non payers and scammers, can they please confirm their full name, address and telephone number within 24 hours or you will be forced to remove their bid. You can then check those against whats held for them in ebay.

Don't forget to block them as bidders if you do...

smartie1976

yes, if you're worried you can set your settings to:

-Buyers with no credit card on file

Block buyers who do not have a credit card on file.
(and then additionally) Only apply this block to buyers who have a feedback score of 5 or lower.

motorguy

susplum wrote:

When you list your item you can block bids from people without a certain level of positive feedback etc. Its at the bottom near the postage bit if memory serves. I don't know if editing your listing will give you that option now, but have a look.

unfortunately you can't stop zero feedback bidders bidding - there is no option to do this.

We all had to start somewhere but i do find it unsettling when a newbie starts bidding up a laptop or mobile phone i have listed!!

More often than not when they win you get the 'i would like to ship this phone to my son who is a missionary in Nigeria' email....