Ebay - How can I find out who purchased someone elses item?

fidgit

Hi all, we've basically managed to find something that belonged to my friends relative (it's a personalised item, so we know it was definitely hers) and my friend has been desperately trying to track it down!

I've found the listing and the feedback that was left for the item but obviously the username is blanked out. Is there any way of finding out their username?

nonnatus

No. And probably for good reason!

campdave

No, the buyer's identity is protected.

theonlywayisup

If the item was subject of a criminal investigation, then refer the matter to the relevant authority.

fidgit

Gosh no it's nothing like that, I don't want to say what it is incase the relative uses the forum but it's something she lost a long time ago, and as far as I know my friend wanted to buy it for them (they have a "big" birthday coming up, and it would have been a really nice surprise). There's nothing iffy about it, it's just sad that there's no way for her to get in touch with the buyer to find out about purchasing it from them!

theonlywayisup

Well, you could message the seller and ask if they will pass your information onto the buyer of that item. Explain what you have said above rather than be so secret squirrel about it!

Just be mindful not to make an approach to buy it as an 'off' ebay transaction.

fidgit

The only problem with that is that it was sold back in May, so I'm not sure if the seller could even contact them now? It has to be worth a try though I suppose!

theonlywayisup

fidgit wrote: »

The only problem with that is that it was sold back in May, so I'm not sure if the seller could even contact them now? It has to be worth a try though I suppose!

If the seller can be bothered to, they can. All they need is to check the details in the Paypal transaction.

But that's down to the seller. Likewise, if they do that for you and the buyer ignores the request, then there's nothing more you can do.

Perhaps set up an email notification for when an item like that comes on ebay in future.

fidgit

I should know these things, my friend runs an ebay shop and I work for her!! I'll message the seller now, so will keep my fingers crossed that something works out.

The item is literally a one off, I only managed to find it through Google images by chance (it's inscribed with their name on the back of it) so for all my searching on ebay I couldn't find it for ages as it wouldn't let me search the descriptions on ended items

theonlywayisup

fidgit wrote: »

I should know these things, my friend runs an ebay shop and I work for her!! I'll message the seller now, so will keep my fingers crossed that something works out.

The item is literally a one off, I only managed to find it through Google images by chance (it's inscribed with their name on the back of it) so for all my searching on ebay I couldn't find it for ages as it wouldn't let me search the descriptions on ended items

You are able to search. You can set it up and save it. Be careful not to put too many words in, but use key words. And tick the 'search completed items' box underneath that one.

fidgit

Well I've been on to Live Help for about 30 minutes now, 6 different agents I've had! Does anyone know if there's any rules regarding selling items on without the original owners permission? All I've got out of ebay so far is "maybe". I didn't even know you could be transferred via Live Help!