Ebay Sellers That Don't Respond.

Spoonie_Turtle

As a buyer, I really appreciate it when people put in the details - but I find the mobile site (not app, site through mobile browser) doesn't alqays show everything. One seller included all the measurements in item specifics, which I saw when browsing on my laptop, but when I went onto the items to bid some days later on my phone or tablet (can't remember which), I couldn't get to the specifics again.  eBay really do sellers - and buyers! - a disservice with that.

Also the item description only shows a line or two on the mobile site unless you actually click on it, which I didn't realise for some time and just thought it was all lazy sellers … some still are, but a lot have way more description than is immediately obvious.

Although yes, from reading people's experiences here there are also lazy buyers who don't read even the title, sometimes!

MattMattMattUK

For me it really depends on the question, sensible questions always get a reply. The issue is the stupid questions, these range from people asking questions to which the answer is already very clearly in the description (selling a jacket, size clearly stated, link to the manufacturer's size chart, asks "What size is this, will it fit me?"), to stupid unanswerable questions (selling a PS4 game "My son is 14, will he enjoy this game, will it be his favourite?) and the idiotic low ballers (£300 item "Hi, will you accept an offer of £20 because I really want this").

Having gone through stages of selling quite a bit on eBay, clearance though, never as a business, I have learned that people who ask stupid questions should always be blocked from buying. They will almost always be hassle, they will complain or want to return an item afterwards for "goods not as described", which they use as a get out of jail for not having read the description/looked at the images, or just a change of mind. The other thing is if I have a bunch of items listed the amount of questions can get too many to respond to, there might be 2-3 reasonable questions, but there could be 50+ stupid questions. The worst categories for idiotic questions seem to be video games, electronics and clothing, the best seem to be memorabilia/collectibles.

[Deleted User]

MattMattMattUK said:

For me it really depends on the question, sensible questions always get a reply. The issue is the stupid questions, these range from people asking questions to which the answer is already very clearly in the description (selling a jacket, size clearly stated, link to the manufacturer's size chart, asks "What size is this, will it fit me?"), to stupid unanswerable questions (selling a PS4 game "My son is 14, will he enjoy this game, will it be his favourite?) and the idiotic low ballers (£300 item "Hi, will you accept an offer of £20 because I really want this").

Having gone through stages of selling quite a bit on eBay, clearance though, never as a business, I have learned that people who ask stupid questions should always be blocked from buying. They will almost always be hassle, they will complain or want to return an item afterwards for "goods not as described", which they use as a get out of jail for not having read the description/looked at the images, or just a change of mind. The other thing is if I have a bunch of items listed the amount of questions can get too many to respond to, there might be 2-3 reasonable questions, but there could be 50+ stupid questions. The worst categories for idiotic questions seem to be video games, electronics and clothing, the best seem to be memorabilia/collectibles.

Yes, completely understand your viewpoint.

However, when a polite and intelligent question is asked it's always nice to be answered with the same good manners - hell, even a one word answer is better than just being ignored !

Just last week it happened again, i asked about the items dimensions and nothing ....  not a word 😠

[Deleted User]

Spoonie_Turtle said:

As a buyer, I really appreciate it when people put in the details - but I find the mobile site (not app, site through mobile browser) doesn't alqays show everything. One seller included all the measurements in item specifics, which I saw when browsing on my laptop, but when I went onto the items to bid some days later on my phone or tablet (can't remember which), I couldn't get to the specifics again.  eBay really do sellers - and buyers! - a disservice with that.

Also the item description only shows a line or two on the mobile site unless you actually click on it, which I didn't realise for some time and just thought it was all lazy sellers … some still are, but a lot have way more description than is immediately obvious.

Although yes, from reading people's experiences here there are also lazy buyers who don't read even the title, sometimes!

Now that is interesting and could explain why more and more people don't reply.

Flyonthewall

Spoonie_Turtle said:

As a buyer, I really appreciate it when people put in the details - but I find the mobile site (not app, site through mobile browser) doesn't alqays show everything. One seller included all the measurements in item specifics, which I saw when browsing on my laptop, but when I went onto the items to bid some days later on my phone or tablet (can't remember which), I couldn't get to the specifics again.  eBay really do sellers - and buyers! - a disservice with that.

Yes, the app isn't ideal for buying. I always look at listings through the website before buying, I wouldn't just use the app. I do like the app as a seller for checking if there are sales/offers, although sometimes it seems to like giving notifications and other times it just doesn't bother.

MattMattMattUK said:

For me it really depends on the question, sensible questions always get a reply. The issue is the stupid questions, these range from people asking questions to which the answer is already very clearly in the description (selling a jacket, size clearly stated, link to the manufacturer's size chart, asks "What size is this, will it fit me?"), to stupid unanswerable questions (selling a PS4 game "My son is 14, will he enjoy this game, will it be his favourite?) and the idiotic low ballers (£300 item "Hi, will you accept an offer of £20 because I really want this").

Having gone through stages of selling quite a bit on eBay, clearance though, never as a business, I have learned that people who ask stupid questions should always be blocked from buying. They will almost always be hassle, they will complain or want to return an item afterwards for "goods not as described", which they use as a get out of jail for not having read the description/looked at the images, or just a change of mind. The other thing is if I have a bunch of items listed the amount of questions can get too many to respond to, there might be 2-3 reasonable questions, but there could be 50+ stupid questions. The worst categories for idiotic questions seem to be video games, electronics and clothing, the best seem to be memorabilia/collectibles.

Stupid to you doesn't mean the buyer agrees. Sometimes sellers think they have added something in a description or that something is explained and it isn't. Even giving a size chart, they are very general and aren't always correct to the actual item. It gives you a good idea and I like when they are included, but they are not perfect. For example, you look at a top which goes straight down and the chart sizes say the waist is far smaller than the hips, but it clearly isn't or the top would be a totally different shape. Or it gives the measurements for trousers, but you are looking at shorts or 3/4 lengths that could be any length and the seller won't reply.

I agree some questions are already answered, some are very stupid and very low offers annoy me too, but it isn't always the case. It is annoying when the seller thinks they have an all amazing listing when they don't and they ignore a simple, polite question. 

I had a buyer ask for a condition of a disc despite it being clear in the listing it was very good and working. I replied, stating it was very good and they bought it. Looking at their feedback they had left negatives for bad discs and I worried they would complain, but I haven't heard anything so I think that they just found some bad sellers. While it seemed a stupid question, I think it was just reassurance they wanted.

Although you obviously can't know if someone will enjoy something or if it will fit them and the question does sound stupid, it could be a buyers way of asking for more details or a personal recommendation. If you get a lot like that I would wonder if there was something I could change in the listings. Like, for example, does the description/blurb added by ebay say "if you love x you will love this" because that is what is on the product and it is prompting people to ask questions about if you would recommend it. If so, you can make sure not to include that. Of course, there could just be a lot of idiotic buyers and some questions are just stupid, but it is something worth checking.

Spoonie_Turtle

Flyonthewall said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

As a buyer, I really appreciate it when people put in the details - but I find the mobile site (not app, site through mobile browser) doesn't alqays show everything. One seller included all the measurements in item specifics, which I saw when browsing on my laptop, but when I went onto the items to bid some days later on my phone or tablet (can't remember which), I couldn't get to the specifics again.  eBay really do sellers - and buyers! - a disservice with that.

Yes, the app isn't ideal for buying. I always look at listings through the website before buying, I wouldn't just use the app. I do like the app as a seller for checking if there are sales/offers, although sometimes it seems to like giving notifications and other times it just doesn't bother.

No, not the app, I use the website always.  But on a browser on mobile it doesn't always show all the details of listings.

Flyonthewall

Spoonie_Turtle said:

Flyonthewall said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

As a buyer, I really appreciate it when people put in the details - but I find the mobile site (not app, site through mobile browser) doesn't alqays show everything. One seller included all the measurements in item specifics, which I saw when browsing on my laptop, but when I went onto the items to bid some days later on my phone or tablet (can't remember which), I couldn't get to the specifics again.  eBay really do sellers - and buyers! - a disservice with that.

Yes, the app isn't ideal for buying. I always look at listings through the website before buying, I wouldn't just use the app. I do like the app as a seller for checking if there are sales/offers, although sometimes it seems to like giving notifications and other times it just doesn't bother.

No, not the app, I use the website always.  But on a browser on mobile it doesn't always show all the details of listings.

Sorry, misread. I don't use ebay on a mobile browser as it defaults to just opening the app, which doesn't show everything. I use ebay on a desktop so I can view the site properly. So still the same issue/solution lol. Ebay on mobile needs to be massively improved for listings - many will be using only mobile to buy/sell.

olgadapolga

Politely worded questions I will always respond to.

Those that say "£5 OK?" or "I give u £5" are ignored and blocked.

And there are other questions that, IMO, are ridiculous. Some people really don't read the listings, they look at the photos, look at the price and make a decision based on that information alone.

We had one person who wanted to know where the batteries went for a tiny Lego light saber. These are about 50mm long and 2mm in diameter. No batteries. They thought that the light sabers were suitable for adult CosPlay, even though the dimensions were in the description and the item specifics. The word "LEGO" in the title might have given it away as well.

MalMonroe

As both a seller and a buyer, I respond to all questions in a kind manner. No matter how stupid they may seem. Because some people really are that daft. (no offence meant to anyone!)

I'm always polite, even if I feel they are trying to pull a fast one.

I always go through the eBay site so there's no argument about what was said by whom, when and where.

I'm currently dealing with a 'silent' seller who has sent me damaged goods and once the case is settled, they'll be getting an honest review.

I just don't think that ignoring questions serves any purpose. People do ignore mine sometimes but that means they have a problem, not me.

And I don't think anything goes on behind the scenes, whether you're a buyer or a seller. There's always the option to pull out of or cancel a sale if it seems fishy or if the buyer/seller asks you to do something that eBay doesn't countenance - such as paying by bank transfer outside of the eBay system - losing money in the process.

Don't let ignorant people, whether they are buyers or sellers, influence the (hopefully business-like) way you conduct your own account. 

TripleH

Flyonthewall, yes I always answer the question when asked about an item (even when I think the question might be daft).

Where I have people message if I will accept an offer of... (only ever had offers am happy with come through) I'll always advise how they should formally structure their offer through eBay. Usually its because they are after more than 1 item I have for sale at any one time.

My volumes are very low, (we have been on a slow cycle of clearing out items at home for what seems like ages now) so have the time to respond to messages received.