Correct wording .. to tell a potential buyer NO ADDRESS BEFORE PURCHASE

WLM21

A potential buyer has asked if he can see an item before buying it

I know this can cause problems, relating to the security of my eBay account so what is the best wording to use, as he has asked for my address.

thanks !

DullGreyGuy

"no"?

Is it a small item where you could arrange to meet at your local pub or such instead of your home?

Not sure how you think its a security to your ebay account, if they are the winning bidder they'll get your address anyway and that same "problem" would exist.

WLM21

DullGreyGuy said:

Not sure how you think its a security to your ebay account, i

I probably used the wrong word.

A friend did something similar, giving out his address and had his eBay account suspended for a week or maybe it was 2 weeks .. the reason being was that eBay thought he was trying to sell 'outside of eBay' to save on fees

kalsha

@ DullGreyGuy If you give out the address, and he decides not to buy it, Ebay can still charge you final value fees.  They will assume you sold it to him outside Ebay.

@WLM21 Just tell him that Ebay does not allow address to be given out before the sale.

WLM21

Would this be OK ..

Thank you for your message.

It is against eBay policy to provide contact details before a sale.

For this reason and so not to risk my account being suspended I cannot send my address or even a phone number.

If you decide to purchase and have ‘officially bought the item’ through eBay I will send you details.

You are then able to inspect the item and if you like it, can pay cash on collection. If not, I can cancel the sale at your request.

Thank you

GadgetGuru

Or you could write your address on a piece of paper and send him a picture of it instead

If not, I would write something like this:

Thank you for your message. 
Unfortunately it is against eBay policy for me to provide any contact details, since eBay will assume I am attempting to sell outside of their system to circumvent fees, which could result in me not only being charged the said fees, but also placing my account at risk of suspension. 
Of course, should you purchase the item via eBay I am more then happy for you to come and inspect the item before completing the purchase, and if deemed not suitable we can cancel the eBay sale, refunding any fees while releasing you from the purchase. Even so, I’m confident you will want the item once seeing it!
Kind regards

Spoonie_Turtle

Or perhaps "it is against eBay policy to give you that information, as it will be automatically flagged as trying to conduct a transaction outside of eBay. … (explanation about able to inspect before paying, etc.)"

The other suggestions make me nervy that the messages will be flagged anyway for the words, despite not actually containing the information.