posted on February 25, 2001 01:54:10 PM
I really haven't read up on the new rules but from what i gather, we can not get sellers or buyers e-mails until the end of the auctions? Well, if that is true, ebay is not doing a good thing. I sell and buy antiques and communicating with the sellers is very important when buying antiques. I always have a lot of questions before bidding. if i can't get their e-mail address how am I going to ask a question?
posted on February 25, 2001 02:04:08 PM
You will now have to use the "ask seller a question" link on the auction page. I have always used this link to ask questions, and I have always gotten an answer back directly from the seller. So I don't see any real problem unless eBay has changed the way that link will work.
Many sellers also include a link in their auction descriptions.
.....................................
Okay, I had to go take a look. Yes, they have changed it a bit.
Now, it gives me a form that I have to SEND my email on, so it goes through their system, like the "send this to a friend" link.
It takes a little longer, and you have to sign in or already be signed in, but once the initial contact is made through eBay, any additional correspondence will be direct.
posted on February 25, 2001 03:03:36 PM
Let me preface the following with the fact that I DO sympathize with people who have a problem with spammers and bottom feeders....
HOWEVER.....
all the b*tchin'& whinin' to eBay to BLOCK email addresses has just chipped away another of the original "community" blocks that WAS eBay! For those of us that are collectors and dealers, we no longer have the ability to contact each other with questions and hints and ideas! 3 years ago, I enjoyed the emails back and forth with other buyers and sellers...you didnt have to win an auction to make a friendship...you didnt have to be a seller to communicate with another collector....eBay was more than just someplace to buy & sell: it WAS a community!
I think I will adopt a similar "rule" at the antique store:
Customers may NOT speak to one another without having me "monitor" their conversations!! That way, I will never lose a sale on a piece of Fenton or a vintage toy because two people "cut a deal" outside my shop!
Give me the old days when eBay was F-U-N !!!
Same Kawfee-n-Junque as on eBay...I aint afraid of who I am!
posted on February 25, 2001 03:24:58 PM
I've seen this on other sites;it's not a big deal, but I include a link so bidders do not have to deal with eBay's baloney if they don't want to.
