posted on April 25, 2001 05:57:41 AM new
I had an auction end at 14:08 PDT the other day. After the auction was over, I received an e-mail from a potential bidder saying that they lived near me and could they pick up the item to save shipping costs. (It cost 10 dollars to ship this item.) This e-mail was sent through ebay's 'ask seller a question'.
The item sold for a bit less than I'd hoped.
The problem is, according to the e-mail headers, that bidder actually sent that e-mail at 13:19 PDT, but I didn't get it until 14:19, after the auction had already ended.
I've already got an e-mail link in my auctions, but I'm considering adding text to all my auctions stating that if a bidder has a question, DO NOT go through e-bay's 'ask the seller a question' process.
Has anyone else done this, and is it against e-bay's rules?
This person lived less than 15 minutes from my house in an area I frequent. I'd have been happy to either deliver the item, or let them pick it up.
posted on April 25, 2001 06:06:51 AM new
First I'd email the potential bidder & explain what happened so they don't think you just blew off their inquiry.
I don't think there's any rules prohibiting what you want to do but you might want to change the wording just in case to something like:
"For FASTER responses to your questions, email me directly at [email protected]"
posted on April 25, 2001 06:09:12 AM new
I did answer the e-mail and told them that I was very sorry but I didn't receive it until after the auction was over.
It's just frustrating, wondering what that item could have gone for.
posted on April 25, 2001 06:17:01 AM newIt's just frustrating, wondering what that item could have gone for
Don't think about it. My father told me a long time ago, "Make your best deal & walk away & don't look back".
It's hard to do when the PC you bought last week is $500 cheaper this week. Or you see the same item on sale somewhere else, but don't allow what might have been to ruin your day.
After all, that potential might have turned out to be a PITA!
posted on April 25, 2001 06:41:21 AM new
I've never thought about putting my ICQ number in my auctions. That's something worth thinking about, especially since I try to make sure I'm at my computer when my auctions are ending.
LOL eventer. You're right, ebay may have inadvertently saved me from a PITA!
posted on April 25, 2001 07:13:51 AM new
I use icq for every one of my seller names on ebay. It's saved a lot of hassles. I've also changed my email at paypal to my icqmail addy so I get instant notification of payments.
Also this way only my real buyers have my paypal account addy. lol
"My father told me a long time ago, "Make your best deal & walk away & don't look back"."
That is good advice when you have some say in the outcome. In this case it is a result of an idiot ebay policy beyond the seller's control and it must be very frustrating.
"After all, that potential might have turned out to be a PITA!"
Now that's pretty silly logic when you consider that EVERY potential could turn out that way
posted on April 25, 2001 07:26:11 PM new
Off topic, I know, but can someone enlighten me as to what ICQ is? Is it e-mail, instant message? Do you put it in your auctions? I have a big problem with receiving e-mails also, through the new e-bay system. Thanks.
