posted on April 29, 2001 12:08:22 PM
I am appalled. Several months ago ebay changed their FVF program which makes it more difficult to receive refund of FVF for deadbeat bidder auctions by introducing NPBA and hard to follow time frames, it appeared ebay wanted to make it more inconvient for Sellers to obtain their FVF fee. I recently filed some NPBA for some auctions, most bidders had negative feedback or were newbies who obviously had no intention of honoring their bids. Ebay emails to the deadbeat bidder INVITE the deadbeat bidder to contact the seller by telephone by offering a direct URL link to contact information (see email pasted below. Ebay is well aware that 95-99 percent of NPBA are to deadbeats bidders who are newbies or have negative feedback. Why invite these troublemaking bidders to obtain the sellers phone number. The only reason I can think of is to discourage sellers from issuing NPBA thus saving ebay money. I sure don't want a -4 Feedback game player to have ebay email my personal contact information.
If you have been unsuccessful contacting the seller via email, you are welcome to contact them by phone if needed. eBay allows all members involved in a transaction to request each others' contact information, including phone numbers. This feature can be accessed through the following URL:
I think you're reading sinister motive into something where there isn't any. As for the deadbeats calling you -- they just ripped you off, last thing they'll want to do is talk to you. I've filed a lot of NPBA's in the last six months. Never a problem.
posted on April 29, 2001 09:00:21 PM
I can confirm spazmodeus's thoughts. I have filed lots of NPBAs and left lots of negative feedback. I have never been telephoned by any of these losers. In fact, I can't even remember a time where my contact info was requested.
They know they're being deadbeats. Most of mine use the "never heard from again" method of deadbeating. So it would hardly do for them to call me, as that would be an indicator of sentience at the other end of the wire!
posted on April 29, 2001 09:06:03 PM
I would NEVER call a bidder. Emails should be sufficient. I have two right now and I know I will never receive their payments so why pay the price for a phone call. I am in Wisconsin they are in Washington. They might be close in the alphabet but not by mileage and I am not going to pay for a phone call. I feel that is stupid. Ebay needs to screen people better....
