posted on October 14, 2001 09:44:18 AM
Just move to Germany.
I tried to look at someone's bidding activity, and this is what I got...
"Not possible.
German privacy laws do not allow us to pass on information involving bidders from Germany. If you want to find all auctions this user has bid on, please contact the user directly by email."
posted on October 14, 2001 10:04:01 AM
I don't know of any other countries with such a law, but I think it is a good idea. As a buyer, I cannot think of any significant way in which I would benefit from a seller being able to anonymously access and analyze my bidding/buying history. I bid on what I want to bid on, based on my searching of eBay listings. I don't need a seller's "push" marketing. As a seller, I have never felt the need for such information and do not even know how to access it. Sometimes I have an item that I know a previous buyer might like, and I send an email alerting the potential customer. This has been well-received; in fact, I got the idea from having several buyers asking me if I planned to list similar items. But what they have bid on or bought from others is no business of mine.
Sometimes I have an item that I know a previous buyer might like, and I send an email alerting the potential customer
You might want to rethink that, it's considered SPAM by eBay, and if reported by a past customer who doesn't appreciate the email you can get suspended. Just a word to the wise.
As a seller, I have never felt the need for such information and do not even know how to access it
You use the Search feature, and it can be very a very useful tool when checking up on deadbeat bidders, and bidders who retract their bids due to the "wrong amount", or "sorry, I bid by mistake".
Thanks for your input. Perhaps I wasn't clear on my statement about previous buyers. I contact them to let them know an item has been LISTED, and only when the customer has expressed an interest in "more of the same." When you are dealing in Collectibles, buyers often contact the seller to find more goodies for their collections. I have many repeat customers, and an email file of messages requesting such notifications. I have never sold an item "outside" of the eBay auction process, and eBay always gets their share of the proceeds from any sales activity that originated with eBay. It is my belief that what I am doing is not considered spam within eBay's definition. I am aware of the problem with unsolicited offers to buy outside of the auction process. When I receive them, I do not respond, however attractive the offer might be (you know the routine: "Sorry you weren't the high bidder, but I have another one, just send me the high bid amount", etc). But, in the interests of staying within the established rules, I will request a "ruling" from the folks at eBay on this matter. Thanks again!
posted on October 14, 2001 11:47:36 AM
"and an email file of messages requesting such notifications."
Ok, that changes things. I too have past customers that request that I contact them if & when I list more of the same. As long as no one complains, and you have a hard copy of the past customer making such a request, eBay won't bother you.
