posted on May 20, 2001 06:13:59 AM
On a Yahoo auction, is there a way for a buyer to send email to a seller to ask a question, without the question getting posted to the "comments" section of the auction page? I never have used Yahoo auctions before, but it doesn't look like I can send private email to a seller. ??
posted on May 20, 2001 07:13:48 AM
Your question will only be seen by you and the seller if the seller doesn't answer. If the seller does answer it, all the world will be able to see it.
This is why questions like: "Are you authorized to sell these videotapes" always go unanswered. Bootleggers and others who are allowed by Yahoo to use Trademarks and Copyrights without permission run rampart on Yahoo and they know how this works. They won't answer as it would "tip off" other potential bidders.
IMHO, this is a major flaw in Yahoo's system.
OTOH, I don't believe Yahoo will be in the auction biz much longer ...
posted on May 20, 2001 10:48:23 AM
You can use this "ask question" mode to include your own email address to the seller, however. That way you can keep a mildly awkward exchange private; I've done that once or twice and had a truly grateful "Thanks for the help, can you tell me more..." sort of private email response.
Doubt you'd get any such from a copyright pirate, though.
posted on May 20, 2001 11:50:14 AM
dimview ... Yes
When you were reporting these on a regular basis, I didn't have much use for them and I believe I stated that a few times here. I think the dropping numbers that you were reporting were the result of the introduction of fees.
Now that I have had a little experience with Yahoo, I believe that a continuing drop in listings is simply the result of the way Yahoo is treating their long time supporters (like me).
Therefore, I formally withdraw all of my support for Yahoo, and I now will humbly and publicy eat crow (arghh!) for all of those shots I took at you way back then
posted on May 20, 2001 12:20:26 PM
I know how enjoyable the "dailies" were, but it didn't make sense to continue when the numbers just collapsed and never turned around.
Even on a weekly basis, Yahoo!Auctions is best described as a "flatline" case on life support that's ready to have the plug pulled.
I find it amazing that here we are apporaching six months since listing fees began and Yahoo! hasn't implemented a thing to improve that "business segment."
Perhaps that big network they talked about, with tens of millions of users, doesn't exist at all.
posted on May 20, 2001 01:02:44 PM
Aw, Dimview
"...Yahoo! hasn't implemented a thing to improve that "business segment." Did you see the latest AW article about the big $2 mil sweepstakes? LOL, "everything is working according to plan" says Yahoo. Spin, spin, spin- sounds like they are still under the delusion they have a successful site.
"Yahoo is deader than I have ever seen it," wrote kasmoon. "And I just don't think this sweepstakes will help bring it back to life."
Godwin said that he thinks differently, however, and points to the improvements made to the search function at Yahoo Auctions and the increased sell-through rate auction merchants are experiencing since the addition of listing fees.
"It was a necessary correction and everything is working according to plan," he noted. "We our continuing to improve our site and marketing Yahoo Auctions on and off our site."
JEMA, did you check the sellers about me page for an email add? I have mine posted there and bidders do bypass Q&A to write me direct. I keep forgetting to put it in the ads like many sellers do but I posted it on my about me page from day 1.
If they have a Paypal logo in the ad you can place your mouse pointer over it and it will show the email add.
Yes, and did you read the latest Yahoo!Auctions newsletter, 16-May-2001?
A brief excerpt:
Tips for Auction Users: Premium sellers lead the way to quality auctions
The new Premium Sellers program rewards success and points bidders to some of our finest auctions. Sellers who maintain high-quality inventory, provide top-notch customer service, and generally excel in their category are eligible for this merit-based membership program. Premium sellers receive enhanced placement and superior customer support from the Auctions team.
So it looks like Yahoo!Auctions is once again providing an advantage to some sellers in the placement of auctions in listings and search results. That means other sellers will be at a disadvantage with their auctions.
Some sellers will receive superior customer support; other sellers will therefore receive inferior customer support.
Didn't Yahoo!Auctions have the same idiotic scheme when they based auction placements on feedback?
I just don't see Yahoo!Auctions as a credible auction site. Period.
