eBay charmbullying

I don't sell often, but when I do, I start at 99c and let the market decide.

 

He's already come back as his wife; my guess is that he'll use Fido's account next...

 

This is an interesting approach.

I've never done it & probably never will, but as a buyer, I do appreciate it!

 

This happens to more than records. Always somebody that wants something for nothing. And hey,while your at it,could you deliver it for free?
I agree...Block them and move on.Don't waste your time with them unless you really want to,because once they get the item,they will probably start crying for a refund claiming damaged goods or something like that.
It's not worth the trouble

 

It's a numbers game to the charmbullyers. A lot of them have a form letter they copy and paste, and they send them out in droves. They hope some newer sellers are open to persuasion or naïve.
A lot of them get a little thrill out of it when it works.

 

There is DEFINITELY an ego thing going on; a need for them to *win* in some crazy way!

 

I have a guy that just purchased from me after saying he would buy from me only if I knock off $20 bucks. I told him politely no. He went ahead and purchased anyway. This was a BIN with no option for offers. So now if I confirm the purchase and ship, he will be on me for his partial refund. I reported the interaction to eBay, but they aren't going to give me any guidance. What would you guys do in this situation?

edit: for more context, this guy is in Vietnam (I don't ship international) and wants it shipped to an address in New Hampshire.

 

I would not confirm the purchase or ship. Does it say no international shipping somewhere in your ad? If so, this is what I would do. If you do choose to confirm I see a possible rather large can of worms being opened up for you.

 

I chose US only, and that is reflected under the Shipping tab. Even though he wants me to ship it to NH, I'm on the hook for an international fee since he is in Vietnam. I certainly didn't agree to that.

 

Understood. I'm unfamiliar with eBay's new to me payment plans, but is it the same as Paypal where if the address that is attached to it differs from where the product is sent there's no seller protection?

 

That's a great point. Not sure, as I just started selling a few items after many years away. I've got to think that's a good enough reason to justify cancelling. If he negs me, then I'd hope I could get them to remove it after a review.

 

Also, how do I block this guy?

 

I'm not sure only being a casual buyer on eBay myself for nearly 2 decades. I'll let the experienced sellers share the details on this one.

 

If I get lowballed shortly after an item is listed, I generally respond by saying something like:

"Thank you for your interest! Price is firm for now. I do understand the old adage that 'a thing is worth whatever someone is willing to pay. and not more'. So, if the item has not sold after a few weeks, there is a good chance I will lower the price incrementally until it does. So stay tuned!"

 

Figured it out. Pretty well hidden, but it's done and dusted. Can't bid or contact me again. Starting to regret getting back on eBay at all, but just wanted to sell some stuff before the changes take effect next year.

 

I am a long time ebay seller and over the years I have learned to block buyers who annoy me, and I've developed a sixth sense as to which buyer is going to be a problem and which isn't. There are always clues they give out.

 

Where is the problem with that?

It happens to me quite often. Foreign buyers with shipping addresses in Germany.

 

Just as was said above: In those cases, the seller may not have any protection from false claims if he/she ships to an unverified address. This just had trouble written all over it, proven by the fact he's managed to contact me yet again using another account and is hounding me all over again.

 

When a buyer contacts you to insist that you not include a packing slip or "bill" as they want it to "seem like a gift" does that raise any particular flags for you?

edit: I should clarify the product is USED......nobody would mistake them for new.

 

Dropshipping?
Something else?

 

Dropshipping, nothing else.

 

I have been selling on eBay for over 20 years and have received messages like that quite a few times. I respond by thanking them for their interest and might let them know it is a take it or leave it price or I might send an offer. If they persist with more of the same, I block them since I am not a business seller and already spend more time than I would like dealing with my 250 listings each month.

Two days ago I was communicating with a buyer that started with that approach. The last two messages:

From buyer:

"Hello and thanks for adding the pics. You had this up as a best offer. I see you removed that. The case does have some cracks and these SACD cases are hard to replace. Especially this one since it's not even a standard SACD case so it will be near impossible to change. Would you be willing to take $20 for this?

Thanks!"

My last response:

"No, it is a take it or leave it price. The Super Jewel Box is the older standard small hinge case. I have replaced many of them, but they are a pain to deal with, and I can't imagine this case will require replacement if all you want is to play the SACD.

Regards,
Chris"

 

I should have mentioned, the first thing I do when receiving any message from a potential buyer is check feedback, particularly feedback left for others. There are many predatory eBay buyers who will use messages or feedback to get something for free, finding them before getting burned and blocking them isn't easy but worth the effort.

 

Good tip. Out of the past 24 transactions my latest buyer has left TEN negatives. Doesn't seem like a great ratio to me.

 

I'll say!