Well I finally did my block with Ebay today
I had listed some designer chairs, $500, unusual design, high value item (for me anyway). As always I say in my listing, 'Inspections Are Welcome".
Potential buyer asks to come and view them, I agree and provide my mobile number. I had no intention of a direct sale, I was more interested to see what the items would achieve at auction.
After the auction runs its course, my account gets restricted by Ebay for 7 days - they ASSUME I am trying to transact outside of Ebay. No hard evidence.
I contact 'Customer Service" to ask them to read back my correspondence with the buyer that clearly talks about arranging an inspection. No offers to purchase outside of Ebay were discussed (i know better than to do that). The auction for the chairs ran its course and the chairs currently remain unsold. So obviously no shenanigans there.
Customer Service advised me that I am not to attempt any contact with buyers unless they are a 'transacter'. That means they have to actually purchase the item sight unseen before any contact details can be exchanged. I argued that this policy would result in more Chargebacks, Neutrals and Negatives as buyers make purchases without being able to view the item and ensure it really is suitable for them. And could result in less sales as I refuse requests from potential buyers to come and inspect. Ebay replied that I should just put more photos up and clear descriptions "because that's the way Ebay is going".
So... my buyers can no longer inspect my items prior to purchase. But if you sell a car on Ebay in the Classifieds its fine for you to put a phone number up.
Beware the BOTS
P.S. don't advise me to send a photo of my phone number to potential buyers either (I haven't tried this) - it seems they are on to that as well.
Rant over.
