topic Re: Ebay blocking communication completely? in Selling

Ebay blocking communication completely?

committed_hoarder — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 20:51:52 GMT

Has Ebay finally lost the plot totally with their fear of 'off site' transactions paranoia?

I just went to ask a seller a question about a item but noticed that there was no 'ask seller question' link at bottom of listing. Thinking the seller may have disabled asking questions I looked further. Checked about another 20 listings for various items ( new & used) from both private sellers & stores.

The usual ask seller a question has dissapeared from all the listings. The only option to ask anything was in the product reviews at the bottom of page from store listings.

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

audistarelectronics — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 21:29:22 GMT

WHAT THA? Found the same here, absolute killer of sales if ever I saw one. So, Ebay just expect a buyer to cough up the money and hope for the best that the item will actually suit. Hang on......oh I forgot, simple, just complain that it doesn't match the description and claim a refund. Stuff the seller. Hope this is just another system glitch, for the sake of you sellers that are left. For me, I no longer sell, but when I buy, I like to ask a question if I feel it is required, not to be gagged by big brother.

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

springyzone — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 21:29:30 GMT

Well, if that is the case it will be a shame for those looking at used items.

How on earth can other buyers or sellers help with those sorts of things?

Sometimes there are things not mentioned in ads that you may really need to know.

Heaven help the seller who has forgotten some piece of information or made a mistake. I once messaged a seller of a heavy, bulky item to ask if they were really offering post of $10.20 or if they meant pick up only & they changed that listing immediately with many thanks.

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

lyndal1838 — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 21:32:19 GMT

I was so incredulous when I read your post that I had to check it out for myself. To my horror I find that you have not missed anything....the Ask a Question link is missing from all listings.

Only if there is a review of the product is there also a link to ask a question which seems to be able to be answered by anyone....buyers or sellers. Too bad if you want to ask the seller a question specifically about their listing.

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

chameleon54 — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 21:40:53 GMT

There is a " contact seller" icon in a box on the top right corner of litings, just under " save this seller" , so it looks like it might just be another helpful change of layout by ebay.

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

chameleon54 — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 21:47:02 GMT

@chameleon54 wrote:
There is a " contact seller" icon in a box on the top right corner of litings, just under " save this seller" , so it looks like it might just be another helpful change of layout by ebay.

Only one little problem. I just tried the icon and like most things on ebay these days.................. it didnt work.......

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

audistarelectronics — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 21:52:11 GMT

They had better fix this stuff up pretty quick. I have a need for a rather expensive item from an Aussie seller but I wont be buying without finding out a couple of specific details to ensure that the item will suit. Oh, hang on, this will be easy, the seller is using their proper trading name to list with, I WILL do a search for their phone contact, and then I WILL buy outside of the Ebay system, and probably get an even better price due to the fees being bypassed. Another problem solved Ebay, but it will work in reverse if you push it. As far as sellers/buyers trading outsde of Ebay, I often receive a newsletter/specials page, along with all the sellers details directing you to their own website, never to buy via Ebay again. When it is posted along with the sent items, nothing Ebay can do. None of their business. They will just have to treat people in a better, fairer way than what they are doing at the moment to survive.

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

springyzone — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 22:00:52 GMT

I've been looking at a few listings for an item that would be pick up only but the dimensions (especially width) are critical & you'd be surprised how often some sellers just leave out the measurements.

If i can't check, then why would I risk buying?

I'm not interested in clicking to buy, travelling to check & then saying it is not as described to get my money back.

I'm wondering if they are trying to make it a lot harder for pick up only listings.

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

go-tazz — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 23:33:29 GMT

@lyndal1838 wrote:

Only if there is a review of the product is there also a link to ask a question which seems to be able to be answered by anyone....buyers or sellers.

I'll be able to ask all the Rainbow Rose seed sellers the same question then and buyers might answer as well

as some might have had seeds come up,

I'll see how this one goes and might "expand" the next one I leave a question for,

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

transport-posters — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 23:46:48 GMT

I clicked on it using a PC and it worked fine for me. Maybe a problem on a mobile device?

In all my years of using eBay, I've never used the "ask a question" link at the bottom of pages. I have always used the "contact seller" link up the top every time.

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

performance_parts_clearance_centre — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 23:57:48 GMT

I just tried the "Contact Seller" link and it's working fine for me...

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

committed_hoarder — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 00:29:47 GMT

chameleon54 wrote:

There is a " contact seller" icon in a box on the top right corner of litings, just under " save this seller" , so it looks like it might just be another helpful change of layout by ebay.

Well done Ebay. Even confused an experienced user with with the 'improvements' The first time I clicked on it it did not work. After refreshing the page (had been sitting for a while) it wortked. So I guess we can say the improvement sort of works.

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

committed_hoarder — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 00:32:44 GMT

@go-tazz wrote:
@lyndal1838 wrote:

Only if there is a review of the product is there also a link to ask a question which seems to be able to be answered by anyone....buyers or sellers.
I'll be able to ask all the Rainbow Rose seed sellers the same question then and buyers might answer as well

as some might have had seeds come up,

I'll see how this one goes and might "expand" the next one I leave a question for,

Now that we know where the "Contact seller' link is we can all ask them for the correct botanical name of their plants.

Re: Ebay blocking communication completely?

brerrabbit585 — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 05:14:04 GMT

This will explain why I had a question through one listing this morning but it was about another listing. I should have known it wasn't the buyer that was acting a little strange.