topic Re: Can we contact a watcher? in Selling

Can we contact a watcher?

oneyeandbag — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 01:12:01 GMT

Hi,

As a seller, if I owned a real shop and people came in to "watch" or browse my products, I would be called a lousy business person with poor service if I didnt approach the potential buyer and asked them if I could help with their visit.

Many watchers on Ebay may not be certain about an item or the seller and may be too embarrassed to ask a simple question.

So, wouldnt it be good if we could send the watchers a polite message..."Hi, thanks for watching, do you need more info about this item? etc.

Ebay has slowly become impersonal, stating privacy issues are the cause. This is a simple process that could "reconnect" people.

merry Xmas.

Frank

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

bettyboopsadaisy — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 01:22:07 GMT

Yes, I can see that in some cases the ability to connect with a watcher may be a good thing but the problem there is that people 'watch' for a whole variety of reasons, quite apart from an interest in actually buying the item.

It could be that they are:

1. sellers interested because they are selling similar items and are curious to see how a rival auction pans out.

2. simple browsers interested because they themselves own such an item.

3. only vaguely interested buyers who don't wish to search again at a later stage for the same item.

I routinely watch quite a number of items, without any intention to buy.

Some people consider it good customer service in retail stores when a salesperson approaches you and asks if they can help while you are just generally looking. I personally get irritated by it and just want to be left alone, until I have a specific question to ask or give a clear indication that I would like help. That's just me, though. Others no doubt feel differently.

On ebay, as a seller, I wait until I get a question sent to me. Then I know the prospective buyer really wants to hear from me !!

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

pennyforum14 — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 01:30:54 GMT

Another site I use allows you to see who is watching and to contact them with special offers etc, IF the watchers opts to be visible. If they don't want such attention they can opt remain anonymous.

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

davidc4430 — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 03:43:33 GMT

i'm watching almost 200 items, all for different reasons. some i have the same items and i'm interested in the sale price just for reference. some are 'i'd like to buy that if i had some spare cash' items. some are waiting till the auction ends to bid on if they arnt allready beyond my budget. none of them do i require help with. i think if a seller gives a good description theres no need for help, but i have often made enquiries when more info was needed.as a seller i cant see sending messages to every 'watcher' would do much except give the seller more time consuming work.as a buyer the contact seller feature works perfectly for me and i'd prefer not to have 200 emails asking me to hurry up and buy/bid before it sells. but then i'm one of those real shop buyers who hates having shop staff running up wanting to assist me.

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

westie1969charley — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 04:33:20 GMT

I agree with you Frank, I find it frustrating when you see 21 people watching an item you are selling then it doesnt sell once the auction expires!!

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

robinsonmarineparts — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:09:05 GMT

I wouldn't want to be contacted by any seller about watching there items.

I would never contact members watching my items.

Too me it's a bit like being 'that' pushie salesman, turn's me completely off.

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

collect247 — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:18:38 GMT

99.9% of watchers are the opposition anyway not potential buyers

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

robinsonmarineparts — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:24:33 GMT

I know.

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

thecatspjs — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:26:00 GMT

Penny thats such a sensible idea 🙂

I suppose on that basis we will never see it emplemented on eb then 😉

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

thecatspjs — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:27:46 GMT

Lol iphone typos and autocorrect 🙂

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

pennyforum14 — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:33:05 GMT

Yes, I've always liked it, and I find that about 75% of my watchers over there are visible. The site even has it setup so that if they opt to be seen, they automatically get a notification when the shop has a sale on, as do those people who have put you in their favourites list.

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

thecatspjs — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:55:12 GMT

Very buyer friendly stuff indeed Penny.

Re: Can we contact a watcher?

threewoodenspoons — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 01:31:05 GMT

Hi! As a new eBay seller. I'll agree that most 'watchers' have various reasons for watching ... just as some of you mentioned, I also watch items for the same reasons; as a buyer: ie, interested but might not have the funds just yet, somewhat interested, have a similar item, or just really like the type of item that the seller has but just not interested in buying (at this time), etc. Another good reason for me is not having to search for the item again.

As a seller, I try to write as much detail as possible, and even when 'watchers' have not bought the item (item ends), that's fine, at the very least, my item was found during their search! Maybe the 'watcher' will return and buy, or maybe not.

I've had good experience so far with buyers asking directly what they need, or about price, shipping cost, etc, which is great!

So all you watchers ...or if your just ..."looky-loos"... thanks for stopping by!... if you have questions - speak up! we'll be glad to help!