How can I contact a Canadian seller who blocks Oz?

[five_eyes]

I would like to ask a Canadian seller if I can bid on one of his Auctions.

His listing says he only posts to Canada & the USA.

When I have tried to send an ebay message to ask if he will post to Oz, all I get is an ebay message telling me he does not accept questions.

The stupid part is that I have bought from him a year ago, when he did ship to Oz.

I tried to bid but it would not accept my bid.

I have a saved search set up and this is the first time in over 2 years that this item has been listed anywhere worldwide on ebay.

It is so frustrating because I am sure he would be happy for me to bid, if only I could get a message through to him!

Any bright ideas from the wizards here would be appreciated.

Ta,

[twyngwyn]

can you click on one of his other items and ask a question?

[a_beautiful_room]

If you click on his feedback number, his feedback page will come up - there are some options on the right hand side and one of these is "contact member".

[2106greencat]

Quite possibly the seller has learned from past dealings not to sell to SP. Nothing wrong with us (Au and NZ) but Canada post is horrific at the best of times and the poor seller has probably had more than one INR dispute simply because the postal service is so slow to reach us. I would respect the sellers wishes and let it go. JMO

[tstore]

I actually have a great work around to this - if you save the iten to your watch list, go into the eBay app for the iPhone and you will be able to send a message even with blcks in place.

[thecatspjs]

thank you very much tstore 🙂  thats a fantastic work-around :-x:-x

[2106greencat]

OK - great work around.

But I have to say that I hate when buyers contact me with 'an offer' when I do not have it in my listing. I find it embarrassing to have to reply in the negative, and I should not be made to feel that way.

By the same token - if any seller has 'blocked' overseas or various countries to sell (for what ever reason they choose) why should they be put in the position of having to explain they do not want to do it. Or worse, feel they should oblige and then have to go to all the effort of working out postage, times etc.

Sorry, I think it is rude. eBay has these options in place for sellers to use, why do some think it is acceptable so long as you can 'work around it'X-(

I am making a lot of friends today 😐

[kopenhagen5]

No cat, you are not losing friends. I commend your post.

Blocks are for a reason and should be respected.

However some sellers place these in a  generalisation of past experiences and welcome individuals whom display courtesy, tact and politeness.

I have asked many that don't post to Oz in a manner that respects their decline of doing so, hence, most are glad to.

I probably  wouldn't use a "work around".

[2106greencat]

Thanks kopes 😄

[arnl7178]

I have to agree with greencat.

I'm not sure if I find it rude as such, but invading might be a better word.

It's like recently. I had a book ending. Postage charges were only for what Australia Post charge me, and the book was started at $0.99 with no bids. 5 minutes before the auction, I was asked if she could pick it up from my location. I said she couldn't because I don't like strangers coming to my home unless I have no choice with certain items. I felt like such a bad seller having to say "no".

You may put this other seller in a similar situation. Food for though.