Sending/receiving an email address via ebay messages

[print-stuff-and-things]

Hi, I recently asked ebay the following question

Hi, I sell personalised items and need to email buyers with a sample of their item. Often they let me know their email address via an ebay message, but you remove their email address from the message - this also happens when I send them my email address. Is there any way around this? It is extremely frustrating and I spend a lot of my time sorting this out. Kind regards, Kay

and received this answer...

Hi K,
I understand that you are having problem contacting your buyer. I am happy to help.

K, you can get in touch with your buyer by email or phone.

Here's how to send them an email:
1. Click My eBay at the top of most eBay pages. You may be asked to sign in.
2. Click the 'Sold' link on the left side of the page under the 'Sell' heading.
3. Locate the item.
4. From the 'More actions' column pull-down menu, select the 'Contact Buyer' link
5. Complete the form with your message to the buyer.
6. Click the 'Send' button when finished.

To speed up the process of your transaction, aside from sending e-mails through eBay messages, sometimes buyers do not see an email and a phone call would work better. First, please take note of the member's User ID and the item number of your transaction.

Here's how to request for your buyer's contact information:

1. Click “Advanced Search” at the top of the eBay.com.au homepage.
2. Click the “Find Contact Information” link on the left side of the Advanced Search page.
3. Enter the seller's User ID and the item number.
4. Click "Search." (You may be asked to sign in).
5. We'll send an e-mail with the contact information of the other member (including phone number) to the e-mail we have on file for you. We'll also send your contact information to the buyer.

NOTE:  We highly recommend to use the eBay messaging system first or simultaneously with phone because if there is a need for any investigation.  We use these as a document to support and further assist you.

I'm glad to have the chance to assist you, K. If you have any further questions or concerns about your eBay account, please don't hesitate to e-mail us back and let us know.

Warm regards,

Regine B.
eBay Customer Support

Can anyone tell me how to send my email address without it being removed? The fix they suggest is just stupid! I usually put example(at)gmail.com - but not everyone can work this out.

As you will all know, many of the email addresses buyers use are inactive or they don't check them. Many thanks