Buyers ask questions about things that are in the listing.

[shoppingbag*]

I've recently had a few buyers asking questions about items, when everything is clearly stated in my listings. Is it that they can't read, or do not bother? If so, and I give them the details again and they can't read or do not bother, am I just going around in circles? Should I just say  "read the listing" ? (I would really like to add "if you can't read, get someone to read it to you") but I guess they couldn't read that to ask someone to read it to them. What a conundrum!

[kopenhagen5]

Many buyers look at the front page, pic, title, price and postage without scrolling to the description.

I know I do if I am satisfied with what I see, especially if I look at 20-30 listings per item I buy.

I think newish ebayers won't bother scrolling to the description.

[kitty-kat-kollection]

I just had a person do this right now. Asked 2 questions that were both in the listing. I always just answer the questions briefly and politely.

[twyngwyn]

they're probably using the app

[wide-world-of-stamps]

We reply politely, but usually include a little dig -

As stated in the listing ...........

[*tippy*toes*]

I had someone send a message once asking what colour was the green teacup. I replied "purple". They replied that they wanted a pink one. I replied that they should stop looking at listings that were green.

[tazzieterror]

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@shoppingbag* wrote:

I've recently had a few buyers asking questions about items, when everything is clearly stated in my listings. Is it that they can't read, or do not bother? If so, and I give them the details again and they can't read or do not bother, am I just going around in circles? Should I just say  "read the listing" ? (I would really like to add "if you can't read, get someone to read it to you") but I guess they couldn't read that to ask someone to read it to them. What a conundrum!

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Granted it's annoying, and usually unnecessary, but some buyers like to double check things, particularly as some sellers recycle text from other listings without checking through and updating details. I'm not saying your listings are like that—you obviously write yours yourself, but some buyers just get into the habit of asking.

Try to put a positive spin on it in your mind—every buyer-initiated interaction is a chance to demonstrate that you're a responsive, helpful seller, and worth dealing with! 

[davewil1964]

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@wide-world-of-stamps wrote:
We reply politely, but usually include a little dig -

As stated in the listing ...........

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I had that from a now blocked member.

They asked whether a book was a mass market paperback. I pointed them to the dimensions in the description, and mentioned that a book buyer would be assumed to be able to read.

They gave me several diatribes about how should they be expected to know what the dimensions meant and how they would never buy from me with my attitude.

I advised that I had saved them the trouble of accidentally buying from me.

[tazzieterror]

Dave, try to put a positive spin o...actually, nevermind! 

[jellybirddesigns]

Whilst it is an annoyance, in my opinion it's worth ones while to just be polite about it and answer accordingly.

I think some people are on their mobile phones and it may not be super obvious where the description is.