Customer request to purchase items before auction ended

[till_2010]

I have received a message from an eBay customer asking if she can purchase multiple items that I have put up for auction at a fixed price before the auction has ended.

I received a message stating that she can't afford much and would appreciate the items at a certain price. Single mother on a disabiltiy pension.

Is this against eBay policy? I can't find anything on it anywhere.

I haven't sold much on eBay before and don't want to get a mark against my name because I didn't understand and feel sad for the lady and wanted to help her out. 

I also don't know if it is just a sob story to get stuff from people cheaper either. Oh the world we live in. 

Please help a new eBay seller out and point me in the right direction so I can assist the customer as best as I can within the eBay guidelines.

[stormness_1]

Yes, this is against ebay policy, because you are ending the listing early and selling off-site.

And yes, it is probably just a sob-story, sellers get them all the time. Congrats, you're initiated! I'm not looking at the item though, could be something essential, I haven't checked your listings.

[harley_babes_hoard]

No, I would let the auctions run their course. If they don't sell then perhaps entertain the thought.

Beware of scammers on here. You'll get to here all kinds of storys over time.

[amber-eyed-girl]

She would not be getting a discount in a store with a story of hardship.

Whether it is true or not, you are here to sell your goods in the same way as a bricks and mortar store is run.

You have expenses (eBay and Paypal fees, your time) and need to factor in a profit margin you are happy with.

I would not be ending listings early after an approach like this, for multiple items.

One, maybe, but not several.

This story is also a familiar one.


If it were me, I would suggest to her that she might pick one item, at a price you, the seller are comfortable with, as a once only thing.

Or nothing at all but an I am sorry, but no.

Do not sell off eBay either but relist at the agreed price only if you do that. Do not agree to any ending early and payment outside eBay.

That reply would end it I think.

[5kazam]

I almost feel I know this buyer.

In December I had a similar situation.  The buyer did end up buying a few things on 2 of my id's.  I sent an email advising that I would combine postage, and would charge all the postage on one invoice, and what was purchased on the other id would show free postage.  When I sent the invoice, I received a message telling me the postage was too dear as "I'm a widow on a disability pension".  Pointed out again that all postage for all items was on one invoice, and the other invoice showed free. Subsequently got her items, left glowing feedback, then gave me 2's on postage costs (Grrr!!!).  A few weeks later the same buyer emailed me about an item that didn't sell - made a ridiculous offer, which I declined, and I haven't heard from her since.  The item sold soon after for my asking price.

She also said in one of her numerous emails 'that other sellers discount items and postage for me, because I'm a pensioner....."  

Don't get sucked in.  It may not be the same buyer, but I could almost bet she's a very close relative.

[davewil1964]

Tell her Joe Hockey says the age of entitlement is over (unless you are a miner).