Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

I seem to be getting more buyers contacting me not wanting to buy items but to ask for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?  I'm not a shop I just sell things from time to time.

 

I've had one buyer who contacted me to check out their item which was the same as mine and another one who is asking me to give them advice and valuations on their items which are the same as mine?

 

I don't understand why they are contacting me, I'm not here to give advice and why would I offer advice to sell an item that is the same as mine? Obviously I want my item to sell not theirs. They also appear to be new accounts which opened this year?

 

Do I respond or just block them?

 

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Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

Obviously you must be doing a great job, and they just hope you might give some clues out. I have had people copy me all my life, my clothes, my hairstyle, the colour of the paint on my house, my garden. Often people directly asked me, knocking on the door, what plant is that? What colour is that paint? It can get annoying. What they all fail to realize is that the paint went with the colour of my bricks, the plants suited the style of my garden, the hairstyle suited me, as did the clothes.  All of the so called copying never looked the same as what they were trying to copy. My point is, that even if you told them all your secrets, they would not have the same success as you, as there is more to just making a good listing, it is the way you handle your sales and treat your customers that ensure your success. Take it as a compliment and tell them to figure things out for themselves.

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Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

I would say you are in a lucky position,   respond with suggestions that would make their items less appealing,  and suggest that yours are actually to cheap and they should be listing at higher prices.

 

Not sure what the problem is really.

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Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

I hate to instantly 'think the worst' but if I were having this happen to me on my selling account, I would be keeping an eye on if these sellers messaging you in case they decide to copy and paste you listings/photos as their own

 

 

Just in case something underhanded is behind their reasons for asking

 

Of course it could well be they intend to sell the same things and simply cba to look up what they want to know for themselves on Google 

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Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

I'm not sure which items you're being contacted about, but if it's the coin, it would raise red flags.

 

I have nothing to offer as advise, except that in listing for the coin and the other items, you cannot say there are no returns accepted as there is absolutely nothing stopping a buyer from opening a case against you and your wording in the description will have no bearing on the outcome. For a high priced item, scammers are bound to be on the lookout for any opportunity. At a minimum, don't forget to send the coin with Signature on Delivery.

 

I would not feel comfortable corresponding with random people about my items. 

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Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

Are they new sellers? If they are, they might be genuine and possibly a bit confused because eBay CS is not great at the moment (according to what people say, as personally I didn't need anything from them lately). Many sellers seem to be confused in particular with categories and eBay asking for details they have no idea about (I have seen threads here in the past), so those might be genuine questions too.

Valuations cost money, sometimes a lot of money. Maybe they just want to save money. You don't have to do it for free, although if you ask for money I am pretty sure it would be against eBay rules.

Some general advice and kindness are always good, but don't let them use you.

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Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

Interesting that coin is available in several locations for $30,  I wouldnt be asking this seller for advise on that one

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Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

I think it's pretty obvious why are asking you for advice, they are aware of your high-valued $2 coin and want to do the same.  They may not be aware that asking a rival seller for help may not be the best way to go about it but to them it doesn't hurt to try.

 

It's interesting that this coin is available for $4 through to $12k on eBay, that I can see.  To an outsider like me it is a mystery and I don't expect you to divulge your secrets. 🙂

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Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

Ahhh, okay I see

 

I did'nt actually look at the listings

 

That certainly explains it though 

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Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

I understand too now, and will pay attention to my coins from now on!

Message 9 of 16
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Why are Buyers contacting me for advice on selling their items which are the same as mine?

There were only just under 200 million minted, so you would need to be a supper lucky ducky to ever find one 

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