on 06-08-2021 01:36 PM
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?
Solved! Go to Solution.
on 08-08-2021 06:33 PM
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.
on 06-08-2021 01:41 PM
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.
on 06-08-2021 02:10 PM
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
06-08-2021 02:22 PM - edited 06-08-2021 02:25 PM
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.
on 06-08-2021 02:26 PM
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.
on 06-08-2021 02:29 PM
Interesting that coin is available in several locations for $30, I wouldnt be asking this seller for advise on that one
on 06-08-2021 03:00 PM
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. 🙂
on 06-08-2021 03:07 PM
Ahhh, okay I see
I did'nt actually look at the listings
That certainly explains it though
on 06-08-2021 04:00 PM
I understand too now, and will pay attention to my coins from now on!
on 06-08-2021 05:04 PM
There were only just under 200 million minted, so you would need to be a supper lucky ducky to ever find one