what should i do?

[davidc4430]

hi, ive recieved a message from a possible buyer, they havent bought yet, asking for my private phone number and giving me his number asking if i would call regarding an item i have listed hes interested in. should i do this?

cheers

[kopenhagen5]

That's up to you. If you prefer not to give out your number then just message him and ask what it is you can help with.

It's always better to have communication in eBay should things turn pear shaped later.

He may want to ask when he can pick up and pay cash.

If it's about offering less and doing it off eBay, I usually say, No, it's already discounted and I don't deal off eBay.

[erg-auto-electrical-wholesalers]

Personally, I would just set your phone to number block. This way when you call they do not have the return phone number.

If the sale goes bad, you may get this person calling you and hassling you.

Personally, it is what makes you feel comfortable.

I took my phone number off on my main page at the moment as I am getting a lot of random calls.

I am going to contact Ebay customer service about this issue and how to correct 😃

[*tippy*toes* · Accepted solution]

If you do give out your private phone number, make sure it's an unlisted mobile number. As in, it's not listed in the phone book. It also pays to have the same unlisted mobile number with eBay. If you have a listed landline number on eBay and someone requests your details (it has to be someone who is already in a transaction with you), they can find where you live by doing a reverse lookup on your phone number. Last thing you need if you happen to encounter a psycho buyer.

Unless it's a pick up item, I wouldn't be giving out my number to a "potential" buyer. You don't know who they are. As already mentioned, keep it through eBay messages so there is a checkable record in the event something goes wrong.

[davidc4430]

i think i'll keep it through ebay messaging only. ive sent him a message asking what it is he needs to know and i wont deal off ebay. i'll see if he replies. i much prefer keeping my privacy as much as possible.