Buyer purchases, but asks to text before paying?
Summary: tay_potay is experiencing a recurring issue on eBay where buyers ask to be texted about transaction details before making payment, which they are uncomfortable with. mrdutch1001 advises that such requests often indicate scammers, especially for new sellers, and suggests canceling the transactions and blocking these buyers as eBay covers payment and shipping in the listing. They further offer practical steps on how to report fraudulent buyers, cancel sales, and relist items. papain9866 asks for clarification on handling fraudulent buyers and canceling orders, to which mrdutch1001 provides detailed procedural guidance.
The first said they had questions about the item before paying, so to text them so they can have them answered.
I responded back immediately and said I would be happy to answer questions through eBay (I prefer not to text people I don't know).
I have since messaged them a few more times saying I can answer their questions through eBay, and still no reply.
The 2nd told me to text them to discuss payment and shipping (which can all be done through eBay without even messaging?)
I told them as well, I can answer their questions through eBay, and they also have not responded.
Does this happen often or just a coincidence? Are they messing with me? Not sure what to do...
4 comments
mrdutch1001
·4 years agoNew sellers to eBay are a target for scammers and especially so with higher value items. Anytime you are dealing with "buyers" who insist on texting, that should immediately send up a red flag.. "to text them to discuss payment and shipping" is also a red flag in that eBay is already set up for methods of payment and shipping is already set out in your listing so no need for any "discussions"....questions possible but not "discussions". If the "buyers" do not want to communicate via eBay messaging, best move is to cancel the transactions and block these persons. Set your fixed price format listings for "Immediate Payment Required", that way buyers cannot purchase without making payment.
rob_2747
·3 years agoThank you.
papain9866
·2 years agoIf this is case 1. How do you report the fraudulent buyer? 2. How do you cancel the order as no corresponding reason in dropdown box? 3. How do you relist the item for sale?
mrdutch1001
·2 years ago1. Report a buyer: Manage all orders>>>go to that transaction/order>>>View order details>>"Report buyer"
2. cancel a sale: >>>use the best reason/most appropriate/closest to the problem and if all else fails use the reason regarding "problem with buyer's address"
3. Relist: Manage all orders>>>go to the sold item/order, click on "view order details ">>"Relist"