Name

Email Address

Learn More
  • HOME
    • eBay Auctions
    • Lynn's eBay Store
  • PRODUCTS
    • Overview
    • Videos
    • Books
    • eBooks
    • Audio
    • Packages
    • Tools
  • COURSES
    • Self-paced
    • One-on-One
  • PAST EZINES
  • SUPPORT
    • FAQs
    • Learning Resources
  • ABOUT US
    • About Lynn
    • Testimonials
    • Lynn's Favorites
    • Awards
    • Business Policies
  • CONTACT US
    • eNews Sign-up
    • Press & Media
    • Press Releases
    • Images
    • Consulting Services

| Subscribe | Share More

Home > Blog

Preemptive Reasons to Block eBay Buyers | eBay Advice

by Lynn Dralle on August 13, 2010

Hello again!

My last blog post was about blocking eBay users, which I take very seriously and try really really hard not to do.  However, the situation may present itself so I feel it’s important to let you know how I deal with it.  So, here’s some advice on preemptive blocking.

Reasons to think about blocking a potential buyer, I RARELY do this but have on special occasions:

1. When a buyer makes a low ball offer on an item
I know that sometimes sellers will block a bidder who makes a ridiculously low offer. I don’t even bother because I tend to think that these buyers can’t be serious and will most likely NEVER buy anything from anyone.

Here is an example of a ridiculously low offer I just received. I just shake my head and click DECLINE.

Hi thequeenofauctions,

Want to sell this item fast? A bidder has just made a best offer to buy it. Here are the details of the offer:

Interpur Brass Covered Box Owl Enamel Taiwan Trinket
Interpur Brass Covered Box Owl Enamel Taiwan Trinket
Offer price: $1.05
Buy It Now price: $11.99Buy  It Now
Offer expires: Jul-25-10 14:27:17 PDT

2. When a potential bidder wants to haggle on shipping and is extremely unrealistic.

Many times a bidder will ask you to ship an item for $2.00 even though it is going to cost you at least $5.85 to send it. I usually don’t change my s/h/I prices unless the potential customer is really, really nice and then I won’t block them because they have been really nice.

Here is an example of a shipping offer we got recently.

Hi there,
Do you ship via USPS also? I’m interested in this piece, but I would hate to pay $10.95 for UPS Shipping when I know it could be shipped way cheaper and still safe with a USPS priority box.
Thanks in advance for your answer,

Maria White Rosenthal Classic Rose Lid ONLY Teapot Pot
Maria White Rosenthal Classic Rose Lid ONLY Teapot Pot
Item Id: xxxxxxxxxx
End time: Jul-09-10 17:26:47 PDT

OK so my s/h/I was a little high on this one. But you know that when I list a dinner set I try and ship the entire set (no matter what the pieces) for the same s/h/i. I did just go in and revise this s/h/i price down to $8.95.

But when a potential buyer starts haggling over shipping prices, I typically stand my ground. I explain that UPS is more expensive but safer, etc. I didn’t lower my s/h/I for this customer and I didn’t block them either.

Once again, use your own judgment. Blocking too many bidders can negatively affect your sales.

3. When a potential customer is just downright rude.

They may not even be asking questions about an item but have just emailed to make their opinion known.
I get lots of these and unfortunately (or fortunately!) couldn’t find one for this ezine. Some of my favorites start out with…”You say you have been an antique dealer for over 50 years and you don’t even know what this item is…blah, blah, blah.” These really rude people do get BLOCKED!

As always, use your own judgment. Bidder blocking is one of the last remaining tools that sellers have to protect our reputation. We may need to be doing some preemptive blocking to ensure our success.

Finally, you may be asking, “How do you block a bidder?” Well here is how you can block a bidder. Happy Blocking but just remember most customers are WONDERFUL!

Tagged as: ebay seller advice, ebay selling advice, eBay Selling Tips, how to sell on ebay

Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

Previous post: eBay Seller Advice – When to Block eBay Users

Next post: eBay Selling – Bra sales on eBay with Queen of Auctions

Get smart with the Thesis WordPress Theme from DIYthemes.

Podcast Powered by podPress (v8.8)

The Queen of Auctions


Press & Media
Contact Us
Customer Testimonials
Policies

eBay Training Products


eBay Books
eBay Video Tutorials
eBay Audio Tutorials
eBay Training Packages

eBay Selling Courses


Live Bootcamp 2009
Bootcamp Training
Self-Paced Courses
One-on-One Courses

eBay Tips & Tricks


Lynn's Blog
Email Newsletter
eBay FAQs
Online Community

eBay Resources


eBay Consulting
The Queen's Court
Lynn's Auctions
Lynn's eBay Store
Site Map

Payment Methods