Dear eBay Queen:
I feel horrible! I am guilty of eBay arbitrage. Quite frankly, I’ll sell anything. I like to search for things that are mis-marked or spelled wrong, specifically in dinnerware, flatware, crystal and glassware. At the end of May, I purchased a set of flatware that was not marked correctly. The seller did not have the pattern name, and only had one picture of the large flatware lot. I purchased it for his asking price of 29.99 with 12.99 shipping. I received it in the mail, washed it, and relisted it with its proper pattern name and 5 photos. I sold the set for over $200.00. The seller I purchased it from sent me several messages while I had it listed, and was not happy that I was selling it for more than I paid.
“Why do you think it’s ok to rob me of my livelihood? It’s people like you that give eBay a bad name. I’m going to start watching you, and report you for what you are doing!”
I did not respond to his message. I did leave him positive feedback that said: “Perfect as described! Fast shipping!”
He left me a positive (because that was all he could leave) with a negative wording. “Seller beware bad for eBay community Cheats Steals Avoid”
I contacted eBay about this, and they removed the feedback. I went back last week and I see that he has been suspended! I really feel bad for him. I think I was the reason he was suspended. I contacted eBay and they would not confirm that is what they did, but they said he COULD have been suspended for that reason. Do you think I should send a message to his email and apologize? I never wanted to have this guy suspended. I just called in because I didn’t think that feedback was fair. What would you do?
SG
Dear SG:
Holy Smokes! Every seller should profit from what they sell. If they don’t, they are not doing it right. This seller set his price, and you paid what he asked. I’m not sure why he is mad at you! I would feel bad if someone was suspended too, but it’s not your fault. They broke the rules.
I’m sure this kind of thing has happened to most sellers on eBay. If you are not selling something you specialize in, then chances are you might be putting a low price on the item. When I am selling something I don’t know much about, I do some research on it, or I put a price I would be happy with selling it for, and let it ride. I’ve seen plenty of people get bent out of shape for this kind of thing on a Facebook group I’m in, and even at garage sales. I had someone refuse to sell something to me at a garage sale a couple of years ago because she knew I would resell it for more money.
I wouldn’t give this suspension a second thought. This is your seller’s fault for not figuring out the pattern name, and only having one picture. If he contacts you again, I would message eBay.
Dear eBay Queen:
I sell vintage post cards and other paper collectibles. I just had a buyer ask if I combine shipping. I said yes. They sent message back and want to know if I give a shipping discount. I told them I wasn’t sure what they meant, but I charge exact shipping charges. Then I get a kind of rude, condescending message TELLING ME how to ship the product and how much it should cost. I guess I’m just in a bad mood, but I really want to block this buyer, and tell them to go away. What should I do? Oh, and did I mention they sell too?
Vintage Paper Seller
Dear Vintage:
What is your gut telling you to do? Have you reviewed the feedback they leave people? If they leave lots of negative feedback, I would probably block them. If not, I would ask them which items they are interested in and give them a shipping quote.
Strange eBay Item of the Week: Item #381641067121. Costume jewelry is always interesting. Here, we have a piece from (as noted by the seller,) “the flashy, not trashy” Lunch at the Ritz Company. Very cute and patriotic! July 4th Lunch at the Ritz Fireworks Pin Brooch Pendant Charms Crystal SOLD: $159.95.