Dear eBay Queen:

I was wondering if you’ve ever had this experience.  Yesterday, I found a pretty common book (at a good price) I wanted on eBay, and clicked on “buy it now”.  It took me to the next page, where there was a message that said something like “this transaction is blocked”.  I didn’t write down the exact words, I was pretty taken aback by it.  It also said something about possible reasons, like the item is no longer for sale.  I just assumed someone had beat me to the buy by a few seconds and went looking for the book elsewhere, found it, and bought and paid for it.  Well, this morning I found an invoice for the book from the person I attempted to buy it from!  I sent them  a message explaining what happened yesterday and am hoping the person understands and agrees to cancel the transaction.  Have you ever heard of anything like this? Do you have any idea what happened to allow the purchase to go through after all?

I heard back from the seller this morning and his response made me wonder if he actually understood my message.  He said he didn’t understand why I had a problem with paying (I had explained about the message I saw, and that I had assumed someone else had “beat me to the buy”, etc.) but that from my feedback remarks this was not typical for me.  He said “in order to get his fees back I’d probably end up with an unpaid item strike”.  I’m going to wait a little while and contact eBay and see what they have to say.  I don’t want an unpaid item strike on my record, but I sure don’t need two copies of the same book now that I’ve purchased a copy from someone else.  I still don’t understand why the page said the transaction was blocked/cancelled, yet I ended up getting an invoice for it.  

Greg P

Dear Greg:

I haven’t heard of anything like this happening. It does remind me of what happens when a seller has blocked a buyer.  Other than your thoughts of someone else winning at the same time, I don’t have much of an explanation.

Since your seller doesn’t seem willing to release you from sale, your best bet would be to contact eBay.   I would be interested in knowing how this turns out, send me an email to let me know how this is resolved.

Dear eBay Queen:

I need your help! I sold a MAC lipstick tube about a week ago, and have sold quite a few things since then. I have a verified eBay account that I’ve had for quite some time.  Yesterday, I went to list another lipstick tube just like the one I sold, and it says that I need to review my PayPal, and verify my identity”. I’ve done this already, so I don’t understand why they want me to do this again.  The instructions also said I needed to Link my eBay to my PayPal, I did again about 6 hours ago and it still doesn’t work!!

I don’t understand why it’s just come up with that, as I have sold LOADS since I verified it.  It’s not as if I’m selling something different, I just re-listed them (not because they didn’t sell).  I emailed eBay and PayPal, and their responses were less than helpful

Are there any tips or anything you can think on how to help?

Rebecca

Dear Rebecca:

I checked the eBay and PayPal boards.  It seems there is an issue with the “tokens”. 

According to the eBay boards the problem you were having has been resolved.  If it hasn’t by press time, I would suggest calling PayPal 888-215-5506 and discussing it with them.  From the research I have done, this is a PayPal issue.

Strange eBay item of the week: eBay item: 380361102235 (enter this number in the eBay search box in the top right corner of the home page Have you ever wondered how much a box of 44 year old Pop Tarts would sell for?  Check out these 1967 Kelloggs Strawberry Pop Tarts Box SOLD $101.00 Check it out HERE 

Suzie Eads is a nationally known eBay marketer and eBay trained Education Specialist. She lives in Rantoul. Do you have a question for the eBay Queen? Email: questions@asktheebayqueen.com