Is it possible to block a specific postcode within the UK ?
Summary: neovass0 expresses frustration with international buyers using UK shipping agents, citing issues like excessive messaging and refund requests despite item descriptions clearly stating conditions. barry.110 mentions that using a forwarding company may void buyer protection and suggests canceling orders as a potential solution, though it may affect the seller's account. sml192 explains that sellers are only responsible for delivery to the shipping agent under eBay's policies. the_book_seekers shares similar experiences with problematic buyers and altered eBay policies, noting incidents like damaged items by couriers and considering eBay's guarantee program for better protection.
Hi,
As I am writing this, I'm thinking the answer is probably no, lol. My specific problem is with buyers from abroad using UK shipping agents as an intermediary. I have no problem with the service itself, it's just some of the buyers using them. A perfect example is this afternoon. I've had a buyer from asia purchase an item (a comic book). They have obviously paid for it, but have in the past half hour since, sent four separate messages regarding condition of the item, asking for more photos, etc. I included fifteen photos originally in the listing ! It was priced at less than half the going rate, described as having wear, certainly not new, etc. I try to scare buyers who are after collectables in mint condition, lol. From past experience, I just know how this transaction is going to go. Usually with a return request from China (where they are registered in this transaction), or a partial, but substantial, refund of some type. If they want it new, they should simply buy a new copy. But they will not, because that would cost three times the price !
Last time a similar thing happened I cancelled the order and blocked the ebay member. But they simply created another ebay account immediately and purchased again, to the same UK address, a popular shipping agent in an industrial estate in Coventry. Yes I sent it out. Again, my problem is not with the service itself or the members who use it. It's just the number of problematic buyers it brings. Buying items and haggling over the price immediately afterwards, or asking that I throw something else in with their purchase for free. I had someone purchase at midnight once and by the time I had woken up in the morning, they had sent five increasingly angry messages asking why I hadn't sent it out yet.
I wonder if it's possible to block ebay members with UK shipping address, but who have opened / registered their accounts abroad ? Apologies, this has turned into more of a rant, lol. But it's warm and I'm not in the mood, lol.
the_book_seekers
·3 weeks agoI know where you're coming from. I'm UK only and blocking countries used to mean buyers registered in those countries couldn't make a purchase. At some point ebay changed this and if a buyer changes their postage address to something in the UK like the third party couriers then the sale goes through. So far I've sent items, but they do attract a higher rate of issues. The Coventry company you mention damaged an item before sending it to the buyer. Another buyer contacted me to say their UK courier had informed them I hadn't paid the postage on their purchase. This was before I had actually posted the item. I'm waiting to see how ebay's eIs works out. If
ebay does actually deal with any issue arising including returns then I may consider switching this on.
neovass0
OP3 weeks agoYes, to the increased chance of damage with this company. I also had them cut through a book cover with a box cutter, previously, and then the buyer blamed me for it. They definitely open the parcels, I don't know if this is to confirm the seller has sent the correct item, or whether they simply repackage all their clients parcels in one box, before sending out abroad.
sml192
·3 weeks agoIf they are using a shipping agent (freight forwarde) then you are only responsible for delivery to the shipping agent (i.e. the UK delivery address provided by eBay). After that they are not covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee even if the item is not as described:
'Exclusions and special coverage when the item doesn't match the listing:
The item was sent to another address after original delivery
Covered:
The item was forwarded as part of an eBay programme such as:
Global Shipping Programme
eBay International Shipping Programme
eBay Authenticity Guarantee
Not covered:
The buyer used third-party freight forwarding or mail redirection'
barry.110
·3 weeks agoI thought if they used a forwarding company they lose their buyer protection, though I could be wrong.
I think the only thing you can do, if you really don’t want to send to that address, is cancel the order with the reason of problem with buyers address. Though I don’t know if that could cause you problems with your account if you do that too many times.