topic Pre approval for purchase in Member To Member Support

Pre approval for purchase

treetopsminicottages — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:20:54 GMT

This morning I tried to buy an item but this message popped up

Only pre-approved buyers can purchase this item. Contact the seller to be added to their list.

I have not met this before in all my years as a buyer on ebay. The listing was for a secondhand dolls house item total under £50 the seller a business (charity).

My question is what do they use to 'vet' you? I know they can see your feedback but since sellers can only leave positive feedback that is not a reliable tool. I assume they look at the number of negatives left but we are talking about secondhand items which often come with minor faults/niggles that as a buyer I would expect. Can they ask ebay for further information at all?

I have tried to contact them but as yet no response.

Re: Pre approval for purchase

61stephenuk — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:24:51 GMT

Generally when you see the 'Only pre-approved buyers can purchase this item' message it means the seller has given a second chance offer to a losing bidder andonly they can actually purchase the item from that listing, the seller may relist if the offer isn't taken up

Re: Pre approval for purchase

treetopsminicottages — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:36:00 GMT

This is a 'buy it now' item/no offers, not an auction, and a one day listing. As far as I am aware it has not been previously listed.

Re: Pre approval for purchase

treetopsminicottages — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:43:30 GMT

I have just had a reply from them & they have sent a second chance offer to someone. Okay my question then is why is it still listed for sale as a BIN at a set price (no offers)? Surely it should be first come first served if it is a live listing?