Am I not allowed a right to reply?

[bardandfox]

Recently I just got this from eBay:

"We noticed that you’re having some issues with your recent orders. We know that problems with orders happen occasionally, but we’re always concerned when we see buyers opening an unusual amount of return requests, claims, or payment disputes."

Then it went on to warning me about possibly limiting my rights to buy before adding, "Please don't reply to this message."

So I have no right to reply to this passive-aggressive accusation? 

Yes, I've made some returns. I usually buy secondhand things like board games that have lots of components such as cards. Buyers don't declare that there are missing pieces or aren't aware there are online inventories where they can check completeness. I've also had to make claims because auctions I won at a low price never materialised and had radio silence from the seller. Or some just refunded with an automated Damaged/Out of Stock message and no further explanation (such as, "We wanted more money."

I've run out of steam now... 

[plpmr]

Just one point is that your feedback profile does not match what eBay are claiming - just one non-positive.

[thepillenwerfer]

If you are having constant disappointments with your e-Bay purchases you'd be better buying where you can examine the goods before buying.

As for "Please don't reply to this message" it at least saves you wasting time composing a reply that nobody will ever read.

Complaining would get you nowhere as you'll find they are acting within the Terms and Conditions to which you agree by using e-Bay.

At least they've warned you rather than just restricting your rights and then telling you they have, or not telling you at all and you only finding out next time you try to exercise them.

[ed_58611]

It's an automated warning shot occasioned by an aspect of your "buying behaviour" that has tripped an alarm.

Now that you've had some experience with buying on eBay, perhaps you might consider it prudent to message the sellers of board games to ask them if the games are intact BEFORE you bid or BIN, and double check on condition issues while you're about it... some sellers are running out of steam too with the sheer load of expectations and requirements put on them by eBay and performances / standards may slip.

Your "right to reply" is known as Feedback - use it to let sellers know where they went wrong and warn other buyers of potential problems - cancellations, items not sent, condition issues not mentioned, missing pieces and using false reasons for cancellations are all worth mentioning and, in the case of the latter, reporting to eBay. If this means having to leave neutrals and negs then grit your teeth and do so, being as fair, factual and constructive as possible. Not leaving appropriate feedback for the times when it has gone wrong may look a little odd to some eyes and it's no use to your fellow eBayers.

Best advice is to work with the seller and avoid the need to return altogether - something which I have learned the hard way recently with the sellers of second hand books - by simply putting in the work beforehand, and definitely don't return anything until you have a few more successful transactions under your belt.

[bardandfox]

This is across two accounts. 

[bardandfox]

I do message sellers and ask for photos and clarifications sometimes. Some have amended their listings with clearer photos (such as fanning a deck of cards so you can see condition and illustrations rather than a stacked deck) or sent me some privately but others have not responded.

I don't actually like negging sellers because they're presumably fans of the stuff I buy and are people like me who have just decided to sell up. As long as I can return something that's not as described I'm not that fussed. Yeah, it's a disappointment and an inconvenience. 

[ed_58611]

"As long as I can return something that's not as described I'm not that fussed."

This is the entire crux of the matter - you have been warned to modify your behaviour, and I'm trying to point out that failing to address this issue & filing just a few more return requests will, I strongly suspect, result in your receiving a permanent suspension of your account(s).

[papso22]

The most likely result would be that the OP no longer had access to the money back guarantee.  They could still buy though.

[style_wise]

Take eBay's message seriously. As @ed_58611 says, they will stop your ability to open cases if your buying pattern continues as is.

So how can you get on top of the algorithm? Only eBay knows. It's been a long time since I was in your shoes, but here's what seemed to help.

These to-dos are just while you try to rehabilitate both your accounts:

-Keep it up! Message Sellers for clarification before you buy.

-Don't buy if you still have doubts (I think you get a 6th sense from the photos/description of what is off).

-Leave Positive Feedback for everything you possibly can.

-Do your household buying on eBay if possible.

-Message Sellers for help before opening a case, if they want to solve it without a case let them.

-Pick your battles. Which is more important, a tiny return/refund or your overall ability to buy on eBay?

-If you do open a case, try to select different reasons (e.g. not always damaged, sometimes missing parts).

Good luck cleaning up your Buying data!

[steverdavis]

Ebay likes to put the problems on anyone but themselves.