Viewing an auction item

[0r4nge]

Am I allowed to go an view an item before bidding ?  the seller says there is an E-bay policy that says you can not view an item prior to bid.

[tressygirl]

The seller is correct.

They are not allowed to give out any contact details before purchase.  You see when an item is purchased that is when eBay charge their seller fee,  and not when the buyer pays.  If contact details were given out beforehand there would be nothing to enforce the buyer to go home and press that Buy it Now button,  so an off eBay sale would be made, no fees paid to eBay.

So,  the procedure is this.  You buy the item,  but do not proceed to payment.  Contact details then can be exchanged.  You go see,  inspect the item,   if all is OK ,  you pay cash / bank transfer and take the item.  If not as expected,  you walk away,  do not pay,  and the seller issues you with a cancellation request you must accept this,   as this refunds their seller fee,  and they can relist the item if they wish.

[plpmr]

the seller is correct.

After you win you go and inspect before paying.