How do you check a potential buyers profile when they send a message?

[kateco1596]

I've just had a message from a potential buyer who is asking for my 'lowest price' and offering me 'cash in hand' for a collect-only item. In the past I've had buyers trying to knock off money on the doorstep when they have already won an auction or agreed to a buy-it-now price so would like a quick look at his feedback first This doesn't seem possible any more (only after someone has already bought an item). I once sold something to someone who only left negative feedback for buyers who wouldn't reduce the price of collect-only items AFTER the sale (over 20 in a row) and just want to avoid this again.  What's the point of feedback if others can't see it?

[arkwebus]

Please do not have anything to do with people who try this. 

The price they see is the price they pay.  All transactions must be through the eBay system.  Anything else risks [you] getting banned I'm afraid ...

@kateco1596 

[tobiasd4]

Cash on collection is not allowed, all payments have to go through ebay.

Ebay also block any attempt to give contact details before payment.

[jckl1957]

Members who use Ebay to buy only are allowed to have 'private' feedback.  Otherwise, you should be able to see their feedback profile and look at the feedback they have left for others by clicking on their username.  You will see that you can look at the feedback of anyone in the forum by just clicking on their username - you don't need to have made a sale to them.

Personally, I always wonder if members with private feedback have something to hide!

As advised, cash on collection is no longer an option so the buyer would have to pay through Ebay.

If you don't want to deal with this person - they don't sound like a great buyer - don't respond to them, just add them to your blocked list.