Potential buyer messaged with their phone number

[sidelock]

I have used eBay since the late 1990's although it has been a while since I sold anything on the platform but have done so multiple times in the past.

I have one item for auction at present. I received a message from someone who says they are interested in the item but asking me to call. They supplied their number. I replied asking how I could help and they replied saying they want to ask questions over the phone rather than talk to a robot. I said I am happy to answer questions via eBay [and thus comply with listing policies].

I'm not going to call and therefore give them access to my phone number.

Reasonable? 

[jckl1957]

Personally, given the item that you are selling, I could understand any potential buyer wanting to have a conversation with you, the seller, which could save a lot of back and forth emails.

It is clear that you are not looking to do an off Ebay deal.   However, in your position, if I wanted to sell the item, I would ring the potential buyer.

You can withold your number but a phone conversation would help you and the buyer make a decision about whether the item is one they want to purchase.

They can then proceed to make a bid or not and, if they are successful, they can pay through Ebay.

[plpmr · Accepted solution]

exchanging contact details before purchase is not allowed by eBay and if they pick it up they could restrict those involved.