The “are you having a laugh“ department.

[williait]

a potential buyer recently contacted me and offered me a “trade“ on a collectible. 

after my initial surprise I politely pointed out this was against the rules. 

seriously tho’ a trade? Did I miss something. 

i’ve been selling on eBay for 24 years, and I’ve hear all the usual ones, pleading emails from charities, can I send a laptop by Western Union et cetera. But this was a new one. 

[tressygirl]

Yep,  one comes across all sorts of peeps,  sellers and buyers alike , throw up surprises!

Just send them a message to clarify , that all sales are to be done by buying through your eBay listing, and paying at eBay checkout.  

eBay read all messages going through their system .

@williait 

[williait]

Oh yes, I get people trying to make offers when I'm not accepting offers and my standard response is 'I'm sorry, I'm not accepting offers at this time'. The one time I responded 'This is eBay not a car boot sale' the customer called me rude.

On the odd occasion I sold a mobile or a laptop, I would get these long convoluted begging messages, pleading for me to ship to orphanages and schools in overseas territories with payment to be made AFTER delivery. Right.

[tressygirl]

I suppose as far as this saying goes, it's true.....  God loves a trier!  🤗

@williait 

[williait]

But hopefully eBay sellers can spot a con-artist.