Trying to sell a set of steak knives ~ how can I list so that people can bid?

[stripyzebras]

I have a set of steak knives but have had messages saying that buyers are unable to bid without ID. As not everyone wants to add a credit card to their account (I wouldn't) is there any way to get round this problem  or anyway I can list without buyers having this hassle? I get there are rules concerning knives and would agree if this was a flick knife or machete but doubt anyone would buy steak knives as a weapon...

[arkwebus · Accepted solution]

Even butter knives, fish knives and probably cake slices are caught by this.  The only way for a buyer to be competent to bid is to set up a CC with eBay. 

No other way. 

While not - obviously - designed as a weapon I would not like one inserted in my ribs!  

@stripyzebras 

[stripyzebras · Accepted solution]

Thank you; I just think ebay include too many types of knives in this. Having worked in a college in a 'rough' area of London, the weapon of choice for many under 18s is a screwdriver - many are longer and more effective than a steak knife. Guess ebay is just covering itself under the law.

[arkwebus · Accepted solution]

@stripyzebras

Yes indeed re screwdrivers. Could even be sharpened - easier to explain away perhaps as not a blade!

[stripyzebras · Accepted solution]

The police do still do consider them a weapon in 'stop and search'. You may me think though - maybe a steak knife could be carried in a lunch box and 'explained away'. Probably best not to dwell on it too much...
I did wonder though why I'd had so many watchers on the steak knives (last time of listing) and no bids - probably one (definitely the potential buy who asked me about bidding) or two left until the last minute and wondered why the bid wasn't accepted. Maybe ebay could add an automatic note on knife listings to explain this to potential buyers. Maybe I'm getting over-obsessed about a £3 listing!