MoreHello again!
My last blog post was about blocking eBay users, which I take very seriously and try really really hard not to do. However, the situation may present itself so I feel it’s important to let you know how I deal with it. So, here’s some advice on preemptive blocking.
Reasons to think about blocking a potential buyer, I RARELY do this but have on special occasions:
1. When a buyer makes a low ball offer on an item
I know that sometimes sellers will block a bidder who makes a ridiculously low offer. I don’t even bother because I tend to think that these buyers can’t be serious and will most likely NEVER buy anything from anyone.
Here is an example of a ridiculously low offer I just received. I just shake my head and click DECLINE.
Hi thequeenofauctions,
Want to sell this item fast? A bidder has just made a best offer to buy it. Here are the details of the offer:
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2. When a potential bidder wants to haggle on shipping and is extremely unrealistic.
Many times a bidder will ask you to ship an item for $2.00 even though it is going to cost you at least $5.85 to send it. I usually don’t change my s/h/I prices unless the potential customer is really, really nice and then I won’t block them because they have been really nice.
Here is an example of a shipping offer we got recently.
Hi there,
Do you ship via USPS also? I’m interested in this piece, but I would hate to pay $10.95 for UPS Shipping when I know it could be shipped way cheaper and still safe with a USPS priority box.
Thanks in advance for your answer,
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OK so my s/h/I was a little high on this one. But you know that when I list a dinner set I try and ship the entire set (no matter what the pieces) for the same s/h/i. I did just go in and revise this s/h/i price down to $8.95.
But when a potential buyer starts haggling over shipping prices, I typically stand my ground. I explain that UPS is more expensive but safer, etc. I didn’t lower my s/h/I for this customer and I didn’t block them either.
Once again, use your own judgment. Blocking too many bidders can negatively affect your sales.
3. When a potential customer is just downright rude.
They may not even be asking questions about an item but have just emailed to make their opinion known.
I get lots of these and unfortunately (or fortunately!) couldn’t find one for this ezine. Some of my favorites start out with…”You say you have been an antique dealer for over 50 years and you don’t even know what this item is…blah, blah, blah.” These really rude people do get BLOCKED!
As always, use your own judgment. Bidder blocking is one of the last remaining tools that sellers have to protect our reputation. We may need to be doing some preemptive blocking to ensure our success.
Finally, you may be asking, “How do you block a bidder?” Well here is how you can block a bidder. Happy Blocking but just remember most customers are WONDERFUL!
