For expert ebayers: ebay email ???

[jacquek95]

Hi! I have a question for all you ebay experts out there. I had a person contact me via the ebay system regarding an item. I just hit reply and sent the answer. Per ebay, this e-mail went directly to the other person's email (not through the ebay system). Now, I had some other items which I did not have up for auction, but would go very well with the item this person inquired on. I know that you can't use ebay's system to offer up non-auction merchandise, but since I'm replying directly to the person, is this allowed? It seems to me that the answer would be that it would be allowed (since it's just email between 2 individuals), but thought I would get y'all's take on it. Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

It is not a good idea. What you can do is work out the cost, and them post the item (or items as a lot) with a Buy It Now at the agreed price. Yes, eBay does get its cut but this protects both of you.

The following is from eBay's Help System:

Circumventing Fees

Users may not avoid eBay fees

Users may not use systems or techniques to circumvent eBay fees.

Examples:

Offer outside of eBay - offering the opportunity to purchase the item or other merchandise outside of eBay through the eBay site.

 

[kashkdz]

I agree with Cheshire Figment. Unless you are dealing with the person face-to-face, dealing outside of ebay is somewhat risky. If for any reason there is a 'snag' in the transaction (no money exchanged, item not delivered, etc), you have no recourse to get your money returned, etc. Using paypal on an ebay auction eliminates some of these hassles.

I would just agree upon a price, and post it on ebay with the price as a Buy-It-Now.