Phone Contact with Ebay

[wendyl]

OK--I should consider myself lucky--because with over 1700 transactions, I am just now coming across my first NUT CASE--like I'm a little afraid nut case. Anyway, he is a loose cannon, has anger management problems, and is new to Ebay and doesn't understand the way things work. He has called a couple of times to ask questions. I have politely answered, and then mentioned that since Ebay is a computer business, I would prefer to handle all inquiries through email. I am always good about replying to email within a couple of hours, so there is never a reason to call me. Well, he wasn't happy with his item (he changed his mind) and became ugly and rude. Because of that, I let him know that all our correspondences needed to be through Ebay's My Message system so it will all be documented. He continues to call--and I quit answering. I have sent him 3 emails now telling him NOT to call--but to email.

My question is.....will Ebay support my decision to refuse his phone call, or will they support the buyer if he decides to complain because he can't reach me by phone. He did email once --- but insists I call him instead of email (but gives no reason for that---and gives me a different number to call then the "private number" and "name blocked" number he uses to call me). My instincts are SCREAMING here---so I refuse to speak to him on the phone anymore.

The item he received is the EXACT item that was described and pictured, so I don't see how Ebay or Paypal could honor any complaint he may decide to make-----but I'm curious if Ebay requires Sellers accept phone calls, or if it is OK that I have an "email only" policy.

 

[lifeasahampster]

No way! What could he possibly want to talk about. This seems sketchy. Ebay is an email only place, no phone calls, no wierdos. No way! Tell him that he may write you as frequently as he desires and ask all questions through writting. There is no policy that a buyer can call a seller, actually, it is against policy. Good luck and don't back down!

 

[kilee]

He is in the wrong.

The previous post about phone calls against policy is incorrect though. Ebay does promote phone contact to work problems out. When you file a NPB, one of the first few tips they give you is contacting the person by phone. I also am dealing w/ a psycho seller and some of the questions they asked me was if we had phone contact. I didn't, and they wanted to know why not. The sad thing is there is really nothing they'll do to step in either. They will tell you to contact your local authorities. Which I do think is sad. They shouldn't release that info w/o backing it up to some degree.

Good luck. I would essentially firmly tell this guy you will no longer be communicating with him. If he calls one more time you will in fact be contacting your local police as well as his.

Worst case he files a case w/ paypal and ebay. If you haven't done anything wrong, then you'll come out of it fine. Take the negative he may leave as really no big deal. Just be done with it.

I am so sorry you're going through this.

 

[jennifer293]

I only have like 37 transactions and I have had to call 2 sellers already because they would not respond to emails. Now in your case you will respond so no he has no reason to call you. There are just miserable people out there that no matter waht you do you cannot make them happy. I would contact EBAY ASAP and let them know what is going on so you have a leg to stand on later.

 

[blondimom]

eBay only condones calling as a last resort. If you are responding to his emails, there is no reason for him to call you.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I have tried very hard to remain completely "anonomous" on Ebay. How are people getting your phone number? I don't think I gave it to ebay when I signed up, did I?

Are they just looking you up from name and address after the sale is complete?

Just curious.

 

[wendyl]

Ebay has your phone number, and if someone requests your info, they will give it to them (it has to be someone who has purchased something from you)--and it is against the rules to post a false one. I had a fake phone number for awhile until someone pointed out that was against the rules. But, we only had one number on Ebay---the other home phone number he got by looking up my name and city, and calling information. CREEPY!!!

I haven't heard from him either by phone or email since yesterday, so hopefully he got the message.

 

[wendyl]

Here's a quote from Ebay with reference to contact information--you are REQUIRED to give name, address, and phone number when you register on Ebay:

Falsifying or omitting contact information such as a member’s name, address, and/or telephone number when registering on eBay is not permitted. It is also not permitted to use fax or disconnected numbers as a telephone number.

If you believe an eBay member is using false contact information, please report it using the Customer Support link at the bottom of this page.

Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

Listing cancellation

Limits on account privileges

Account suspension

Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings

Loss of PowerSeller status

 

[kelleigh1]

Personally, I would definitely report it to ebay so they'll have record of this issue. Maintain copies of all emails. And depending on the circumstances, contact the local authorities if it's to the point where you feel threatened.