I received this emails regarding one of my auctions. I really don't know whether to believe the buyer or not. Just wondering if anyone else had had a similar situation. I expect my auction will go up to around $100 or so. I dont consider that a small amount.
Thanks for any feedback
wwyd do I send them a nice letter saying no thanks or change my preference just for this auction. This buyer has 44+ FB I dont see any negs so I guess the seller just didnt go that far and there are no retractions


Dear ,XXX

Hi,

I'm writing with regards to placing a bid on your item. It seems I'm being restricted from placing a bid due to a few stricks I've received within the past 12 months. I've had some family issues within thoes 12 months one being my Mother passing away and I had over looked the time frame that I was to pay. Another was my sister was killed in a car wreck and then the other time I had emergency back surgery.
Would you be willing to give me a chance at this? The reason it's so important to me is that I have this same item and it just stopped working the other day. I just love this itemo and would love to have another one. I was shocked that I ran across this one. Would you please email me at XXXX.net Thats another thing my computer is down. I need a new mother-board cpu and power supply.
Any way thank you for your time

I would contact eBay first and see if you can find out what strikes this person has against him or her. Then you can make a more informed decision.

WOW! Either this buyer has had terribly bad luck or they are playing you. There are just one too many excuses in that email for me and I would say stick to your tried and true practices of business.
I get the feeling that if you made changes for a sale that you would regret it and get an email full of reasons why they can't or won't pay.
Proceed with caution!

I was thinking the same thing. i have decided to just not respond at all. Lots of "Tragic" events all seemingly at the same time that an auction was won. Just does not seem right.

I wouldn't risk it.

Ebay preferences allow you to block bidders with 2 or more strikes within the last 30 days. This buyer has a string of excuses for the last year, but it's the last 30 days that are causing their bid to be blocked. Maybe they should stop buying things that they can't pay for.

Especially, with the new feedback system....this guy sounds like trouble!!!!!

If it were me, I would also block him from future bidding in case the recent strikes drop off. Ebay is enough hassle without knowingly accepting a difficult buyer.

Wow, the poor guy/gal. I would have to say No, as well. You can let them know that you've decided against it because whenever they win an auction some tragedy befalls them and you would hate to feel responsible for that.

Can you tell I'm feeling rather snarky today?

Renee

You don't need an NPB like that.

Be happy the block kept them out.

Don't even bother responding. Ebay will not give you any info about another member's account.

Thanks everyone. Yes definately I would hate to have another tragic accident happen just b/c I ok'd the bid on my auction lol

I agree. I just decided not to respond.