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Mo Beary Mar 2, 2007

I received an email from a potential customer via e-bay about a auction that has ended to see it the bear was still available.  I checked the person out and they are a bear collector so I'm confident that it isn't a scam.

I can't reply to her using e-bay as they block it because they say we are not in a current transaction (or words to that effect).

My question is how could she e-mail me if we aren't already in a transaction and does anyone know how I can e-mail her as she didn't provide a outside e-mail address  UGH???

Jane

thumperantiques Mar 2, 2007

Jane,
     Is there not a reply button on her email?  That's the easiest way.  They ARE trying to make it more difficult, but, you can contact members easily, if you have their ebay name.   Click on "advanced search" at the top right of any page,  click on "find a member" in the left hand column.  Type in the persons ebay name and when it comes up, click on their feedback number  (in brackets) and then click "contact member" at top right hand side (it's the last item).  You can contact people without an on-going auction.  I email people all the time that way, but just make sure you don't talk about selling outside of ebay.  Maybe you could ask her to forward her email address to you and leave all the details for a personal email.  Good luck.

                                                                     hugs,

                                                                     Brenda

Mo Beary Mar 2, 2007

Hi Brenda,

I tried that and thats when I got an Alert to say that I couldn't contact her because there was no transaction.    I did try this about 3 or 4 times.  Maybe I will try again tonight.

This is really frustrating!!

Jane

Laurie Mar 2, 2007

I had the same problem myself once and it done the same thing and we couldn't get around it so if anyone else has an answer to this it would be helpful.
You wonder if you might have had other lost sales too because of this as there might have been people that  have tried to contact you about your bears via e bay that you don't know of. :(
Laurie :hug:

Mo Beary Mar 2, 2007

This is the message I received when I try to respond to her question.

We have determined you are trying to contact an eBay member with whom you are not currently involved in an open transaction. For the protection of the eBay community, we sometimes block these types of communication. To prevent this occurrence from happening in the future, we recommend the following:

    *

      If you are a seller, respond to all bidder questions before the auction ends.

    *

      If you are trying to contact the seller of an item that has not yet ended go to the item page and click the “Ask seller a question” link.

    *

      If you are the winning buyer of an item go to your My eBay page under the items I’ve Won section.  Click the action drop down menu and choose the “contact seller” action.

    *

      If you are a seller trying to contact your wining buyer, go to My eBay and under the Items I’ve Sold section, click the action drop down menu.  Choose the “contact buyer” action.

    *

      Reply to seller/bidder through personal email provider (if the sender has not hidden their email address).

Thank you for your understanding.

UGH E-Bay!!!!!   Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jane

WildThyme Mar 2, 2007

Dear Jane,
  Unfortunately, I don't think there is any way around it.... it's part of eBay's new "security" system!!!  I hate that kind of stuff, because obviously, the bad guys manage to figure out some way around it, but the good guys can't respond to a simple e Mail for non fraudulent purposes after the auction is closed.  It's ridiculous!   :doh:  :doh:  :doh:

Kim Basta

thumperantiques Mar 3, 2007

Jane,
    I'm sorry, but I  just tried sending two emails to friends as a test, the way I described and I didn't have any problems and I never have had.  Maybe they are randomly targeting some members?  Do you want me to see if I can send her an email on your behalf?    Send me a PM if you would like me to try.

                                   hugs,

                                   Brenda

Laura Lynn Banner SponsorMar 3, 2007

Jane, another thing you could do is to list the bear as a Buy it Now only on ebay.... then at least she might find you again.

thumperantiques Mar 3, 2007

Jane,
     Another way you might try is to go to your auction page of the bear the lady was inquiring about.  There is a "email to a friend"  button at the top right hand side of the page, below the title.  Click on it and type a really generic email like.

I'm really pleased you are interested in my bear.  I have been unable to contact you, so if possible could you send me with more another way for me to get in touch with you.  Thank for your interest.

Or put your email address in the content and see if she gets in touch.   Just keep it as low key as you can and try and fly under the radar.

                                         hugs,

                                         Brenda

Mo Beary Mar 3, 2007

Thanks for all your assistance.  I was able to contact the buyer through Kathy at minkbears!  She was so kind as to put me in touch with the lady!

Kathy you ROCK :dance:  :dance:  :dance:  :dance:  :dance:

I still think e-bay sucks!!!!

Jane

thumperantiques Mar 3, 2007

Jane, that's really great that Kathy was able to help you.  It must have been really frustrating!  Good luck and I hope you are able to make a sale.

                                       hugs,

                                       Brenda

Mo Beary Mar 3, 2007

Thanks Brenda, Laurie, Kim and Laura and especially Kathy!

I was getting really frustrated!  I did re-list my bear hoping that she would find him!  I have now e-mailed her so we are now on the right track!

I just didn't want her to think I was ignoring her!!!  I need all the customers I can get!!!    

Jane