Home U.S. Coin Forum
Options

Word to the wise for E-Bay sellers!

OK, you have an auction running. Nice coin, things are going great. You get a E-Bay message from a person who wants to buy the coin. I hit the reply button Outlook and get this in the addess bar UseTheYellowButton@ebay.com. You and the potential buyer trade messages via E-Bays massage system, strike up a price, you end the auction early and sell the coin.


DON'T EVER DO THAT!

You will get one of these! This email is to notify you that your account has been suspended for a minimum of 7 days due to violation of our Fee Avoidance Policy.

Seems big brother is watching!!
It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!

Comments

  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,552 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ouch.
    I always try my best to abide by the rules.
    I am really surprised by this, though. They are watching THEIR system. If you put your email in your auction and they contact you outside of ebay, you have little protection from ebay/pay pal and you will actually have to deal with a REAL PERSON image, this can be good. I guess we will have to do business the old fashioned way and trust ourselves to conduct ourselves in a professional manner without a big brother.
    On the same token, this could open the flood gates of ebayers learning to TRUST other established sellers and could actually BACKFIRE on ebay.

    Life is too short to worry. Eat dessert first !
  • Dog97Dog97 Posts: 7,874 ✭✭✭
    He was framed!!
    Change that we can believe in is that change which is 90% silver.
  • Marty,
    Does this mean that all your other auctions that are currently running at the same time are suspended also? If so, wonder if they will reimburse your listing fees. I seem to have noticed that since I have started selling a few modern league coins/sets that flea bay is pro-buyer and seller has the burden of proof. I have almost had a nelly full of them myself; in between al the fees involved they don't even give you a kiss afterwardsimage
    Steve
  • DUIGUYDUIGUY Posts: 7,252 ✭✭✭


    << <i>He was framed!! >>



    how can you frame a rubber chicken???
    “A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly."



    - Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 BC
  • jayboxxjayboxx Posts: 1,613 ✭✭
    Seems reasonable to me.
  • ouch!
  • ScarsdaleCoinScarsdaleCoin Posts: 5,324 ✭✭✭✭✭
    clearly the rules that you cant sell off ebay....

    dont do the crime
    if you cant pay the time!image
    Jon Lerner - Scarsdale Coin - www.CoinHelp.com
  • tmot99tmot99 Posts: 5,238 ✭✭✭


    << <i> You and the potential buyer trade messages via E-Bays massage system, ... >>



    Your first problem is you were using their "massage" system. That was your first clue that it was a front for more evil things. image

    Second, image (where's the damn dog when you need him?)
  • BigDaddyzBigDaddyz Posts: 1,306 ✭✭✭
    they watch closely for things that cost THEM money
    Great BST experiences: abitofthisabitofthat, silvercoinsdude, gerard, coinfame, mikescoins, wondercoin
  • I just click the reply button on my email. I never exchange messages through eBay's system. I thought from the beginning that they were spying on us.

    The more eBay does things like this, the more I enjoy avoiding their fees =)
    I heard they were making a French version of Medal of Honor. I wonder how many hotkeys it'll have for "surrender."
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,255 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Last time I got anything involving use the yellow button it was a scam. Fortunately eBay caught it and froze my account.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • OUCH!!!

    It is well known that eBay monitors anything that could negatively effect their income (you, on the other hand, can suck wind and fend for yourselves). When I receive an offer to purchase, I simply set up a BIN auction (with a single approved bidder list) and give unto Caesar what is Caesar's. This prevents the wrath of Meg Whitman's minions reigning terror down upon my business in the form of cancelled auctions and a subsequent NARU. image
  • krankykranky Posts: 8,709 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i> You and the potential buyer trade messages via E-Bays massage system, ... >>



    Your first problem is you were using their "massage" system. That was your first clue that it was a front for more evil things. image >>



    Clearly, it rubbed Marty the wrong way.

    New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.

  • critocrito Posts: 1,735
    The best way to avoid ebay's fees is by not using their services.

    Apparently they didn't read MY rules which expressly prohibits invasions of privacy and outright entrapment. What? You thought only big corps and the government got to make up rules?

    If you don't want to be treated like nazi fascist pigs, don't act like nazi fascist pigs. It's that simple. image
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,552 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I just click the reply button on my email. I never exchange messages through eBay's system. I thought from the beginning that they were spying on us.

    The more eBay does things like this, the more I enjoy avoiding their fees =) >>



    NEVER click on links inside of your email. Copy the URL and post it into a new address bar.
    An ISP provider told me this. He says not even to open links that your mom sent. SPOOF mailings with PHISHING scams, TROJANS, and VIRUSES run their course through emails and links in MESSENGER servers.

    Just FYI image
  • 53BKid53BKid Posts: 2,174 ✭✭✭


    Man, that's awfully cheesy of them.

    Definitely framed.

    Sorry to hear of the trouble!
    HAPPY COLLECTING!!!
  • Thanks for the info. I got a couple of emails wanting to buy off ebay and I flatly refused. However, I got a warning from ebay about such email and a link to Rules and regulations about selling.
  • 123cents123cents Posts: 7,178 ✭✭✭
    Thanks for the info MadMarty.
    image
  • Man that sucks. Sounds like you got framed. I only use MyMessages to coorespond to eBay buyers. I never imply to ask them to purchase it off of eBay from us though. It never hurts to ask the guy to call you about a coin if he has any questions about it though.
    Brandon Kelley - ANA - 972.746.9193 - http://www.bestofyesterdaycollectibles.com
  • I wonder if the Bigbrother Program is based on a keyword search (ie. "early") or, what??

    "Wars are really ugly! They're dirty
    and they're cold.
    I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
    Mary






    Best Franklin Website
  • I just received this one:

    Recently we became aware that your eBay account was involved in the following activity:

    * Transaction Interference -

    Emailing buyers in an open or ended transaction to warn them away from a seller or item.

    Or

    Contacting a seller and offering to purchase the listed item outside of eBay.

    We realize that you may not have been aware that there was a rule against this activity. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to review Section 5.5 of our User Agreement, which states:

    5.5 Manipulation. Neither bidders nor sellers may manipulate the price of any item nor may you interfere with other user's listings or auctions.

    We understand your willingness to help try and keep eBay a safe and fun place, but please understand there are many ways we enable a user to make an informed decision about their transaction without outside interference.

    Please understand our goal is to help you understand our policies to ensure successful experiences at eBay. Therefore, we respectfully request that you refrain from this activity in the future to avoid the possible suspension of your eBay registration.

    We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to review our site policies, which can be found at:

    http://pages.ebay.com/help//policies/transaction-interference.html

    Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important matter.


    Regards,

    Customer Support (Trust and Safety Department)
    eBay Inc




    I suspect it was because I pointed out to a seller on eBay that he was selling an AT'ed-in-the-holder proof Franklin in an old PCGS rattler. I posted it here, and emailed him the link. He promptly blocked my emails. I can't think of anything else I have done recently that would cause me to get reported. So I responded to customer service (actually, three times now), asking them for an explanation of how I violated either of the two policies they listed. I have never emailed any potential buyers, nor have I made an offer to buy outside of eBay. Morons.


  • << <i>OUCH!!!

    It is well known that eBay monitors anything that could negatively effect their income (you, on the other hand, can suck wind and fend for yourselves). When I receive an offer to purchase, I simply set up a BIN auction (with a single approved bidder list) and give unto Caesar what is Caesar's. This prevents the wrath of Meg Whitman's minions reigning terror down upon my business in the form of cancelled auctions and a subsequent NARU. image >>



    image VAMGUY is correct. This is the best way to do it.
  • RickMilauskasRickMilauskas Posts: 1,985 ✭✭✭
    BUMMER... thanks for the heads up Marty.
  • No, it is not Big Brother, it is Ebay not getting their share of the pie!
  • LincolnCentManLincolnCentMan Posts: 5,347 ✭✭✭✭
    I've almost stopped using ebay as a venue to sell.

    David
  • MadMartyMadMarty Posts: 16,697 ✭✭✭
    Yea, I did it. I ended the auction and sold the coins off E-bay. Problem is, when someone sends you a and doesn't check the show E-Mail button the only way to reply is through the E-bay system.

    BTW, they DID NOT credit my listing fees (I had 3 featured plus items).

    Oh well, time to get a TeleTrade order together!!!
    It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!



  • << <i>BTW, they DID NOT credit my listing fees (I had 3 featured plus items). >>



    Double ouch!
    "Wars are really ugly! They're dirty
    and they're cold.
    I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
    Mary






    Best Franklin Website
  • MacCrimmonMacCrimmon Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭
    Things are tough between UseTheYellowButton@ebay.com, and that Starbucks WIFI, eh?image
  • This PROVES that we need a "whining" forum image
    Cam-Slam 2-6-04
    3 "DAMMIT BOYS"
    4 "YOU SUCKS"
    Numerous POTD (But NONE officially recognized)
    Seated Halves are my specialty !
    Seated Half set by date/mm COMPLETE !
    Seated Half set by WB# - 289 down / 31 to go !!!!!
    (1) "Smoebody smack him" from CornCobWipe !
    IN MEMORY OF THE CUOF image
  • i've closed a lot of auctions early for sales outside of ebay. especially on non coin items that people have to come
    and pick up anyway. never had a problem.. yet

    it's also interesting how the ebay reply to question button won't let you type the @ symbol for emails.

    you have to code it with #@#$%% at hotmail.com, or something like that.
  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    I've never gotten an eMail that says UseTheYellowButton@ebay.com.

    Russ, NCNE
  • LongacreLongacre Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
    I am willing to take your case at my usual and customary rate of $850/hr. I am sure there is a constitutional law violation here somewhere. As a tax lawyer, though, I would need to spend a lot of time brushing up on constitutional law. image
    Always took candy from strangers
    Didn't wanna get me no trade
    Never want to be like papa
    Working for the boss every night and day
    --"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
  • HeywoodHeywood Posts: 1,246 ✭✭✭
    I have asked sellers if they have a BIN price-

    I was under the impression that sellers can change their auctions (W/o bids) to a BIN-

    Can this be done, or do they have to cancel and re-list with a BIN?


    A witty saying proves nothing- Voltaire (1694 - 1778)



    An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor

    does the truth become error because nobody will see it. -Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948)
  • VamGuyVamGuy Posts: 1,624


    << <i>I've never gotten an eMail that says UseTheYellowButton@ebay.com.

    Russ, NCNE >>

    If a person sends a question to a seller via the eBay message system and checks the box "hide my e-mail", the recipeint cannot reply to them directly, off eBay. When the recipient attempts to reply through their outlook express e-mail system directly, the email address shows up as "UseTheYellowButton@ebay.com". This forces you to reply through the eBay message system.



    << <i>I was under the impression that sellers can change their auctions (W/o bids) to a BIN-

    Can this be done, or do they have to cancel and re-list with a BIN? >>

    This can be done, however, you run the risk of another party hitting the BIN. This can be avoided by changing the listing to approved buyers only, of which your negotiating buyer would be the only one approved.
  • BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,556 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Common sense.

    If you put something up on ebay to sell, then you sell it on ebay. Yes, people skirt that rule all the time and get away with it, but when you get caught, don't whine.

    I don't feel sorry for people who list something (and others may set snipes on it) and then it disappears "no longer available". Not to say I haven't made an offer to buy something prior to close, but I always allow for the seller to do a single BIN for me (and have had one do just that) so no one gets nailed by the system.

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

  • RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i><< I've never gotten an eMail that says UseTheYellowButton@ebay.com.

    Russ, NCNE >>

    If a person sends a question to a seller via the eBay message system and checks the box "hide my e-mail", the recipeint cannot reply to them directly, off eBay. When the recipient attempts to reply through their outlook express e-mail system directly, the email address shows up as "UseTheYellowButton@ebay.com". This forces you to reply through the eBay message system. >>



    I get many eMails from users who hide their return address. Still have never gotten one that says UseTheYellowButton@ebay.com.

    Russ, NCNE
  • richardshipprichardshipp Posts: 5,647 ✭✭✭
    As seen from my "favorite sellers" List:

    madmartyk(4192) Not a registered user
    View seller's other items


    image

    But, but, but............. You're a POWER SELLER !!! image
  • Hmmm...so what happened to all those toned Jeffs -- or are they the ones that got you naru'd? Last I checked they were up to 99 cents or so...
  • I never use "the yellow button" ever.... I'm just waiting for the day someone sends a spoof email that looks exactly like this ebay email.... you hit the Yellow button, put your user name and password in and you're done....
  • notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    Marty,
    You don't think you got framed, right? This was a legitimate buyer? --Jerry
  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,276 ✭✭✭✭✭
  • nencoinnencoin Posts: 1,272 ✭✭✭✭
    My understanding was that the UsetheYellowButton reply email address was automatically used by eBay for any new users sending messages through the eBay system. Established buyers/sellers can correspond without the Yellowbutton requirement. I'm not sure what eBay considers established buyers/sellers (I would imagine either length of time registered, or number of transactions completed).

    Chris
  • tmot99tmot99 Posts: 5,238 ✭✭✭


    << <i>i've closed a lot of auctions early for sales outside of ebay. especially on non coin items that people have to come
    and pick up anyway. never had a problem.. yet >>



    If the person didn't contact you through ebay in the first place, then it's no problem to end an auction early. For example, if I own a coin store and put a coin up for auction and someone comes in the store and buys it, I can cancel the auction early because the item is no longer for sale.

    However, if someone contacted me through ebay and said "Can I make a reasonable offer and you end the auction early?" and payment is made outside of ebay, then that is a violation of ebay policy (basically they don't get their commission for making the connection between the two parties).
  • MadMartyMadMarty Posts: 16,697 ✭✭✭
    I don't think I was framed, I just broke a rule. It's only a week so I can deal with it.

    As for the last time, that one sucked! But this time I can't argue with it at all.

    As for the use the yellow button, if a user doens't uncheck the hide E-Mail and you reply to it you get this.

    image

    The only way to reply to the user is to go through E-Bays mail system.
    It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!

  • MadMartyMadMarty Posts: 16,697 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>i've closed a lot of auctions early for sales outside of ebay. especially on non coin items that people have to come
    and pick up anyway. never had a problem.. yet >>



    If the person didn't contact you through ebay in the first place, then it's no problem to end an auction early. For example, if I own a coin store and put a coin up for auction and someone comes in the store and buys it, I can cancel the auction early because the item is no longer for sale.

    However, if someone contacted me through ebay and said "Can I make a reasonable offer and you end the auction early?" and payment is made outside of ebay, then that is a violation of ebay policy (basically they don't get their commission for making the connection between the two parties). >>




    Exactly! and if the auction has bidders you can't add a BIN.
    It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!

  • BigEBigE Posts: 6,949 ✭✭✭
    Forget Teletrade, just take a week off and go visiting for the holidays---------------------------BigE
    I'm glad I am a Tree
  • BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,556 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>i've closed a lot of auctions early for sales outside of ebay. especially on non coin items that people have to come
    and pick up anyway. never had a problem.. yet >>



    If the person didn't contact you through ebay in the first place, then it's no problem to end an auction early. For example, if I own a coin store and put a coin up for auction and someone comes in the store and buys it, I can cancel the auction early because the item is no longer for sale.

    However, if someone contacted me through ebay and said "Can I make a reasonable offer and you end the auction early?" and payment is made outside of ebay, then that is a violation of ebay policy (basically they don't get their commission for making the connection between the two parties). >>




    Exactly! and if the auction has bidders you can't add a BIN. >>




    You can cancel all bids, end the auction, then relist a new one with BIN.
    A PITA, yes, but within the system rules.

    Poor MadMarty......ebay spanking #2, right?
    (btw....if you do end the auction early, and know you will for the right circumstances....you should put that in your auction.....as a buyer, it always sucks to bid or have snipe and the stupid seller ends the auction so you don't even have a chance....and, the seller doesn't know how high you would have gone....just use a BIN if you are going to end them for the "right price" anyway)

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

  • richardshipprichardshipp Posts: 5,647 ✭✭✭
    BTW Marty

    Welcome back !!!!

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file