Blocking buyers / bidders on eBay with strikes...what is your stance?

MULLINS5

About 8 months ago I won several auctions for books from a person on eBay. They immediately messaged me for an email address (which is against eBay policy) so that they can "e-deliver" the books. Apparently, even though it wasn't listed anywhere in the description or title, this seller's items were e-books. I refused to pay, they opened cases, and I couldn't have cared less about the strikes as there were far more important things going on in my life to answer to non-paying strikes about e-books advertised as physical books.

Fast forward to a few months ago and, boy do I wish I had had responded to those cases! When I actively began buying again on eBay I occasionally get the message that I'm blocked. I message the seller and explain what happened and they always lift the block for me so that I can make the purchase.

Until the other night, I found a card that I REALLY wanted as a kid and decided to use eBay Bucks to finally get it (1996 Gretzky Auto Die-Cut). Blocked. Messaged the seller and explained, politely, and they refuse to lift the block. Personally I'm shocked that someone with my feedback (1400+ most from buying) and a member since 2006 wouldn't be considered, even after I explained the reason behind the strikes. I'd even pay the full asking price!

I understand why sellers filter out non-paying bidders (I do the same) but, to me, it's so I get paid. This seller seems to be afraid of something else, possibly getting scammed, and I don't understand why. Can someone offer suggestions why a seller would keep their feet grounded firm in a case like this? What's your stance on blocking non-paying bidders?

Thanks in advance!

halosfan

That seems really silly ... no reason not to treat each person individually

otwcards

Let's look at this from the perspective of a seller. Bidders that have non-paying strikes, for whatever reason, present a potential problem. It suggests that either they don't pay for items, had an issue about paying for an item or they just don't care enough about their reputation to clear up issues that may have led to not paying for an item (as in the case of the OP).

When dealing on the Internet, you develop a reputation. eBay feedback, blocked bidder and non-paying bidders, message board feedback and word of mouth are just a few of the formats that will provide a reasonable history and level of expectation with regard to a buyer or seller.

There are many on these boards, myself included, that have strong opinions and may not be the most liked, but have buyer/seller histories that are impeccable. There are others (including the OP), that have had questionable activities in their past. That doesn't mean that they are the same way now (both the good and the bad), but much like eBay feedback and non-paying strikes, they paint a picture of the individual and afford others the opportunity to make assessments on whether or not they really need to deal with such people within the presence of so many other potential buyers/sellers.

mtcards

I have my account auto set to block anyone with a non paying bidder strike over the past 3 months. Its a personal choice and if I heard your explanation of the situation would have lifted it. That being said, I would have filed a SNAD on his case, I realize you said you didnt have the time, but a lot of sellers who have hundreds if not thousands of items listed do not have the time to deal with such situations either. If ebay would automatically do something about non paying bidders (ie, no pay = suspension with a determined number of stirkes) bidders would pay and buyers wouldnt deal with the issue of having to file claims or put in potential sales blocks.

sportscardtheory

As a bidder, I love when sellers block other bidders. ; )