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How to get yourself blocked on eBay by asking one simple question

airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,359 ✭✭✭✭✭

I received the following question on eBay: "Is this the coin itself we're bidding on or a picture of a coin?"

Now, I was struggling a bit with how to respond because of course it's the coin, but also, what could possibly make my listing look like I was only selling a photo? So while scratching my head, I set out to look at the buyer's feedback. Or, rather, feedback the buyer has left.

Sure, there were a few positives that didn't make the cut to be included above, but, long story short, I saved myself a reply by just blocking the buyer instead. Pro tip: ask a question that raises flags, and you can expect to go to secondary screening.

JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research

Comments

  • coinkatcoinkat Posts: 23,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    After reading this I am scratching my head whether to post a picture of Peter Faulk or Peter Sellers…

    Watch the film Murder By Death… problem solved.

    Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.

  • tincuptincup Posts: 5,338 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Yeah, it would indicate the person is highly likely to be a problem and I would not want to take a chance.

    ----- kj
  • lkeneficlkenefic Posts: 8,486 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Well... THAT was entertaining! I especially loved the second to the last comment about not getting his coat and contemplating ANOTHER lawsuit against FedEX... so this guy has more than one lawsuit against a delivery company?!! WTF...

    Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;

    Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
  • That's a major pattern of discontentment. And it appears over very petty low value items. Basically the sum of all fears for a seller.

  • logger7logger7 Posts: 8,914 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I want to enjoy the hobby, not get involved with someone's psychological issues.

    I'm pretty tolerant, but since problem feedback and problem transactions negatively affect my service metrics, I have to block those who create impossible to resolve problems.

  • JBKJBK Posts: 16,267 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I love the "seller claims it was delivered" nonsense. Obviously USPS tracking shows it was delivered. Take it up with USPS, your neighbors who might have mistakenly gotten your package, or your community's porch pirates. But the seller should not be the target.

  • oldabeintxoldabeintx Posts: 2,351 ✭✭✭✭✭

    In my experience caveat venditor more concerning than caveat emptor.

  • messydeskmessydesk Posts: 20,240 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @airplanenut said:
    I received the following question on eBay: "Is this the coin itself we're bidding on or a picture of a coin?"

    Magritte would be proud.

  • TxCollectorTxCollector Posts: 462 ✭✭✭✭

    While this particular buyer seems a bit unhinged and it’s normally a silly question to ask if a seller is selling the actual item or just a photo there actually have been eBay scammers that have sent a photo instead of the item.

    Here is a screen shot of a listing last year for a $500 note where the seller thought they were being cute by putting a P at the end of the listing and claiming that anyone bidding should have known that meant they were only selling a photo of the note.

  • GRANDAMGRANDAM Posts: 8,714 ✭✭✭✭✭

    What is the buyer's ID?

    GrandAm :)
  • LeeBoneLeeBone Posts: 4,560 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @GRANDAM said:
    What is the buyer's ID?

    Yes, please..

  • lkeneficlkenefic Posts: 8,486 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @LeeBone said:

    @GRANDAM said:
    What is the buyer's ID?

    Yes, please..

    ...yeah, inquiring minds and all...

    Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;

    Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
  • cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 7,949 ✭✭✭✭✭

    If you have a sec, can you please PM me the buyer ID? They need to be preemptively blocked.

    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • mbogomanmbogoman Posts: 5,224 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Please, please PM me the buyer's ID! He/she is a problem waiting to happen. That feedback chain is horrible...

  • logger7logger7 Posts: 8,914 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 18, 2025 1:02PM

    @lkenefic said:

    @TxCollector said:
    While this particular buyer seems a bit unhinged and it’s normally a silly question to ask if a seller is selling the actual item or just a photo there actually have been eBay scammers that have sent a photo instead of the item.

    Here is a screen shot of a listing last year for a $500 note where the seller thought they were being cute by putting a P at the end of the listing and claiming that anyone bidding should have known that meant they were only selling a photo of the note.

    ...I wonder how the seller would have reacted if one of the previous bidders on this re-listed item won it... and sent pictures of money instead of actual money... P

    ;)

    Someone can indicate in the small print that they are selling a picture when no one would pay real money for a picture. The principle is that common sense and custom or expectation would govern the rules of the transaction. It's like when someone claims they can pay for taxes with the face value of $50 US eagles when any sane person would consider "fair market value" the governing principle.

  • ChrisH821ChrisH821 Posts: 6,668 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Looks like at least one of those pesky tire-kicking customers just looking to score deals that Cougar keeps referring to is actually out there :D
    Best to block this guy for sure.

    Collector, occasional seller

  • jshaulisjshaulis Posts: 874 ✭✭✭✭

    ".......today, I am filing another lawsuit against FEDEX"

    How many lawsuits does this guy have outstanding?

    Successful transactions with forum members commoncents05, dmarks, Coinscratch, Bullsitter, DCW, TwoSides2aCoin, Namvet69 (facilitated for 3rd party), Tetromibi, ProfLizMay, MASSU2, MWallace, Bruce7789, Twobitcollector, 78saen, U1chicago, Rob41281

  • blu62vetteblu62vette Posts: 11,943 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Please send me the buyers info.

    http://www.bluccphotos.com" target="new">BluCC Photos Shows for onsite imaging: Nov Baltimore, FUN, Long Beach http://www.facebook.com/bluccphotos" target="new">BluCC on Facebook
  • privatecoinprivatecoin Posts: 3,604 ✭✭✭✭✭

    pm the id please.

    Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value. Zero. Voltaire. Ebay coinbowlllc

  • ConnecticoinConnecticoin Posts: 13,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jshaulis said:
    ".......today, I am filing another lawsuit against FEDEX"

    How many lawsuits does this guy have outstanding?

    And why did the seller deserve a neg for a Fed Ex issue?

  • jesbrokenjesbroken Posts: 10,505 ✭✭✭✭✭

    pm the id please.
    Jim


    When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln

    Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
  • jesbrokenjesbroken Posts: 10,505 ✭✭✭✭✭

    While I agree about hating the useage of stock photos, reulting in many blocked sellers. I hate to waste time looking at a coin only to find its a stock photo.
    Jim


    When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln

    Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
  • Old_CollectorOld_Collector Posts: 301 ✭✭✭✭

    Makes me feel fortunate, never had any crazies like that, but definitely should block them and with that sort of question I would insta-block someone.

  • alaura22alaura22 Posts: 3,518 ✭✭✭✭✭

    The question is, how can I block a seller on Ebay without having to have a list of them

  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,359 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Happy to PM the buyer's ID to anyone interested. Reply here or shoot me a message and I'll send it over. I've replied to everyone who asked above.

    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,739 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @airplanenut said:
    Happy to PM the buyer's ID to anyone interested. Reply here or shoot me a message and I'll send it over. I've replied to everyone who asked above.

    I wouldn't be surprised if this bad eBayer has multiple accounts so beware.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • TrampTramp Posts: 737 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @airplanenut Made me laugh out loud!

    USAF (Ret.) 1985 - 2005. E-4B Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief and Contracting Officer.
    My current Registry sets:
    ✓ Everyman Mint State Carson City Morgan Dollars (1878 – 1893)
    ✓ Everyman Mint State Lincoln Cents (1909 – 1958)
    ✓ Morgan Dollar GSA Hoard (1878 – 1891)

  • TomBTomB Posts: 22,001 ✭✭✭✭✭

    But the seller broke his willy clone!!!

    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,359 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @PerryHall said:

    @airplanenut said:
    Happy to PM the buyer's ID to anyone interested. Reply here or shoot me a message and I'll send it over. I've replied to everyone who asked above.

    I wouldn't be surprised if this bad eBayer has multiple accounts so beware.

    Always a risk, but at that point, there's only so much you can do. I've had blocked buyers come back with different accounts AND different addresses, so even if I could get him to buy one item to get his address and hope everything goes okay, there could still be a problem down the line. Hopefully he just goes away.

    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • heavymetalheavymetal Posts: 621 ✭✭✭✭

    @airplanenut said:
    Happy to PM the buyer's ID to anyone interested. Reply here or shoot me a message and I'll send it over. I've replied to everyone who asked above.

    I would be grateful with this buyer's ID. it's better to nip things in the bud rather than suffer headaches later.

  • jmski52jmski52 Posts: 23,177 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Please PM me the buyer's I.D.

    Q: Are You Printing Money? Bernanke: Not Literally

    I knew it would happen.
  • 124Spider124Spider Posts: 1,019 ✭✭✭✭✭

    My guess is that that guy considers himself/herself to be an honest, careful buyer; I doubt he/she is a grifter.

    But what a way to go through life! It adds to the evidence that makes me never want to sell anything on eBay.

  • ashelandasheland Posts: 23,647 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Definitely a good choice to block that one!

    Occasionally, I will look at “feedback left” profile… you can get a pretty good idea of who you are dealing with that way!

  • rmpsrpmsrmpsrpms Posts: 1,943 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I've known several people like that, both men and women. It's a particular personality type.

    PM me for coin photography equipment, or visit my website:

    http://macrocoins.com

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