FYI - Strange Request on eCrater!

[2boysandtoys]

Hey all:

Just a heads up - I got a question yesterday on eCrater from a 'buyer'.  The premise of the question - 'I am very interested in this shirt - who may I call to ask questions?'

Never had a question like this before and of course, opted to reply instead with a message suggesting we did not provide telephone support - instead offered email support.  We would be willing to answer any questions you have via email.

I will never give my number out online - however, if a customer truly needed a phone discussion, I'd be willing to call them.  But - just a heads up, as I'm not convinced it was really a customer!   

[QUILT]

I know in this world of technology those of us who have it need to have the occasional reminder from those who don't.  My first thought as well would be don't even think of calling me.  I can just see the never ending drama with that one.  Anyhow...

I have family who do not use the computer and they generally contact a seller to see if they can call and make arrangements.  In my heart I would like to believe that you may just have a senior citizen or someone who prefers to deal with a real person.  Lately I have had quite a few sales on my zen cart and they have all sent checks instead of paying online. 

Ecrater would be wonderful if everyone who bought from me actually paid.  What a waste of energy.

[teelabooks]

When I first read it, it seemed a bit scary. I've had people want to call me, but usually it is a situation where they want the item overnight. They tell me in the email why they want to call.
 
Your email is a little spooky. Although it is probably innocent, I wouldn't give out a phone number over an email that general. 

[2boysandtoys]

I just had that immediate 'gut feel' that it was not legit - sometimes...ya gotta go with that - ya know?!! 

[Baysbeauty]

It sounded vague to me.  Did the buyer mention what they needed to talk to you about? 

I know when I first started out on eBay with my first store, everything was going really smooth and I was racking in the sales, then all of a sudden I had a buyer that was The Nightmare of all Buyers.  She had clicked to buy something from my store and never paid for it.  I sent many "Friendly Reminders" to this buyer with no answer back and this went on for weeks.  I explained that if she didn't want the item or changed her mind I was OK with that but would love for her to let me know one way or another.  She never contacted me so my last email to her was explaining the fees that eBay charges us sellers when someone buys an item and would love for her to to a mutual agreement to not buy, still no answer; so I filed a non payment claim against her.  Now keep in mind that this went on for many weeks.  She was furious with me!!!

She got my phone number from my account on eBay and the harassement was on.  I had threatening phones calls, she would say that she knew where I lived and even gave really good instructions to my home which I have a PO Box as my address but some how this person got my real home address.  eBay said that I could change my user name but that would still show up in my history of user names, and call the cops and make a report.

What I did was close the account and I then opened up a new account with eBay and from that time on, I do not use my real name or home phone number.  I use my business name and my cell number.  It hasn't happened to me since and I do not wish this on anyone.  I for one try to be careful, but at times it is hard when I'm trusting with many people.

 

[QUILT]

Wow! Wow! Wow!   I think we had the same buyer.  I was shocked when the phone calls started.

[Baysbeauty]

That happened to you too??????  OMGosh!  I was scared to death! 

I didn't make a police report because I didn't want to make her even badder than she was already.  So I stopped answering the phone when she called and she would never leave a message.  Finally one day the calls stopped. 

[QUILT]

She probably found a new victim.

I must say though that I have had other calls from ebayers and they only got the number from ebay.  Thankfully they were just super nice people and just wanted to do additional business hoping the package had not been sent yet.

[2boysandtoys]

That's what is so 'concerning at times'.  Actually -  if ya think about the 'ask seller a question' function, the person has to pick an item.

So - the person who desired to have my # had a question on a shirt.... - I'm sorry - 1 shirt, 100% cotton, a t-shirt...what questions could someone have?

Interesting enough - once I suggested the write their questions and WE would get back to them in a short - they went away!! 

[QUILT]

Smooth