potential buyer contacted me to offer a lower price than listed

[whataboutbob]

A potential buyer has exchanged messages re an item, asking re arranging a courrier to pick it up (it's heavy), asking for weight etc. She has now sent an email offering 1/2 the listed price "as i am on such a tight budget". Also offering to pay me directly (bypassing ebay). I feel this is cheeky and am not happy to go outside ebay.
I'd welcome the thoughts of experienced ebayers on this!

[KacieB]

Nope. Ignore! Very cheeky.

[SwearyInn]

Totally ignore.

[summerwinterton]

And never let a buyer arrange their own courier either. Cash on collection only if it is a heavy item.

[MisForMumNotMaid]

Ignore or report using the report link on the message the buyer sent.

You could also block the buyer.

Ebay probably wouldn't do much for one report but if a buyer does this to lots of people they'd get flagged and action would be taken.

[Tartyflette]

She's trying it on, you don 't have to do anything at all. it's against ebay rules to complete a transaction outside ebay. People do it but you run the risk of being bsnned.

[pinkcan]

People always do this. Try to rip you off.

Always let the auctions run to the end and always insist on pickup in person, no couriers if you are selling a bulky item.

[MooningIntoTheAbyss]

I always send back
'Sorry, I'm going to let it go to auction. I've had problems going outside Ebay in the past and simply not willing to chance that again. Thanks and good luck if you still want to bid'

I sold a Fitbit a while back and had no end of sob stories and messages explaining why I should sell it to them for peanuts.
One woman got quite unpleasant when I said no. She stated that her need to own it and use it where far greater then my need for the money....

[MooningIntoTheAbyss]

And absolutely no couriers organised by the buyer.

Also, only ever cash if they collect it themselves, otherwise you have no proof they collected it and Ebay can refund a PayPal payment, but they can't refund cash

[whataboutbob]

Thanks everyone you confirm my suspicions, I am not v experienced as an ebayer but this didn't sit well.
Mooning I going to cut and paste your standard reply!
I will let it run to the end of the auction. If it doesn't sell I'll sit tight and re list in a few weeks.
Thanks again lovely ebayers!

[whataboutbob]

Mooning-e aggression over a fitbit on ebay- gotta laugh!