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To ask if this is obvious enough? (Sending an email address through EBay messages...decoding needed!)

59 replies

GreenTureen · 30/11/2016 14:31

Ebay doesn't let you send email addresses through their messaging system - or phone numbers - to stop people dumping ebay and doing a transaction straight through paypal.

Anyway, I'm buying something but want to dump Ebay because the seller will give me a discount (please no talks on the ethics of this! Because I really don't care Grin ) I also can't take a picture of my email address which would have worked because my camera is knackered until next week.

Anyway, I need to send them my email address so that they can email me an invoice through Paypal.

I've tried a few variations of spaces, using the word 'dot' or 'at' etc - all of which have been blocked by EBay. Is this obvious enough for you to get what my email is:

The first word is Joan. Then followed by what American's call a period. Followed by the colour of grass. Followed by the year in which the Battle of Hastings took place. Followed by the place at which all electronic mail is very, very warm. Followed by a period. Followed by the common three letter ending.

AIBU to ask what you would get from that? Or can you come up with a better version? Atm either me or my seller is being thick because they cannot get it at all. I'm not concerned about my email address being outed on mn either...it's one of a bunch of random ones I have to cut down on junk mail.

OP posts:
GinAndOnIt · 30/11/2016 15:19

OP can't take/upload photos

Shiningexample · 30/11/2016 15:20

could you put the e-mail address on a word document and send that as an email attachment?

seesensepeople · 30/11/2016 15:28

Really? The whole of MN is helping the OP to defeat the security controls in ebay that are there for the buyer's protection?
OP - If the "discount" is so large it makes all this fuss worthwhile it's more than likely a scam. You know what they say "if it looks too good to be true, it probably is"

19lottie82 · 30/11/2016 15:29

If I want to send or receive an email address I just give the other party my mobile number and ask then to text it to me.

Sonders · 30/11/2016 15:29

Can you send them a link? If so you can make a text document with your details on and use a service like wetransfer (wetransfer.com) to send that to them?

Of if you can take a photo, why don't you use Paint or an image editing program - like I did ;)

To ask if this is obvious enough?  (Sending an email address through EBay messages...decoding needed!)
VivienneWestwoodsKnickers · 30/11/2016 15:30

I'd assume any seller offering a discount for selling outside eBay to be a scanner. It's up to you, but I think it's foolish.

VivienneWestwoodsKnickers · 30/11/2016 15:30

*scammer....!

NerdsAndMonsters · 30/11/2016 15:33

She might be buying a Hatchimal thingy though ?

JurassicFart · 30/11/2016 15:34

If anyone was feeling unkind/malicious they could report you to eBay for violating their terms, OP, as they now know what your associated email address is.

Unless you're actually not that dumb and you've given a dummy example.

LilQueenie · 30/11/2016 15:36

its not linked to ebay. I checked to see what possible scam the seller had. I would not trust anyone selling a hatchimal off ebay either.

Shiningexample · 30/11/2016 15:38

they could report you to eBay for violating their terms

so what, they're not going to throw you in jail are they

Sonders · 30/11/2016 15:38

I made some more options, so you can switch it up depending on your mood.

To ask if this is obvious enough?  (Sending an email address through EBay messages...decoding needed!)
To ask if this is obvious enough?  (Sending an email address through EBay messages...decoding needed!)
To ask if this is obvious enough?  (Sending an email address through EBay messages...decoding needed!)
NerdsAndMonsters · 30/11/2016 15:39

Also, if you're not involving eBay in the transaction from now on (am assuming the seller wants to avoid paying insertion/selling fees etc??); am not really sure why you need a receipt at all?
It'll be worthless if there's an issue; as no 3rd party to intervene.

Shiningexample · 30/11/2016 15:40

I'm pretty sure the buyer still gets protection if the funds are sent via paypal, and of course paypal will get a cut of that

NerdsAndMonsters · 30/11/2016 15:42

Will PayPal refund in the same way that eBay does though?

Sonders · 30/11/2016 15:42

Buyer gets no protection using PayPal, and it violates eBay terms so you could get banned, but that's your prerogative.

LilQueenie · 30/11/2016 15:45

I would assume they want the op to send via paypal family and friends to avoid the fee. Absolutely no comeback for that. you cant even ask paypal to open a case there. OP what is the feedback like?

TheFlounder · 30/11/2016 15:50

Sonders Grin

pengymum · 30/11/2016 15:51

You're asking to be scammed. No guarantee the seller will send item or that it is genuine item and no comeback. Hope it's not a lot of money though it must be as otherwise the discount wouldn't be attractive.
I'd only buy off eBay if collecting in person. Then can see item first before paying. But it's your call.

Aki23 · 30/11/2016 15:53

good luck reclaiming lost money - discount if not through ebay...

NerdsAndMonsters · 30/11/2016 15:53

The seller sounds American though

Dwina · 30/11/2016 15:55

I would say to tell them your FB id so they can message you there and you can give your email address. The FB ID is what comes after .com on your FB profile. www.facebook.com/**********

Ginkypig · 30/11/2016 15:56

Can you not just send a link to this thread?

Your email is clearly seen on this thread here.

WeedlesHatOfDisappointment · 30/11/2016 16:11

pig that's genius!

19lottie82 · 30/11/2016 16:13

You still get paypal buyer protection as long as you make sure the payment is for goods and services, not friends and family.

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