Since when has eBay allowed sellers to block messages from buyers?

[Mayhem]

Just a quick bit of background. See an auction on eBay that I'm interested in, but not for the price that it is listed at. Auction has run for a few days and currently has no bids. I was going to ask the seller if they'd reduce the starting price. But when I go to use the "ask seller a question" function, no matter what option I choose, I can't get through to the part about asking. I get a "We're sorry but we couldn't find an answer for you. Unfortunately, this seller is unable to respond to your question. We suggest reviewing the item again to see if your answer is in the seller's listing."

I don't recall ever using this seller before so I doubt I'm specifically blocked by them...

[megasdkirby]

Have you tried using the "other" option? That usually works for me.

[Polygon]

Well, it should give you an option that this didn't answer your question then allow you to send them an e-mail. Choosing other also works. I've used both of these methods several times this week and they work.

[Mayhem]

I've messaged sellers who have only had items shipping to the US before (and when you try to bid, it stops your bid from registering) and I've been able to contact them fine, so I don't think it is that. Unless eBay has changed something recently.

To specify, I select the "ask a question" option at the bottom of the auction listing, select a topic, choose "no, I want to contact the seller" and hit the continue button. That's when I get the message saying I can't contact them. Never seen it before in my twelve years on eBay.

Have you tried using the "other" option? That usually works for me.

Yes, same response as above.

[Kitsune Sniper]

Just a quick bit of background. See an auction on eBay that I'm interested in, but not for the price that it is listed at. Auction has run for a few days and currently has no bids. I was going to ask the seller if they'd reduce the starting price. But when I go to use the "ask seller a question" function, no matter what option I choose, I can't get through to the part about asking. I get a "We're sorry but we couldn't find an answer for you. Unfortunately, this seller is unable to respond to your question. We suggest reviewing the item again to see if your answer is in the seller's listing."

I don't recall ever using this seller before so I doubt I'm specifically blocked by them...

If they don't ship to your country, then the site blocks you automatically. In my experience, anyway. I've had people try to get around that by using an eBay US account.

[The 1 2 P]

Just a quick bit of background. See an auction on eBay that I'm interested in, but not for the price that it is listed at. Auction has run for a few days and currently has no bids. I was going to ask the seller if they'd reduce the starting price. But when I go to use the "ask seller a question" function, no matter what option I choose, I can't get through to the part about asking. I get a "We're sorry but we couldn't find an answer for you. Unfortunately, this seller is unable to respond to your question. We suggest reviewing the item again to see if your answer is in the seller's listing."

I don't recall ever using this seller before so I doubt I'm specifically blocked by them...

If you click on any ebay members name you will go to their feedback profile and there will be an option(it might be on the left or right) to "contact member". Click on that and follow the prompts to send your question.

[Mayhem]

Forget to mention, I'd already done that as well, got exactly the same message as before. Frankly I'm at a bit of a loss...

Hang on... if I choose the "this is not about an item" option there, I can get through. Still really odd though.

[The 1 2 P]

Hang on... if I choose the "this is not about an item" option there, I can get through. Still really odd though.

That usually works. I know this because even bidders I have blocked from bidding on my auctions(and there are dozens of them) are still allowed to send me messages. I never figured out how to block them from sending me messages and just assumed it wasn't possible. So that being the case, I knew that you can still pretty much contact anyone on ebay thru the "contact member" link.

[theclaw]

That is unusual. There are sellers who don't mention shipping elsewhere yet will if asked. Never heard of blocking messages.

By the way... Is it just me, or can sellers no longer leave feedback for a non-paying bidder? Wasn't too long ago I could.

[ryborg]

By the way... Is it just me, or can sellers no longer leave feedback for a non-paying bidder? Wasn't too long ago I could.

Why would you want to in the first place? The worst you can do is leave a back-handed positive that can be instantly removed if the buyer asks ebay, or most likely, never read by anyone.

[fahlim003]

If you click on any ebay members name you will go to their feedback profile and there will be an option(it might be on the left or right) to "contact member". Click on that and follow the prompts to send your question.

Doesn't work. God damn, is this blocking of questions move complete bullshit.