How to block an eBay buyer, explained

Is there a Blocked Buyers List on eBay?

eBay does have a feature that allows sellers to create a blocked buyers list. This feature enables sellers to prevent specific eBay users from bidding on or purchasing their items. Sellers often use this list to block buyers who have previously caused problems, such as non-payment, unreasonable demands, negative feedback without cause, or other issues that contravene eBay’s policies or the seller’s terms.

To add a buyer to the blocked list, a seller needs to access their account settings on eBay and navigate to the site preferences or buyer requirements section. There, they can input the usernames of the buyers they wish to block. It’s important for sellers to use this feature judiciously and in accordance with eBay’s guidelines to maintain a fair and professional marketplace environment.

Buyers who find themselves on a blocked list and believe it to be in error or unfair can typically only resolve the issue by contacting the seller directly to discuss the matter. eBay generally does not intervene in these disputes unless there’s evidence of policy violation or harassment.

Blocking a buyer on eBay can be done by following these steps:

1. Sign In: Go to the eBay website and sign in to your eBay account if you’re not already logged in.
2. Access Your Account Settings:
   • Click on the “My eBay” link located at the top right corner of the eBay homepage.
3. Go to the Block Buyers List:
   • In the “My eBay” dashboard, find the “Account” tab on the left-hand side. Click on it to expand the menu.
   • Under the “Account” section, select “Site Preferences.”
4. Block Buyers:
   • In the “Site Preferences” page, scroll down until you find the “Buyer requirements” section.
   • Click on the “Show” link next to “Buyer requirements.”
5. Block Specific Buyers:
   • In the “Buyer requirements” section, you will see the option to “Edit” your blocked buyer list. Click on “Edit” to manage your blocked buyers.
6. Add or Remove Blocked Buyers:
   • To add a buyer to your blocked list, enter the eBay usernames of the buyers you want to block in the provided text box. You can add multiple usernames separated by commas.
   • To remove a buyer from your blocked list, simply delete their username from the list.
7. Save Your Changes:
   • After you’ve added or removed the desired buyers, click the “Submit” or “Save Changes” button to save your preferences.

Once you’ve completed these steps, the buyers you’ve added to your blocked list will be unable to place bids on your listings, purchase items from you, or contact you through eBay’s messaging system. This feature can be useful for managing unwanted or problematic buyers.

Keep in mind that blocking buyers should be done judiciously, as it can affect your potential pool of buyers. It’s typically best to use this feature when you’ve had negative experiences with a specific buyer or when you have specific reasons to block certain individuals from your eBay listings.

Are there bots and spam on eBay?

Yes, like many online platforms, eBay can be susceptible to bots and spam. While eBay takes measures to prevent and mitigate these issues, they can still occur. Here are some common forms of bots and spam on eBay:

1. Automated Bidding Bots: Some users may employ automated bidding bots to place bids on auctions automatically. These bots can place last-second bids (sniping) or bid incrementally up to a specified maximum amount. While sniping itself is not necessarily spam, excessive or disruptive automated bidding can affect the bidding process and create frustration for other users.
2. Listing Spam: Occasionally, sellers may post spammy or misleading listings that do not accurately represent the product being sold. This can include listings with irrelevant keywords or deceptive item descriptions.
3. Fake or Scam Listings: Scammers may create listings for nonexistent or counterfeit items. These listings can trick buyers into making purchases and then disappearing with their money.
4. Phishing and Fraudulent Messages: Some users may receive phishing or fraudulent messages through eBay’s messaging system. These messages often attempt to deceive users into revealing personal information or engaging in fraudulent transactions.
5. Feedback Manipulation: Bots or users may attempt to manipulate seller feedback ratings by leaving false positive or negative feedback. This can affect a seller’s reputation on the platform.

eBay employs various measures to combat these issues, including automated algorithms to detect and prevent suspicious activity, reporting mechanisms for users to report spam or fraudulent listings, and policies that prohibit certain types of behavior. Users are encouraged to report suspicious activity or listings they encounter on eBay.

To protect yourself on eBay, consider the following tips:

• Be cautious when dealing with sellers or buyers who seem overly aggressive or who make unusual requests.
• Carefully review item listings, including product descriptions, prices, and seller feedback.
• Use eBay’s messaging system for communication and be wary of sharing personal information.
• Report any suspicious or fraudulent activity to eBay’s customer support.

By staying vigilant and following eBay’s guidelines, you can help protect yourself from bots and spam on the platform.