Crazy Buyer Avoided

Thought I’d share the experience below. It’s one of the weirder interactions I’ve had on eBay (especially in such a short time frame), and I’m very glad the customer ultimately decided to cancel. It was for a vintage denim curtain set listed for 150.

1st Message (6:19 pm)

“HI, WOULD YOU CONSIDER 100.00. THANK YOU…”

(Commentary: I should have known to always avoid people who type in all caps.)

I sent back an offer for $135.

2nd Message (6:26 pm)

“HI, 125.00 WITH SHIPPING INCLUDED AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE IN MY PAYPAL AND THE TAX TO COVER IT. I AM SORRY BUT I REALLY WANT THESE FOR MY WIFE.”

I respond that my original offer was the best I would give. He accepted it, but didn’t pay immediately.

3rd Message (6:31 pm)

“THANKS AND I WILL PAY IMMEDIATE WEDNESDAY MY DAUGHTER WILL HELP ME WITH THE REST. THANK YOU.”

(Commentary: I was really beginning to regret ever sending an offer to this person.)

Unexpectedly, the buyer pays immediately after that message.

4th Message (6:47 pm)

“MY DAUGHTER ZELLED IT TO ME…THANKS & WATERPROOF LABEL around bar code & SEND TRACKING NUMBER & PLEASE PROTECT IT WELL inside the box in case of water & TAPE THE PACKAGE CLOSED REALLY GOOD BECAUSE OUR POST IS NASTY BAD UP HERE & PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOU SEE THIS NOTE & THANK YOU!…CAN YOU SHIP FAST,WE HAVE AN ANNIVERSARY PARTY COMING UP & WE ARE GETTING OUR HOME IN ORDER AND THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL GIFT FOR HER.”

(Commentary: I could sense the negative feedback coming already. I mean, for one, I have a 4 day handling time, which he obviously either didn’t read or ignored. And all those special instructions on the shipping. The run on sentences. The sudden decision to pay immediately.)

I responded that I will try to get it out soon, but I have a four-day handling time.

5th Message (7:17 pm)

“I DON’T SEE ANY HANDLING TIME AND I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE SOONER. THANK YOU…”

Before I even see the previous message, I’m already getting another one

6th Message (7:23 pm)

“I AM PISSED, I JUST FOUND THESE ONLINE AND THEY ARE NOT REAL DENIM THEY ARE COTTON POLY MADE TO LOOK LIKE DENIM. YOUR WHOLE LISTING IS WRONG. CANCEL MY ORDER NOW AND REFUND MY MONEY…”

(Commentary: Not sure that anyone actually makes real denim curtains (they would be super heavy), and it was obvious from the listing that these were cotton blend curtains with denim color and floral designs. However, I was relieved he wanted to cancel the order.

I cancelled the order and “apologized” for the confusion. Haven’t received any eBay feedback (or if he did, ebay removed it automatically).

I should have checked his ebay profile before sending the offer. The guy has it set for private feedback, but his profile is as follows:

“I AM A MAN WHO FOUND EBAY & I LIKE BUYING & SUPPORTING FELLOW FOLKS & I AM PRIVATE IN FB ONLY TO HIDE MY BUYS FROM NOSEY FAMILY I LIKE TO SURPRISE! I DO NOT MISS TREAT SELLERS WHAT SO EVER IN PRIVATE FB! I AM AN HONEST CHRISTIAN MAN & EXPECT HONESTY!”