Dealing with eBayers with 0 feedback? Resolved! Thanks :)

[Cool.Breeze]

Hey everyone~

I got a bid on an auction I posted a few days ago (http://www.ebay.com/itm/321097505266?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649) and the high bidder has zero feedback, with a username that consists only of numbers, " 0853329600 ",  joined Mar-08-13, location Thailand. In the description of the item, you can see I put in bold underline that I would remove bids from users with zero feedback unless they contact me first. Wanting to give a new user who might actually have good intentions a chance, I just messaged them and told them to get in touch with me so that I don't remove their bid. Now I'm wondering- what's a good length of time to wait for them to respond before I go ahead and remove their bid? I was thinking 24 hours might be fair... However, I'm also wondering what my actions should be in the case I receive no response in that time frame- should I block in addition to removing the bid? Something about that username just sends up a red-flag for me. Has anyone else here had good (or bad) experiences with bidders with usernames consisting only of digits and/or having 0 feedback? Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I could use some insight!

[lovesbabysquirmy]

All Ebay user names appear with random letters and numbers for "privacy".  That way bidders can't stalk each other.

I would cancel his bid anyway otherwise you run the risk of having more problems.  They didn't read the description in the first place and are NOT following your instructions, why would you want MORE hassle?   

[Cool.Breeze]

All Ebay user names appear with random letters and numbers for "privacy".  That way bidders can't stalk each other.

I would cancel his bid anyway otherwise you run the risk of having more problems.  They didn't read the description in the first place and are NOT following your instructions, why would you want MORE hassle?   

I knew they added random characters for bidding history, but I didn't realize they add random numbers and letters to the usernames on people's user pages/contact pages. That's good to know.  I just don't really feel comfortable about the whole situation :\ In hindsight, I should have just removed the bids and sent a note explaining why. Thanks very much for the advice, Lovesbabysquirmy I appreciate you taking the time to give your 2 cents on the matter. I'll go cancel the bid, and send them a note explaining they're free to bid again but only if they contact me about it first

[ponylady]

They do not hide ID's if you are the seller. What you see is there actual ID because you are the seller. If you were not the seller, you would see something like this b****3.

I would give them time to respond, if they do not then cancel the bid. I guess don't get overly suspicious of zero feedback buyers.  I mean everyone has to start somewhere and this person may have just got around to opening an account.  I am not saying that you should not be suspicious but chances are they maybe a decent buyer. 

[Cool.Breeze]

but chances are they maybe a decent buyer. 

I do agree with this, but still can't help being a little wary. I did go ahead and remove the bid, a bit of a flounce move, but I really would feel better being in contact before they bid. I did take the time afterwards to write them another note explaining that because their actions went against my policies, I would be more comfortable hearing from them first before they go ahead and place their bid. Thanks for putting my mind at ease about the 0 feedback buyer thing, I understand everyone has to start somewhere. I was new to eBay once, too! I'm always happy to give people a chance, but it's always a good idea to read an auction description in full before bidding. Since they're new to eBay, maybe it'll be a learning experience for them. Thanks for your input, Ponylady!

[lovesbabysquirmy]

*pony hugs*  I hope you find a GREAT buyer for your items, new to Ebay or not! 

[Cool.Breeze]

*pony hugs*  I hope you find a GREAT buyer for your items, new to Ebay or not! 

*HUGS* Thanks me too! I hate dealing with hassle on eBay ._. That user never did reply. Perhaps they don't have access to a decent translator and are worried they wont be understood? Or maybe I just scared them off In any case, I was still put off by the username made up entirely of numbers. It seemed really impersonal and gave my gut feelings a nudge ;P I think next time I'll just go by exactly what i wrote in the auction in the first place ^^ saves me from having to make a "what i do nao D:" post here lol

[apanda0622]

I have similar instructions on my ebay listing, that if you have zero feedback, you need permission from me to bid first.  I always feel bad about canceling a bid from a bidder with zero feedback even though I send them a message because a newbie has to start buying somewhere!  But before my rule, I had so many zero bidders that won that never paid.  So I relcutantly follow my own rule - lol!

[achab1984]

I just found out that you can put limits on who can bid on your items. I did it and have not had any issues yet. I did have a new account bid on one thing and I was very worried. I sent them a message and they paid right away!!!!!!!

[Stormness_1]

Yeah for my collectible stuff I put the newbie block on, but for other listings I don't worry about it!

[Nana-Rena]

I was new to ebay until February. My first buy was Holt Hyde for... well, let's not discuss how much money I lad down for him 

I was a zero feedback buyer then. My reason for not going on eBay before was pure timidity. I haven't shopped much on the interwebs before. I have on Amazon mostly, but I have been afrai that I would make mistakes or something. One of those irrational insecurities that has no rhyme or reason for it.

That's the reason why I always pay right away when I buy something, so as to not mess up.

This was a bit off topic, but I just wanted to give a POV of the zero feedback buyer.

As to your problem. It is completely possible that the bidder lacks language skills to understand your item and sale description. The fact that they never replied is a shame, it's hard to know why.

Since this is your sale, you should act according to your own comfort level and if you have doubts about a zero feedback buyer bidding and maybe never paying, that is fine. Quite honestly, there have been so many topics on this forum about situations where there have not been payments that no wonder!

i hope your sale goes well! 

[Ringlets]

I'm glad its resolved now   Zero feedback  peeps make me nervous too, but everyone has to start somewhere and unless something is setting off alarm bells with a bidder I usually just wait and see hpw it goes. However , I dont blame you for cancelling the bid if you stated in the listing for newbies to contact you first before bidding and the person took no notice.