Tuesday afternoon an auction ended in which I was the winner. Within 6 hours I paid the deposit and sent the seller a message through ebay wanting to get all the details so I can pick the car up. He/she never responded so I sent another one Wednesday through ebay and another Thursday, but directly to their email. I still have no response. I made it clear since Wednesday that I would like to pick the car up this Saturday, but I still cannot get a response! I a place on ebay that, when requested, emails the seller and buyer each other's contact information, phone number included. Would it be inappropriate for me to call the seller if I have not heard back as of this afternoon? I have a U-Haul trailer reserved for tomorrow morning and really would need to know if I cannot go tomorrow to get the car. I also have a friend going with me and I need to tell him whether or not it is a go. Am I being unreasonable to have expected a response from a seller within 3 days of an auction ending? I still have to leave feedback, but the thing is, I really want this car, and I paid the deposit of $100 just like the seller asked in the auction, but still no word. What do you ladies and gentlemen think should be my next move?

Thanks
David

P.S.
Ebay messaging must be working because a couple days before the auction ended I asked the seller a question about the car and he/she responded and answered my question. They even said in the message that late this week would be ok to pick it up. Here is the message I got back from the seller during the auction, this is the only thing I have ever heard from the seller, " posted more pics on ebay. Are you wanting more? What particularly do you want of the interior? The tires are old but hold air, right front does have a slow leak. The car should make the trip. No hubcaps, they were gone before we bought it in 1996. I work on Sundays, (from home so I can get away briefly) and that would be fine if you buy the car. Thanks for looking."

Here is a link to the auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270005917066&sspagename=ADME%3AL%3ARTQ%3AUS%3A1

This is driving my nuts. On one hand I am filled with excitement and anticipation having finally, after several years, finding a w111 sedan within my price and logistical range and on the other, I am nervous about this seller who appears to be rather flaky. They do have a good positive feedback rating.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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If you really want the car I'd give him a few more days. Anything over a week is way to long though.

If you never hear from him contact Ebay about the deposit.

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Pxland

2001 Honda Accord

1995 Jeep Cherokee

1973 MB 280SEL 4.5

Consider how much feedback they have and what is there rating? I tend to always give people the benifit of the doubt if they have real good feedback and if they have a lot of bad feedback I try my best not to do business with them.

Also, after you get your car I would be very careful about leaving negative feedback FIRST. If you leave it first you will probably get it right back even if you did everything right and do not deserve it.

Good luck, hope you get the car and like it!

Wow, cool car. To answer your question, no, it would not be at all unreasonable for you to call the seller. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to do so. I WOULD approach him/her very diplomatically (apologize for calling, suggest that perhaps eBay's messaging has been down as you haven't heard back from them, etc... you know the drill), and ask if it would be alright to pick the car up this weekend.


Chris

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

I agree with the suggestion that there's nothing wrong with trying to contact the seller by telephone, and to do so courteously.

Don't be too disappointed if it doesn't work out for you to pick up the car this Saturday, either. It would be great if it were to work out that way, but to presume that the seller's schedule for a particular day will be compatible with your schedule would be, well, presumptuous.

Note also that the seller's feedback - though overwhelmingly positive - is almost entirely from sellers. So don't be surprised if they don't have a smooth "eBay seller thing" going - including checking and responding to e-mails frequently.

Don't even waste your energy getting worked up about eBay feedback at this point. There is plenty of time for that later when the dust has settled.

Enormous cool factor for the car, too! I hope it works out great for you.

And I have to agree with this as well. If you REALLY are unhappy with the transaction, wait 'til the last possible moment to leave feedback. I believe that opportunity expires after 90 days; eBay's FAQ will answer this for you. Leave a neg at the last possible moment and move on. What are the odds that your seller will see it in time to retaliate?

I've never personally had to resort to this, but I know that it's possible an more common than you might think.

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

Request the seller's personal information, search on eBay. eBay will email you the seller's address and phone number. Call them on the phone.

Forget the negative feedback, boycott eBay feedback.

Well, I heard from him this afternoon. He said he works 12 hours shifts and just now was able to get with me. Anyways, I will be picking the car up this Saturday. Thanks a lot guys.

David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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Post an update (with pics) after you get it!

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

I would call them and be nice to see what is up with it.

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Jim

Since you're mentioning this as a possible course of action, I'll ask this similarly to the way I asked it in Nate's thread the other day:

When exactly do you think the "last possible moment" is?

90 days later, at the closing time of the auction?

At midnight, "eBay time", at the end of the 90th day after the auction?

???

(I think I already know the answer. I'm curious to see if you know the answer.)

I have seen this last minute neg thing discussed in the past on boards with serious eBay fanatics. The general consensus was that it could not be done.

What is the point anyway? Anyone who knows anything about eBay knows that feedback is totally worthless bull$hit.

Like I said, I've never done it, so I don't know when exactly is best. Hence my suggestion to check eBay's FAQ ...

As I recall, 90 days is a general rule of thumb, though the item # can stay in eBay's system longer and your buyer/seller can neg you right back.

Naturally, it's better to try and work things out to where you don't have to resort to negging someone. I've had great luck doing just that.

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

Like fatwallet? Those guys are hardcore!

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

Speaking with this guy I came to see he seems like a good person and intends well. I will leave positive feedback seeing as he has been very up front with me.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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