Asking questions on an auction, seller doesn't reply

If a seller will not answer legitimate questions, it's a good warning something is not right, so time to move along and look elsewhere. If you have concerns about something in the listing or think the seller is trying to deceive buyers, let Trademe know by using the Community Watch link on the actual auction.

A watcher is asking where to view an article I have listed for sale. I don't mind them coming to view the item (or is this a bad idea?) I do not want to give out my address or phone number by posting it as a reply in my listing where the whole world can see it. I need to answer the question or other watchers will think I am hiding something. What should I do? 

Hi Marie, as it's not allowed to give out contact details in auctions (only in classified ads and only in the correct fields), the usual thing people say is that... Hi, it's not allowed on Trademe to post contact details, but if you are the winner of the auction and the item is not as described when you come to collect, we can cancel the trade no hard feelings. 

Perhaps also add that you are happy to answer any specific questions about the item, or if there was some part they wanted more details or extra photos of, you'd be happy to help.

Hi, I thought I received an email or txt when someone asked a question about something I'm selling, but I've looked throughout the site and can't find that this is an option or service offered ?  Regards, Hewy

Unfortunately there is no filter on the new site to sort your listings by unanswered questions. I always use the std desktop site filter here for these sorts of things until TM get one of those round tuits.

Can  a seller change  their selling price before the auction closes and then remove the item once buyers have asked the question about the price going up and then answers it been sold before auction date 

Hi Sue. Until there are bids above reserve price (ie it's going to sell) the seller can edit the auction in any way they like, including changing prices. The best way to stop this from happening, is to place bids above reserve price, then the edit option is no longer available. If that sort of thing is going on to avoid withdrawing the listing as it's been sold before it closed, then that's not allowed, and you can contact Trademe using the Contact us link, or the Community Watch function on the listing. If the seller has sold before it was due to close, they should just withdraw the listing to avoid any problems.

Personally, I do use this "tactic" of not answering certain questions to subtly tell a potential buyer to "go away, I'm not selling to you". So....if you feel something is not right, just move on, and don't read too much into it. Not sure if it's against any TM rules to not answer questions, I hope not....haha

My rules.... I alway ask question to seller,  If Seller didn't answer from my question by before due close a auction.  means I won't buy them because seller is lack response or fraud. 

That rules  -  No answer, No buy. 
I wonder why not idea.... TM's robot can watch a montior on all Seller.  Who seller didn't answer before due closing,  TM send first warning letter,  If Seller didn't answer again, TM can automatic suspended Seller who failure to answer question and Penalty letter send to Seller's email. Then Seller pay $15 for fines for failed to answer from question.   When $15 paid, automatic release from suspend their seller account.

Seller should learn penalty against False sale, fraud, etc.. without answer from question.   Same eBay have penalty system too.

I just asked a seller for a buy now on a Dragonball Z figure listing and they haven’t responded yet

Kia Ora Dominic,

This is so frustrating when you don't get a response - some Sellers are so busy their focus is not on answering questions - I have alot respond the day their Listing is due to close - a few within the last hr before closing And others that just never do answer.

You could try Offering a Buy Now price though it would have to be a substantial & reasonable Offer - it's just as frustrating for Sellers to be offered minimal prices, considering these Buyers as time wasters. - However you still have to have a Seller with time to read and respond to questions.

All the Best with your Bidding - Cheers.