Just tried to contact a seller on eBay to request a sound clip to assess condition and as I sent the messsage this big message flashed in front of me - the first time I've seen it:

 

For your safety, eBay does not allow the exchange of email addresses in member to member communications . This protects both buyers and sellers by keeping a track record of communications. It also helps ensure that transactions happen on eBay so buyers and sellers are covered by eBay protection programs.

Please remove the email address and resend your message.

If you want to receive photos from another eBay member, you do not need to share your email address. Buyers and sellers can now attach images to messages sent from eBay by using the “Attach Photos” button.

 

Now we know this is not 'For Your Safety' don't we - this is a back handed way for eBay to stop all off eBay contact wherever they can. So now, surprise surprise, unless a seller includes some external link in the eBay advert there will be no way of ever doing a deal off the eBay site..

 

It seems poor eBay don't think we are safe and need their help in order to increase their profits!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can understand the frustration of sometimes not being able to do an "off site" deal but to be honest I can't blame Ebay for trying to close that loop hole.

 

They're a business and in it for the money, nothing more, nothing less.

 

If it was any site of mine I'd try and close all avenues that prevent me from getting my commission.

 

With the safety thing re email addresses then Amazon do a similar thing where email addresses are turned to code. One can still exchange emails but you can't see the real email address of the sender.

Play their game.  Attach a photo of a piece of paper with your email address on it.

Or as I do spell out your address....Username  Dot   Com or whatever.

 

Regards,

 

Dave

yeah this has been there for a couple months or so. just write out your email without an at sign or dots.

Typically intelligent response from the SS gang - always one step ahead - especially like the idea of uploading a photo of your details LOL

 

Don't agree that they should be controlling how we talk to each other though as requesting sound files is a legitimate request in my view..

 

Viva la Libertad Viva el Pueblo!

Been like that for a long time more than a few months, you have not been able to put an email address in a message  ...  just put spaces between the address and advise the person you are messaging