Why It’s Easier to Block Complicated eBay Buyers Than Dance With Them Twice
- Cosmo Canker Powder
- May 29
- 4 min read
Let’s set the scene.
You’re finally enjoying a cup of tea after packing up 37 orders. Then—bing! A new eBay message pops up.
It’s from someone named “sunnyfluff42459” who bought a £4.99 dropper bottle of ear mite drops two weeks ago.
They’re asking if the bottle will work on their parrot, their ferret, or their emotional support turtle named Chad. They’d also like a full refund because “the cap was hard to open” and their pet didn’t say “thank you.”
Congratulations. You’ve just met… the complicated eBay buyer.
And let me tell you something: it’s easier to block them than to ever deal with them again.
1. Complicated Buyers Always Start Off… Suspiciously Sweet
They open with “Hi hun x” or “Hey lovely seller 😊” — and that’s your first red flag.
They’ll shower you with compliments:
“I absolutely LOVE your product photos!!! You seem soooo kind and helpful!”
Then BOOM. Message 2:
“Why is the postage £2.95?? That’s outrageous. I demand a breakdown of costs and your mother’s maiden name.”
Lesson? Block. Don’t banter.
2. They Send 14 Messages Before Buying Anything
Before even hitting “Add to Cart,” they’ve sent:
A list of 10 vague, unrelated questions
A photo of a rash on their dog
A message saying, “Can you guarantee this will cure my cat’s itch in 4 minutes?”
Spoiler alert: They’re not really asking questions. They’re auditioning for a full refund.
3. They’ll Complain No Matter What
Even if you:
✅ Send their order early
✅ Wrap it like the Queen’s china
✅ Include a free gift and handwritten note
They’ll still leave feedback like:
“Item arrived on time. Haven’t used it yet. 3 stars.”
Or the classic:
“Didn’t read description. Not what I thought it was. One star.”
Your best revenge? A silent block and a peaceful mind.
4. You’re Not Just a Seller—You’re Their Emotional Dumping Ground
They’ll tell you their dog is itchy, their ex left, their budgie died, and their neighbour’s cousin once had a similar rash.
None of this is relevant. But they expect you to fix it. Emotionally.
Look, I’m not a vet. I sell canker powder. I can’t diagnose your terrier’s trauma over eBay messages at 11:30pm.
Block. With love.
5. They Master the “INR” (Item Not Received) Scam
Ah yes, the classic “item not received” buyer—aka the ghost receiver.
You have tracking. You have delivery confirmation. You have a photo of it on their doorstep.
But they’ll still say:
“I didn’t get it. My psychic says it was never spiritually delivered.”
Next thing you know, they’re leaving a negative review while enjoying the product for free.
Want a solution? Block, don’t babysit.
6. They Expect Amazon Service at Car Boot Prices
They paid £4.99 including postage. For a trusted, well packaged, organic product.
But they expect:
Next-day delivery
Royal Mail tracking
A handwritten poem
Psychic follow-up
Return rights till 2048
When you explain postage costs, they act like you’re MI5 covering up classified secrets.
You know what’s easier than explaining reality? BLOCK.
7. They’ll Return a Used Product… and Ask for Full Refund + Postage
You get it back. It’s half-empty. Covered in fur. Smells like regret and disappointment.
They’ll claim:
“Didn’t work. My dog didn’t like it.”
Meanwhile, their dog is sleeping peacefully with clean, mite-free ears.
You don’t need that kind of energy. Hit that block button with pride.
8. You’re Allowed to Say “No Thanks” as a Business Owner
This is the bit no one talks about: You are allowed to protect your peace.
eBay may treat you like a vending machine, but you are not obligated to serve the same customer twice.
If someone cost you more time, energy, or tears than their £4.99 order was worth—BLOCK.
Your time is valuable. Your mental health matters. Your business deserves better.
9. The Block Button Is Your Digital Door Lock
Here’s what the “block buyer” button really is:
A “no drama zone” forcefield
A “not today, Satan” sticker
Your sanity saver
It doesn’t make you rude.
It makes you smart.
You don’t have to be everyone’s unpaid therapist, shipping assistant, and pet psychic rolled into one.
10. There Are Plenty of Lovely Buyers Out There
Let’s not forget: 90% of eBay buyers are wonderful. Polite. Grateful. Even supportive.
They read descriptions. They leave kind reviews. They message you just to say thank you.
Save your time and effort for them.
The ones who write:
“Brilliant product, helped my dog’s ear infection in 2 days. Will order again!”
THOSE are the people you want to serve.
Final Thoughts: Complicated Buyers Will Complicate Your Business
You don’t owe anyone free labour, free therapy, or free postage for their imaginary pet pigeon named Barry.
You’re here to run a business, not a customer rehabilitation centre.
So if someone’s already proven they’re a handful—why gamble again?
Block now. Relax later. Profit forever.
Comments