Why are questions & answers on the items viewable to all?

[aftech]

If it's a security measure, I don't understand how it helps. Is it a discouragement for buyers to contact sellers or for sellers to answer?? What if the seller's answers only relates to that specific buyer and not others? Why not make it an option to make the question and the corresponding answer private or public??

[HerMajesty]

When I first started, I didn't know the questions would be displayed to the world, and I requested the item be sent to my address......and gave it. Silly me.

[Bohemian]

I was also unaware, that questions and answers were for " general viewing". Will bear this in mind - you learn something new every day.

[MPS16]

If it's a security measure, I don't understand how it helps.

Assuming a buyer asks a Fair Question is it not right that the seller should give a Fair and Truthful answer for all those interested, to see.

[crafters_corner]

I didn't know that, either.

I thought I was 'chatting' to the buyer - not the World and His Wife!

[aftech]

Assuming a buyer asks a Fair Question is it not right that the seller should give a Fair and Truthful answer for all those interested, to see.

You're right but what if the answer is not for anybody else to see? You don't think there should be an option to make it private or public? What make it worse is that many people don't know their questions AND answers are PUBLIC and there's no way to change it!!

[HerMajesty]

I don't really like it this way - 1) Buyers don't know that up front,. When the listing ends, I think the question goes away, Some sellers are nice enough to delete and relist.....as my kind seller did when I was an innocent newbie.

[booksforsale]

I agree the option for hiding the Q&A should be available

[MPS16]

I agree the option for hiding the Q&A should be available

I asked a question a couple of days ago from a new seller. as yet I have had no reply.

Do you not think that this is not of interest to other possible customers?

[bunsock]

I think the messages should always be private. After getting a question and giving the answer I normally close the auction and relist it just to remove the Q&A from public view.