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

[aftech]

We've been showing Q&A on live items since I can remember. The main reason was for complete transparency and to stop fraud. Scammer buyers attempting to buy off site an scammer sellers trying to arrange payment by Western Union or bank transfer just to name a couple. When the results are public we find users much more restrained in their underhand activities.

I'd be reluctant to change the policy but will listen to everyone and also put our knowledge of what goes on in the background that many of you are unaware of into any final decision.

Gazza

Gazza, thank you very much for your attention. If the number of people replying to this thread is of any indication, a majority of members prefer having the option or dislike the publicity of Q&A. I'm sure sellers will cooperate with you to catch the fraudulent buyers as it is of interest of all. Q&A will always viewable by ebid staff. They would be hidden from the public unless the seller or the buyer makes it public.

[bykimbo]

We've been showing Q&A on live items since I can remember. The main reason was for complete transparency and to stop fraud. Scammer buyers attempting to buy off site an scammer sellers trying to arrange payment by Western Union or bank transfer just to name a couple. When the results are public we find users much more restrained in their underhand activities.

I'd be reluctant to change the policy but will listen to everyone and also put our knowledge of what goes on in the background that many of you are unaware of into any final decision.

Gazza

I'd like to see it made clear on the form that both question and answer are going to appear on the listing. It would protect innocent stumblers from making their address or email public, and further discourage dodgy types as they'd *know* their naughty behaviour would be visible.

[TiasTreasures]

I agree with Kimbo. Leave it as is, but make it clear to everyone that the question and answer will be posted on the actual listing. Some of the "questions" I've received were actually not questions, they were from knowledgable collectors giving me more information about the item. My "answer" was "thank you for the information." I changed the description as necessary, and am perfectly happy to have the Q&A stay there. In one case, I decided I wouldn't want to deal with the "Buyer", so I Blackballed the person, removed the Q&A, and the listing was unharmed. This seems flexible enough, and it's totally controlled by the seller.

[aftech]

...removed the Q&A, and the listing was unharmed. This seems flexible enough, and it's totally controlled by the seller.

How did you remove the Q&A and the listing was still there?? Also, as far as I know, it's not controlled by seller.

[MPS16]

I agree with Kimbo. Leave it as is, but make it clear to everyone that the question and answer will be posted on the actual listing.

Yes Thats got my vote as well.

[bykimbo]

How did you remove the Q&A and the listing was still there?? Also, as far as I know, it's not controlled by seller.

If you blackball a user, you have the choice of removing all their current questions and/or bids.

[aftech]

Won't buyers get annoyed and potentially leave your store behind if you blackball them then remove the BB just to get rid of a Q&A? They will get notified of both adding BB and removing BB AFAIK.

[bykimbo]

Won't buyers get annoyed and potentially leave your store behind if you blackball them then remove the BB just to get rid of a Q&A? They will get notified of both adding BB and removing BB AFAIK.

They aren't notified unless they try to ask a question or place a bid in the few seconds they're on the list. Just being added to, or taken off a list doesn't trigger any notices.

[aftech]

Just being added to, or taken off a list doesn't trigger any notices.

Are you absolutely sure?

[bykimbo]

Are you absolutely sure?

Yes.