Only 1 of 91 in correct category.

[LovesVintage43]

Wow, I didn't know that every time you message a seller it appears as a question on the listing- I assumed you would able to just message them privately. So then in that case,the only way is to report the listing. Maybe that is why there are so many in the wrong categories across the site,as nobody wants to have to report them.

[johnwash1]

Wow, I didn't know that every time you message a seller it appears as a question on the listing- I assumed you would able to just message them privately. So then in that case,the only way is to report the listing. Maybe that is why there are so many in the wrong categories across the site,as nobody wants to have to report them.

I think if you message them privately you're using the forum software, so if they don't use the forums they don't receive it.

I agree with JaBek1 and others, it's annoying when things are in the wrong category. I would prefer to be able to mention such a matter to a seller discretely initially, but since 'ask a question' seems to be the only method, so be it. And if a seller gets enough such messages spattered over their listings, presumably they'll take steps to move them to the right place.

Is there a right place in this instance? Where should these 'non-drawings' go?

[LovesVintage43]

Well the OP said that they were book plate prints and old photographs...there is a section for photographs and prints, so I don't know why they were posted in drawings. There's a lot of it about, I suppose sometimes it's a genuine error as some of the drop-down boxes when you are listing have hundreds of options, but I think a lot of the time people list where they think they will get more exposure, which isn't really fair so technically it should be reported :-(

[johnwash1]

Well the OP said that they were book plate prints and old photographs...there is a section for photographs and prints, so I don't know why they were posted in drawings. There's a lot of it about, I suppose sometimes it's a genuine error as some of the drop-down boxes when you are listing have hundreds of options, but I think a lot of the time people list where they think they will get more exposure, which isn't really fair so technically it should be reported :-(

Technically it should be, but if I've mistakenly listed in the wrong category I'd prefer someone to PM me or even to use the 'ask a question' to tell me. Then I have the chance to put it right without having my knuckles rapped. If I still don't correct it, sure, report me.

[LovesVintage43]

Technically it should be, but if I've mistakenly listed in the wrong category I'd prefer someone to PM me or even to use the 'ask a question' to tell me. Then I have the chance to put it right without having my knuckles rapped. If I still don't correct it, sure, report me.

Yes, me too- I'd rather someone sent me a message to let me know as well- that's definitely preferable than being reported ! There has been another thread on something similar recently...and that is exactly what I said I thought the OP should do, just give them a friendly message

[JaBek1]

Yes, me too- I'd rather someone sent me a message to let me know as well- that's definitely preferable than being reported ! There has been another thread on something similar recently...and that is exactly what I said I thought the OP should do, just give them a friendly message

The only problem is eBid's system doesn't permit such friendly messages unless both members frequent the forums. Otherwise, a comment sent as a question automatically becomes a seemingly not too friendly part of the seller's listing.

Frankly, since most of the listings appear to be by experienced eBid sellers, I'm wondering why they would list such items in an obviously inappropriate category. If, as a buyer, I'm looking for a drawing from before 1900 and up pops a 1940's photograph, I probably wouldn't think that the seller was very knowledgeable. Nor would I think that the site was very strict on its standards for its sellers.

[LovesVintage43]

You are quite right. Perhaps it is worth making a suggestion within the "website suggestions" section of the forum, that either messages can be sent that are not directly related to a listing or keep it the same but you have the option to publish or not publish the query ?

[johnwash1]

The only problem is eBid's system doesn't permit such friendly messages unless both members frequent the forums. Otherwise, a comment sent as a question automatically becomes a seemingly not too friendly part of the seller's listing.

...

Friendly? Not too friendly? Well, as ever, it depends how you phrase the message!

There's one good aspect of the present system, which is that if you see a "too good to be true" listing (50" plasma tv for peanuts), when you ask the seller a pointed question they're forced either to answer the question and have their answer displayed, or not answer it and be seen not to answer it.

Of course, you may say why not just report the scammy listing and be done with it. I don't like doing that without some evidence. It may be that the occasional plasma bargain really does happen. But giving the scammers a chance to answer usually shows up their game.

[JaBek1]

Friendly? Not too friendly? Well, as ever, it depends how you phrase the message!

There's one good aspect of the present system, which is that if you see a "too good to be true" listing (50" plasma tv for peanuts), when you ask the seller a pointed question they're forced either to answer the question and have their answer displayed, or not answer it and be seen not to answer it.

Of course, you may say why not just report the scammy listing and be done with it. I don't like doing that without some evidence. It may be that the occasional plasma bargain really does happen. But giving the scammers a chance to answer usually shows up their game.

I noticed quite a few prints being listed in Contemporary Painting category so I tried the ask a question method suggested of contacting the sellers about it. All but one of the questions have disappeared and none were answered by the sellers. Most of the items were listed by a relatively high volume seller.

I'm assuming that the seller removed the questions from the listings by the process of blacklisting me, which I believe, removes such questions. However, it appears to me, that contacting the seller using the ask a question option does not seem to be an effective way to communicate the about this issue with sellers. By the way, the listings are still present.

I suppose that leaves only the report process as an affective way to deal with miss categorized listings. With regard to evidence, I imagine that a listing in the Contemporary Painting or Antique Drawing categories that are actually selling prints or pieces from another time period would be fairly easy for even a bot to recognize. Of course, it would be up to eBid as to what action, if any, it would take.

While it might be an advantage to be able to contact a seller without the message automatically being posted to the listing, it would still not be of any use in cases where the seller doesn't recognize that there is an issue or chooses simply to ignore it. After all, an individual contacting them has no particular authority or even definitive expertise in the matter.

[johnwash1]

I noticed quite a few prints being listed in Contemporary Painting category so I tried the ask a question method suggested of contacting the sellers about it. All but one of the questions have disappeared and none were answered by the sellers. Most of the items were listed by a relatively high volume seller.

I'm assuming that the seller removed the questions from the listings by the process of blacklisting me, which I believe, removes such questions. However, it appears to me, that contacting the seller using the ask a question option does not seem to be an effective way to communicate the about this issue with sellers. By the way, the listings are still present.

I suppose that leaves only the report process as an affective way to deal with miss categorized listings. With regard to evidence, I imagine that a listing in the Contemporary Painting or Antique Drawing categories that are actually selling prints or pieces from another time period would be fairly easy for even a bot to recognize. Of course, it would be up to eBid as to what action, if any, it would take.

While it might be an advantage to be able to contact a seller without the message automatically being posted to the listing, it would still not be of any use in cases where the seller doesn't recognize that there is an issue or chooses simply to ignore it. After all, an individual contacting them has no particular authority or even definitive expertise in the matter.

Well, kudos to you. You've tried doing it the nice way. Time to turn up the heat and report them.

No particular authority? Can't say I rate that much as a criterion. If someone in the street points out I've inadvertently done something antisocial, I hope I take it on board, regardless of whether they have pips on their shoulders. But you're right, I'm sure there's a few who'll try to push the boundaries until justice intervenes.