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Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

From a recent experience I had with an eBay buyer I am posting this information to help others that might run into the same or similar problems now or in the future.

There may be times when you need to contact a buyer over the phone for a transaction issue or something related to a sale.

At the same time though you don't want them to see your private number in their caller id.

This will only work if you request the buyers number through either eBay email or their personal email.

It won't work through the eBay link below because eBay automatically sends them your contact information as well.

EBAY LINK!!!
http://www.ebay.com/sch/ebayadvsearch?_sofindtype=9

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I did a quick search on blocking caller ID when you make a call and I discovered some interesting information:

You can temporarily block caller id by just dialing *67 before the phone number you are about to dial on your cell phone. This code is the universal command to deactivate caller ID.

You can also place a permanent block on caller ID by just calling your cell phone carrier and asking for a line block.

This means your phone number won’t appear when you call any number. This is permanent and irreversible. While customer service may attempt to convince you to reconsider, the choice is yours.

If you temporarily want your number to appear when you have a permanent line block in place, you can dial *82 before the number.

Temporary blocking only works when you call individuals and businesses. Your phone number can’t be blocked when calling toll-free (i.e. 1-800) and emergency services (i.e. 911).

I Hope this is helpful information for everyone here and in the forum in general.

How to Block Your Cell Phone Number From Caller ID

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

Thank you for your kind information.

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

Yep, that's some good info to have for sure!

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

And for the UK it is 141 before the full number is dialled

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

Another way to get a buyers phone number is to go to the shipping label and click "change" next the their address. The phone number can be found on the bottom. I am always creeped out when I get an email stating that someone had requested my information.

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

Thank you for that info as well!

Just hope that's the correct number when you dial it, you never know sometimes with these people! :)

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

I find the easiest way to find someone's phone number is to just check the name and address on the payment they sent me and look it up on 411.com
In many many cases that works. Easy and 'non-creepy'.

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

Don't you guys use Selling Manager? It's free and you have the buyers phone number right there in the order details

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

Thats not all accurate information. Ebay can still detect your number, even if you do *67. Try hanging up while your doing database questions and you might just get a call back from them asking whats up.

Certain numbers when you call you can't block your number for security reasons, regardless of what the phone provider says. When you call it says "this phone call will be recorded" ...your number is recorded, bottom line.

(i say this because its happened from personal experience in the past)

The OP has provided false information.

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

OP was referring to calling customers, not ebay. Unless you are
calling the F.B.I headquarter for a purchase they made, I don't think there
is a reason to be concern about calling a customer.

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

Wow. I never even knew ebay sends email to users when their
information was requested. I don't even understand the logic behind it.

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

That has long been a policy - back from when eB first started..."Your contact information has been requested" kind of e-mail sent to the buyer

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

Yes, I'm talking about calling customers to resolve issues with sales or transactions, not eBay!

Sometimes issues can be resolved very simply with a phone call, only you would rather not provide your personal number in the caller id. The less you reveal the better.

I hadn't thought about calling eBay like that, personally I would try to steer clear of calling eBay....

Re: Phone Tips for Contacting Buyers to Resolve Issues
 

Sometimes, it might be more social and personal to email them and ask them for their phone number before just calling them outright without any previous warning.

If you just call them out of the blue, they might not even believe you are who you say you are.

It's a surprise phone call in reality and if you converse with them via email first, then there are no surprises and they are expecting your call.

Other advantages to requesting their number via email first:

1) You are showing eBay that you are sincere and want to provide excellent customer service

2) It might help to flush out any scammers because they might not want to talk with you which could reveal their real agenda.

3) It might even be reason for them to mysteriously "disappear" and not contact you again. (which will allow you to put their id in the Blocked List...)