eBay's messaging system is so unreliable

[*wheels*]

The system seems to be worse since they implemented the recent changes.

I sent a message to a buyer this morning at 8.55am.

It is now 3.10pm and the message still hasn't gone through!!!!

23-Nov-10 08:55:09 AEDST    Order Update (Pending)


Communication is the key to online sales - eBay gets ZERO for communication.

[low-enghooi]

From programming perspective, this probably is the most difficult to get wrong. It is only an internal messaging system.

If this is genuine intermittent error, I only can think of database server problem. Maybe it take ages to insert one record or the server just abandon the request.

[*wheels*]

Low, it happens regularly. We could send a message directly to the buyer's email address but I think it's better to email through eBay for eBay sales. I just wish they'd fix whatever the problem is.

[*smee*]

Wheels , I would try sending the message again and add a line apologising if they end up getting twice but it appears as though the 1st one didnt get through or words to that effect ... other than that you could do the old find contact information trick or find trading partner and obtain their actual email address and email direct or you may even strike a phone number if the info needs to get to them pronto !

[tellomon]

Sorry Wheelie, it's not new. I've posted in the past that ebay intentionally phased out workable communications with & to itself, and between buyers and sellers.

Your complaint is not valid.  :ebaysign:

[*Brum6y*]

From programming perspective, this probably is the most difficult to get wrong. It is only an internal messaging system.

If this is genuine intermittent error, I only can think of database server problem. Maybe it take ages to insert one record or the server just abandon the request.

Low, the non-delivery problems of the eBay messaging system have been around for years.  My seller friend scored a neg because a buyer's messages to them did not get through. The item was damaged in the post, but the feedback was the first they knew of any problem.

This is one issue that is difficult to prove - since you need an alternate communication path to find out what messages did not get through .... and eBay have made very firm moves to prevent that.

Tello's comment is one that I could not even begin to argue against ... even if I was motivated to do so.

[tellomon]

Tello's comment is one that I could not even begin to argue against ... even if I was motivated to do so.

Wow, that's good news.
I thot maybe my post was a tad rude cuz I dint include "lol".

Thx for the nod.

[*wheels*]

I sent a message to a buyer this morning at 8.55am.

It is now 3.10pm and the message still hasn't gone through!!!!

23-Nov-10 08:55:09 AEDST    Order Update (Pending)

I've just checked the status of the message and it has finally been sent.

23-Nov-10 15:25:48 AEDST    Order Update


Only took 6 and a half hours!!

[tellomon]

Only took 6 and a half hours!!

And you want them back, right?

Remember "Live Chat"?