We have previously written about Polite Ways to Tell a Buyer They Can’t Have a Discount and Polite Ways to Say NO to a Buyer but what do you do when the person isn’t a “buyer” but seems to have endless questions, yet never makes a purchase? (AKA: TIME WASTER)

There’s few things more annoying than the person who messages you around the clock, every day, posing as an interested buyer. After several days of back-and-fourth you have reached the point where you don’t even want their business anymore, and, in many instances, they seem like a “red flag buyer”; you know, the kind who even IF they did purchase they would complain, ask for a return at your expense then leave a bad review even though the item was EXACTLY what they claimed they were seeking. After almost 17 years of selling online I have come to determine that people who ask more than 4 questions (that are clearly answered in the listing) are likely not going to convert to actual buyers and if they do finally make a purchase they’re going to be a headache.

If you find yourself utterly exhausted with an endless-question-asker and you don’t want this weirdo to turn into a psycho, here’s what you need to do to politely end the time-wasting:

First, reply “I’m sorry, the only additional information I have is what is in the listing”. Another option is to reply "Thank you for your inquiry, please reference the item description and photos for all relevant information and instructions regarding this item." If the questions continue, kindly reinforce that you simply do not have any extra details and now is the time you can choose to “white lie” and add that you are selling it for a friend / sister / cousin / coworker. So, this reply can be something like, “Like I said, I really don’t have any additional details because I am selling this for my aunt. I wish I could answer all your questions but the only details I have is what is already in the listing.  

This technique usually shuts down the people who are just looking to chat. After sending this message, STOP instantly replying. Force the person to wait 24 hours between replies. Once you take away their ability to chat all day and night, they will be forced to find someone else if their goal is ongoing dialogue.  Yes, some people need a friend and for some strange reason they turn to eCommerce sites to find someone.

If the questions continue, the next step is to let the person know that you can’t help them / meet their requests. Always be polite and apologize, “I’m sorry, I am not able to provide the assistance you need, however there are lots of sellers on (whatever platform you sell on) that have similar items and can probably offer the support you need. Have a great day!”

After you have sent this message, force them to wait 24 hours (or more) for the next reply.

If another friggin question comes in, at this point you need to literally copy and paste the last response you sent. Do not add any additional words, just copy and paste "“I’m sorry, I am not able to provide the assistance you need, however there are lots of sellers on (whatever platform you sell on) that have similar items and can probably offer the support you need. Have a great day!”

Continue forcing the buyer to wait 24+ hours for a reply and when you do respond, always copy and paste the exact message you last sent; “I’m sorry, I am not able to provide the assistance you need, however there are lots of sellers on Poshmark that have similar items and can probably offer the support you need. Have a great day!”

By copying and pasting the identical reply and cutting down responses to 1-full-day-later, the person is going to give up after a couple days because it has became clear that you're not interesed in a friendship. 

I have never seen anyone continue messaging after 3-4 days of the copy-paste reply. But if you have a major nutjob who is continuing to harass you, you really should contact the site you sell on because at this point, you are dealing with a bonafide weirdo and online selling can be dangerous. If you sell on your own .com, block their email address. If the harassment STILL continues and it’s scaring you, it’s time to consider filing a police report or looking into legal options.