Did you know that less than 1% of eBay transactions result in a formal dispute, yet that tiny fraction can consume 90% of your emotional energy as a seller? In February 2022, I sold a vintage Nikon camera to a buyer who messaged me thirty-two times in forty-eight hours. They asked about the shutter count, the smell of the leather case, and even requested a photo of me holding the camera next to a fresh newspaper to prove I actually owned it. I obliged every request, thinking I was providing "stellar service." After the item arrived, they opened a return case claiming a "microscopic scratch" on the lens cap that was clearly shown in my photos. It was a $300 headache that cost me $45 in round-trip shipping fees and a week of sleep. That was the day I realized that learning when and how to block a buyer is just as important as learning how to list an item.
How to Block a Buyer on eBay Before They Purchase
Most people don't realize you can actually prevent a problem before it happens. If someone is being aggressive in your messages or making unreasonable demands, you don't have to wait for them to buy your item and leave a negative review. You can take proactive steps. To block buyer from eBay interactions with your specific listings, you need to access the "Block Buyers" page within your account settings.
Here’s where it gets interesting: you aren't just blocking them from buying; you can also block them from messaging you entirely. I remember back in August 2023, I had a "blocked ebayer" who kept creating new accounts to bypass my initial block. (Yes, some people are that dedicated). I had to go into my Site Preferences and toggle the setting that prevents blocked members from contacting me. It was like finally closing a window during a localized thunderstorm. It’s a small toggle, but it’s a lifesaver for your mental health.
Using the Blocked Bidder List Effectively
The blocked bidder list is essentially your shop's "No-Fly List." It’s a simple text box where you input the usernames of people you never want to deal with again. You just separate the names with a comma or a space. I keep a running list in a Google Doc so I can easily copy and paste them if I ever open a second storefront.
When should you add someone to the list?
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The Ghoster: They won a "Best Offer" or auction and never paid.
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The Partial Refund Fisher: They claim something is wrong but refuse to return the item for a full refund.
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The Competitor: Sometimes other sellers will buy your items just to leave negative feedback and tank your search ranking.
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The Chronic Canceler: Anyone who asks to cancel an order after you’ve already printed the shipping label.
But here is an honest failure: In the early days, I was way too "block-happy." In 2020, I blocked a guy who simply asked for a $2 discount on a $50 item. Looking back, that was a mistake. He was just trying to haggle, and I let my ego get in the way of a potential sale. Now, I try to save the block bidder function for people who are truly disruptive or suspicious. Now the tricky part is distinguishing between a confused buyer and a malicious one.
How to Block Buyer in eBay Settings Automatically
If you find yourself manually blocking dozens of people, you might be doing it wrong. eBay has built-in filters called "Buyer Requirements" that act as an automated bouncer for your shop. This is how I manage my high-volume inventory without spending all day in the settings menu.
You can set your account to automatically block bidder buyer profiles that meet certain criteria. For example, I have mine set to automatically block anyone with two or more "unpaid item" strikes in the last six months. This single setting reduced my non-payment rate by nearly 15%. I also block buyers who are registered in countries I don't ship to. (It’s much easier than having to cancel an order and explain why you can't ship a heavy cast-iron skillet to a remote island). If you're looking for more ways to automate your workflow, check out these eBay automation tips.
People always ask me: Can a blocked buyer still see my listings?
This is a common point of confusion. Here’s the reality: Yes, they can still see your items. They can browse your shop, look at your photos, and read your descriptions. However, the moment they try to click "Add to Cart" or "Place Bid," they will receive a generic error message stating that the seller is not accepting bids from them at this time.
I’m honestly a bit uncertain if eBay will ever change this to make your shop completely invisible to blocked users. For now, the block only stops the transaction, not the visibility. I once had a blocked user find me on Instagram to complain that they couldn't buy my shoes. (Pro tip: If they find you on another platform, block them there too). It’s all about creating layers of protection for your business.
How to Block Buyer on eBay Using Mobile vs. Desktop
Now the tricky part is that the eBay mobile app isn't always as robust as the desktop version. For a long time, you couldn't even find the blocked bidder list on the app. You had to open your mobile browser, go to eBay.com, and "Request Desktop Site" just to add a name.
Things have improved slightly in 2025, but I still prefer using my laptop for administrative tasks. I use TextExpander to quickly pull up the link to the block page, as eBay seems to bury it deeper in the menus every year. If you are struggling to find it, just search "Block Buyer" in the Help & Contact search bar at the top of the page. It will give you a direct link to the management page. While you are refining your seller process, you might find it helpful to read about best selling items on Etsy if you’re considering diversifying your platforms.
Comparison of Buyer Blocking Methods
I use Closo to automate my cross-listing to other platforms like Poshmark and Mercari – it saves me about 3 hours weekly that I would otherwise spend recreating listings for different audiences. This gives me more time to focus on sourcing high-quality inventory instead of fighting with the eBay interface.
How Do I Block a Buyer on eBay After a Bad Transaction?
So, a transaction went south, and you’ve already issued the refund. Now what? You need to make sure they can't come back for round two. This is the most common time people search for how to block a buyer on ebay.
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Go to your Sold folder in the Seller Hub.
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Click on the buyer's username to go to their profile.
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Copy the username (be careful with underscores and hyphens!).
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Navigate to the Blocked Bidder List page.
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Paste the name and click "Submit."
I remember in December 2021, I had a buyer who bought three separate items and then opened "Item Not as Described" cases on all of them, hoping for a bulk partial refund. I didn't cave. I made them return everything. The moment the items were back in my hands, I added them to my block list and reported them to eBay for "Buyer Abuse." It’s important to report the behavior as well as blocking them; it helps protect other sellers in the community.
Common question I see: Is blocking a buyer against eBay's rules?
Absolutely not. eBay provides these tools because they want a healthy marketplace. As a seller, you have the right to choose who you do business with. However, you cannot block someone based on protected characteristics or use the block feature to circumvent eBay’s "Fair Trading" policies. For example, you can't block a buyer just because they asked a legitimate question about an item’s condition.
In my opinion, the "block" button should be your last resort, not your first response. I usually try to de-escalate a situation with a polite, professional message first. But if they respond with insults or threats? Blocked. Instantly. No second chances. You can read more about handling platform disputes to see how other professional resellers manage these tricky interactions.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of the Block
Ultimately, managing your eBay store is about balance. You want to be accessible to good customers while being a "fortress" against the bad ones. Learning how to block buyer eBay accounts is a fundamental part of that strategy. My shop became significantly more profitable—and much more enjoyable to run—once I stopped worrying about "pleasing everyone" and started protecting my time.
Include a regular audit of your blocked bidder list once a year. Sometimes people grow up, or accounts change hands. But generally, once someone shows you who they are, believe them and keep that block in place. If you're ready to take your reselling to the next level, just remember that every "No" you give to a bad buyer is a "Yes" to a better customer down the road.
FAQ Schema (Integrated Content)
How do I block a buyer on eBay from purchasing my items? To block a specific buyer, navigate to the "Block Buyers" page in your account settings. Enter the buyer's username into the text box and click "Submit." This will prevent that specific account from bidding on or purchasing any of your current or future listings.
Can I block a buyer from sending me messages on eBay? Yes. After adding a buyer to your blocked bidder list, you must go into your "Buyer Requirements" settings and select the option to "Don't allow blocked buyers to contact me." This will prevent them from sending you messages through your listings.
