Question
The following is a post from the eBay Store Board. A link to the entire thread is below.
Thought this might be an idea we discuss and help here users where possible and needed.
"Ebay Buddies for Sellers in Hurricane Frances Path?
bunny313794 (770) (view author's auctions)
09/01/04 06:57 AM
As of right now it is looking as though I may get a piece of this storm here in south Florida, as I am sure other sellers are as well. I am trying to get everything ready just incase. I unfortunately have approx. 30 auctions ending this weekend. And have been wondering what to do incase I am without power or internet access for days or even a week or more.
So I thought of this idea. If anyone is willing to participate. I really enjoy and trust everyone on this board and if I am lucky enough to not be in the hurricanes path I will happily help out others.
My idea is an Ebay buddy. Someone who is safe and not in it's path pair up with someone who is in the hurricane's path. For example if I had a buddy and I was in the hurricane's path.....
My buddy would wait to hear from me via email by maybe Sat. night/Sunday morning. If they did not get an email from me then that would mean I am unable to access Ebay and have no power etc. The buddy would then look up my completed auctions that ended in that timeframe and email high bidders with a simple standard note:
Dear buyer:
Bunny313794, the seller on item you won, has been affected by the hurricane and asked me to email you and let you know she will contact you as soon as she is able. Thanks, XXXXX
Most of my family lives within 15 miles of myself. So if I am without power it is likely they will be as well. And other people I know do not really understand Ebay. And ofcourse people who are affected will probably need a lot more help than just Ebay. But I would hate for someone to not only lose their home and other valuables, but then return to Ebay and find they are ruined by 20 negs for being unresponsive.
It is just a thought. And if anyone else has other ideas I would love to hear those as well."
Full Thread
Answer
That's a great idea, and I would be more than happy to help anyone who needs it.
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Well, I call TANYA!
Actually I was thinking the same thing this morning and we got together & decided she's my go-to girl (thank you missy!) in case I need her to update info for me or email bidders. I already had a notice up on my me page & current auctions "just in case" but never hurts to have a secondary back-up plan.
As a second measure, anyone local who wants to exchange phone numbers as a check-in device feel free to email me or PM here on the board. I had a dilly of a time after Charley (I am cell-only and couldn't call out for several days but incoming I could get if they were persistant ...) I was glad to see Toystover & Hellcat info posted when I got back online, they were two real 'local' townies I was hoping made it okay (everyone else I just dont remember where all you are exactly)
Should prob'ly put that phone part in the actual Frances thread too, I guess ...
Everybody keep informed and stay safe, now ...
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Hi, Gem.
Good to hear from you again.
I'm a buyer, not a seller but I sent you a PM anyway.
Thanks to all three of you for offering to pull this together for those of us in harms way!
Mike.
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And a reminder to other sellers to be patient with buyers, just in case. Just heard from one of my winners who is in Homestead, and they're keeping an eye out for Frances.
Good Luck & Stay Safe, all of you in Florida! (from the unusually soggy state of Texas!! a weird weather year, it is!)
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Hey Ray,
Great idea. I'd be glad to assist if there is anyone in need. No worries here in NY but I just got off the phone with my daughter who is in the process of evacuating with her husband and 3 kids from Coco Beach Fla . where they're expecting real serious trouble from Francis.
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I'd be glad to help anyone who might need it.
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I'd be willing to help, but every time I look, Frances seems to be heading closer and closer.
I liked the idea of the info on a seller's Me page - and does Vrane still have the thing that adds something to all your auctions? If so, a notice that you may be incommunicado due to Frances but will respond ASAP might be worth it...lots of people never check the Me page.
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Anyone in need can email me at: tokieusa at myrealbox dot com, and I'll do my best to help.
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If I can be of any service as an eBay Back-up Buddy just email me: dove7*suite224.net