Selling on eBay offers vast opportunities—but it also comes with the occasional challenge, especially when dealing with difficult or problematic buyers. From buyers who don’t pay, to those who frequently return items, leave unfair feedback, or misuse the platform’s policies, knowing how to protect yourself is crucial.
That’s where eBay’s blocking features come in.
Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting your eBay business, understanding how to block a buyer on eBay is an essential skill. It not only helps safeguard your store’s reputation but also minimizes unnecessary disputes, refund claims, and negative experiences. In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from why sellers block buyers to how to use the eBay Blocked Buyer List and smart tips to avoid future buyer issues altogether.
Let’s dive into how you can maintain a healthier and safer selling environment on eBay.
Why You Might Need to Block a Buyer
While eBay strives to create a safe and efficient platform for both buyers and sellers, situations arise where blocking a buyer becomes necessary. As a seller, you have the right to protect your business and time from unproductive or abusive interactions. Below are the most common reasons you might consider using the eBay blocked bidder list:
Non-Paying Buyers
One of the top frustrations for sellers is dealing with buyers who win auctions or click “Buy It Now” but fail to complete the payment. These “non-paying bidders” tie up your inventory and delay your ability to resell the product. Blocking repeat offenders saves you from future losses.
Excessive Return Requests
Some buyers misuse eBay’s generous return policies by frequently returning items with flimsy justifications. This behavior can drain your resources and lower your seller rating. Blocking these buyers ensures you maintain smoother operations.
Abusive or Harassing Messages
If a buyer sends rude, threatening, or inappropriate messages, this is more than just a nuisance—it’s a violation of eBay’s policies. You should report the behavior to eBay and block the buyer immediately to prevent further contact.
Negative Feedback Abuse
Some buyers leave unjustified negative feedback to manipulate sellers into issuing refunds or special treatment. If you’ve experienced feedback extortion, blocking the buyer helps prevent repeat abuse and protects your store’s credibility.
Repeat Cancellations or Fraudulent Claims
Buyers who repeatedly cancel after purchasing, or those who file false “item not as described” or “did not receive” claims, can be flagged and blocked. These actions not only affect your performance metrics but may also result in financial loss.
Buyers From Countries You Don’t Ship To
If you’re a seller who only ships domestically, international buyers trying to place orders may cause complications. You can block buyers based on shipping location preferences through eBay’s buyer requirements settings.
How to Block a Buyer on eBay (Step-by-Step Guide)
Sign into Your eBay Seller Account
To block a buyer, you must first log into your eBay account. Whether you’re using a personal or business seller account, sign in with your email or through a connected third-party login (like Google or Apple).
📌 Make sure you’re logged into the correct seller account where the problematic buyer interacted with you.
Access the Blocked Buyer Page
Once you’re signed in, you need to locate eBay’s Blocked Bidder/Buyer page. There are two ways to do this:
Method 1: Through Account Settings
Click your name on the top-right corner and select Account Settings.
Scroll down to Selling Preferences.
Under Buyer Management, you’ll find the option to Block Bidders or Buyers.
Click the link to open the blocked list.
Method 2: Using the Help & Contact Search
Click on Help & Contact at the top of your eBay dashboard.
In the search bar, type:
block a buyer.Click on the official eBay help article link that appears—this will redirect you to the blocked buyer list page.
Enter the Buyer’s Username
Once you’re on the blocked buyer list page, you’ll see a large text box. Here, input the eBay usernames of the buyers you want to block.
Separate multiple usernames with commas.
You can block up to 5,000 buyers in this field.
Make sure the spelling of the username is correct—blocking is username-based.
Note: Whether the user is a buyer or seller, they will be restricted from purchasing from your listings.
Submit and Save Your Blocked List
After entering the usernames:
Click the Submit button at the bottom to confirm your changes.
If needed later, you can come back and remove usernames or add new ones at any time.
eBay will not notify the blocked users, and they will simply not be able to buy or bid on your items.
Bonus Tip: If you accidentally delete a list or want to restore your previous block list, use the Restore button on the top-right of the text box (available in some regions).
Block Messages from Blocked Buyers (Optional)
Blocking someone stops them from bidding, making offers, or purchasing—but not from messaging you.
To stop blocked users from contacting you:
Go to the Buyer Requirements settings from Account Preferences.
Check the box next to:
“Don’t allow blocked buyers to contact me.”Click Apply or Submit to save the change.
Now your blocked buyers won’t even be able to message or harass you through eBay.
How to Avoid Blocking eBay Buyers?
While eBay gives sellers the ability to block buyers, the ideal scenario is to avoid problematic buyers in the first place. Blocking should be your last resort. Below are some smart strategies to help you minimize buyer issues and protect your seller reputation without needing to use the block function frequently.
Use eBay’s Buyer Requirements Settings
eBay allows sellers to set automatic restrictions on who can buy from them. Here’s how to use this feature effectively:
Go to Account Settings > Site Preferences > Buyer Requirements.
Enable options such as:
Block buyers with unpaid item strikes.
Block buyers in specific countries you don’t ship to.
Block buyers with a low feedback score.
Block those with policy violations.
This is a great way to automatically filter out high-risk buyers before they place an order.
Set Clear Return and Payment Policies
When your listings have clearly defined:
Payment timeframes (e.g., “Payment must be made within 48 hours”),
Return windows (e.g., “Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery”),
And refund conditions (e.g., “Item must be returned in original condition”),
…it drastically reduces confusion or disputes. Transparent policies discourage impulse buyers and bad actors.
Communicate Professionally with Buyers
Always be clear, polite, and professional in your messages—even if the buyer is rude or difficult. Many problems are resolved simply through communication.
Proactive messaging after a sale—such as shipping confirmations or feedback requests—can build trust and reduce negative interactions.
Review Buyer Feedback and Behavior
Before accepting offers or dealing with uncertain buyers, check:
Their feedback score
Comments from other sellers
History of disputes (if available)
If anything looks suspicious, consider declining offers or canceling the order (within eBay’s guidelines).
Use Buyer Blocks Strategically
If a buyer repeatedly:
Leaves unfair feedback,
Asks for constant discounts,
Or creates return/refund issues,
…it may be time to block them. But before doing so, document everything and report violations to eBay if needed.
Keeping detailed records of communications and disputes can support your case if a buyer complains after being blocked.
More about How To Block A Buyer on eBay – FAQs
Yes, eBay allows sellers to block buyers by adding their usernames to the Blocked Bidder/Buyer List. Once blocked, that user cannot bid on, buy, or send offers on your listings. You can add up to 5,000 usernames to this list via your Account Settings.
When you block a buyer on eBay:
They can no longer purchase or place bids on your listings.
They won’t be able to send you offers or best offers.
By default, they can still message you, unless you specifically block messages via the Buyer Management settings.
Blocked users will not be notified, so the action is discreet and doesn’t harm your feedback or standing.
To block buyers from specific regions or countries:
Go to Account Settings > Site Preferences.
Scroll to Buyer Requirements.
Enable the setting: “Block buyers whose primary shipping address is in a location I don’t ship to.”
Click Edit to select the regions you want to block.
This helps you avoid shipping risks or logistical issues when selling internationally.
How To Block A Buyer on eBay - Conclusion
Dealing with difficult buyers is an unfortunate but sometimes unavoidable part of selling on eBay. Whether you’re protecting your business from non-paying bidders, rude communication, or repeated return abusers, knowing how to block a buyer on eBay gives you control over who interacts with your store.
By leveraging eBay’s Blocked Buyer List, setting up buyer requirements, and using seller protections like Buyer Management and Unpaid Item Assistant, you can create a smoother, safer selling experience. However, blocking should always be a last resort—aim to minimize issues proactively through clear policies and open communication.
As an eBay seller in 2025, staying informed about tools like buyer blocking not only helps maintain your performance metrics but also supports your long-term success in the marketplace.
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