Expert: Marvinator - 11/21/2009

Question
I am interested in buying a heated cushion for my daughter for Christmas. I found one on Ebay I really like. Its called Clima Cushion if you've ever heard of it.
Well, anyway, in the ad, there is a tel number. I called it and was told they were all sold out.
Now the question. WHY do they continue to list/advertise if they are all out?
I wrote the seller but haven't gotten any answer yet.

Answer
There are a few scenarios where this could happen.  

1) The seller uses a drop shipping house.  The phone number went to the drop shipper who says they are sold out.  However they never know when they will get more in.  The seller continues to list the item in hopes that the item will be back in stock within the limit of 30 days after the sale is made.

2) An order has been placed for the items, but the person on the phone didn't know this or cannot tell any customers in case the items don't show up in time.  

3) The seller is using the ads on Ebay as advertisement for their business whether or not they actually sell anything.  In addition, they may be unaware of the 30 day requirement and plan to place an order for the items once they have had a few sales.  

It's a very good thing that you decided to call.  I would also ask if there is a back order on the items, or an estimated time of arrival for fresh stock.  If they can't handle those questions, then you are best to just move on.