Seller Question Box At The Bottom Of Ebay Listings?

I've never seen it explained, but felt that the decision to display Questions/Answers was something each seller could choose. That's because in the past, some did and some didn't. Someone who sells on ebay should be able to answer in more detail - I've been a buyer since 1999 but never a seller.

I often use the Q&A button. I mostly use it for two reasons; to offer information on a listing and to ask about missing details. Just this week, I spotted a blank planchet that was up for bids. The seller had not given its' size/diameter. He merely said it was a cent.

Many sellers generate erroneous listings, calling a token or coin something that it isn't. I try to tactfully point them in the right direction. Some are kindly appreciative, and others are not. If there appears to be some deception, I report the item to ebay.

One of the kindest exchanges that I had was a year or so ago. A seller in Texas was offering a Civil War "dog tag" for a Confederate soldier that was stamped upon an 1861-O half dollar. The coin is a crudely cast copy that appears to be heavily worn; typical of these so-called "Pender" pieces that can periodically be found, lurking in antique malls. When he was satisfied that my judgment was credible, he offered to give the piece to me. As I already have one that I've periodically used to warn other collectors, I suggested that he give it to some other collector who would have an interest in doing what I do with mine. The seller said he would. Thus ended what I believe to have been one of my more fruitful uses of that Q&A button.

Good points everyone. I remember seeing Q&A posted more often in the past, but probably because 10 years ago I was looking at guitars, amps, etc., while now I am primarily looking at coins. Someone selling a guitar wants to give the buyer as much info as possible because guitar buyers have the option to buy new at guitar center or online. A coin seller probably prefers to give the buyer as little information as possible to avoid the buyer having a right to return the coin based on a perceived misrepresentation.