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Adding Text Messages and Wireless Alerts

eBay can alert you about an auction ending or when you are outbid on an item. You can receive alerts by the following:

You can subscribe to SMS alerts or IM alerts in My eBay and start receiving notifications for when you've been outbid or when a listing has ended. If you enable these alerts, you’ll see the word “outbid” or “end” followed by a short description, item number, and bid amount. For example: Outbid! - Snoopy PEZ dispenser - item #3536992432 - $7.50.

If you receive an alert, you can then respond to the alert and bid again.

SMS alerts

SMS alerts are text messages sent to your wireless device, such as a mobile phone. Most carriers charge for SMS, so please contact your wireless carrier to discuss SMS capabilities and charges that may apply.

To receive SMS alerts, you need a device that has short message service (SMS) capabilities. Most carriers charge for SMS, so please review the plan of your service provider for SMS capabilities and charges that may apply when you use this service. Your service provider should be able to help you with this information.

To add a SMS address:

  1. On the My eBay page, click the “Notification Preferences” link under My Account, and then click Show all in the “Notification Preferences” section.

  2. Click Show in the “Delivery Options” section.

  3. Click Subscribe to sign-up for text messages.

  4. Select your mobile phone provider, and enter your mobile phone number.

  5. Select the options you want, and click the Agree and Continue button.

  6. To complete the SMS subscription process, you will need to reply to the SMS message on your mobile phone.

If you forget your PIN, you need to create a new one. Just follow the steps above and enter a PIN number.

IM alerts

IM alerts are instant messages sent to your chat window.

To add an IM address:

  1. On the My eBay page, click the “Notification Preferences” link under My Account, and then click Show all in the “Notification Preferences” section.

  2. Click Show in the “Delivery Options” section.

  3. Click Subscribe to sign-up for instant messages.

  4. Select your instant messenger provider, and click the Continue button. You will be sent to the provider’s site for verification.

Phone call alerts

Phone alerts are provided by UnWired Buyer, an eBay partner. When you subscribe to UnWired Buyer, and then add an item to your watch list, you will receive a phone call within the last 3 minutes of an auction. For more information and to sign up, go to the eBay Wireless page.

Additional Notes

  • Most alerts arrive a few minutes after they are created; however, factors such as your carrier’s service area or congestion can affect delivery. eBay cannot guarantee specific times.

  • If you chose to use SMS alerts, you will receive an outbid or end of auction message for every active listing on your account.

  • If you chose to use SMS alerts you will be charged $0.25 (for up to 10 messages) per item. This is a premium service.


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