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You can get a text (SMS) message on your mobile phone, an instant message (IM) in a chat box on your computer, or a phone call to let you know when an auction ends or when you get outbid on an item.
About SMS and IM alerts
You can subscribe to SMS alerts or IM alerts in My eBay and start receiving notifications when you've been outbid or when a listing has ended. You'll see the word “outbid” or “end” followed by a short description, the item number, and a bid amount.
For example: Outbid! - Snoopy PEZ dispenser - item #3536992432 - $7.50.
If you receive an alert about being outbid, you can respond to it and bid again.
Most alerts arrive a few minutes after the fact. However, your carrier’s service area or congestion can interfere, so we can't guarantee delivery times.
Adding SMS alerts
SMS alerts are text messages that you receive on a wireless device, such as a mobile phone. To receive SMS alerts, you need a device that has short message service (SMS) capabilities.
If you subscribe to SMS alerts, you will be charged $0.25 (for up to 10 messages) per item. This is a premium service.
Most carriers also charge for SMS, so please contact your wireless carrier to discuss SMS capabilities and charges that apply.
To add SMS alerts:Click My eBay at the top of most eBay pages.
Click the “Communication Preferences” link under My Account, and then click the “Show all” link in the “Communication Preferences” section.
Click the “Subscribe” link to sign up for SMS alerts.
Select your mobile phone provider, and enter your mobile phone number. Select the options you want, and click the Agree & Continue button.
To complete your SMS subscription, reply to the text we send to your wireless device.
Adding IM alerts
IM alerts are instant messages sent to the chat window of your computer’s messaging software. To receive IM alerts, you need an account with an instant messenger provider, such as Skype.
To add IM alerts:Click My eBay at the top of most eBay pages.
Click the “Communication Preferences” link under My Account, and then click the “Show all” link in the “Communication Preferences” section.
Click the “Subscribe” link to sign up for IM alerts.
Select your instant messenger provider, and click the Continue button.
We'll send you to your chat service provider's site, where you can complete the process.
Adding phone call alerts
You get phone alerts through UnWired Buyer, an eBay partner. When you subscribe to UnWired Buyer and add an item to your watch list, you'll get a phone call within the last three minutes of the listing. You can learn more and sign up on the Voice Alerts page.
Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
