How can you ask the seller a question on ebay?

Blocked by ebay seller, what to do?

• I found a really cute item on ebay I wanted to buy but emailed the seller to ask if she would go down on price a little bit because I thought it was a little too expensive for me. She emailed back saying something like "$50 for a $200 top is a steal, maybe you are better suited for mall brands then!"... that was totally rude and uncalled for as I was very polite and just asking a question really.. in a few days i decided I wanted to buy it anyway but when I tried to bid, I couldn't because the seller had blocked me. she said she was afraid I might leave negative feedback.. what can one do in such situation? I know sellers have the right to sell to whoever they want but I did not do anything wrong and wasn't being rude at all to deserve such treatment. Plus I really want to buy that top and I cant find it anywhere.. any advice? thanks!

• Answer:

  I have to admit I have blocked potential buyers as well. I do my research and start my item at the lowest price I am willing to accept. If a seller is willing to accept less, they can choose to offer "Best Offer". Sellers that don't offer that are not usually willing to accept less than their starting price. This is not a garage sale where you can offer less. You can assure her all you want that you will not leave negative feedback; however, there are buyers who would, saying it was overpriced. She is trying to protect her feedback rating, although I agree she could have been more polite. I would usually respond with something like "Thanks for asking. I'm not willing at this time to sell it for less than the starting price."