[quote name='PaulWarning' timestamp='1509620582' post='3400319']
there must be a way round it, can't you just message them via ebay on the pretext of asking a question, and arrange it? I can see why ebay don't want you to do it, people do the deal and the seller just withdraws the item and avoids selling fees, not that I would do anything like that
[/quote]
There's a pretty solid filter in place that detects any attempt to exchange contact details. I was up against it recently, and in the end I had to upload an image with 'Please call me on xxxxxxxxx'.
Apparently image recognition is on the way, and if eBay catch you in the act, they'll come down hard.
IMO it all feels a bit desperate. They're losing the plot.