reserve fee

[pishi456]

I just started selling and on a reserve price I was charged $250 even though I ended the listing. this is the most unfair fee for any item that may not sell. What is the point of charging just for listing a reserve price when no one knows if the item would sell or not. It is just another scam.

[mr_lincoln · Accepted solution]

Hi @pishi456 

Sadly, eBay does not educate Sellers very well on how to set up an Auction listings.  However, when you create a listing eBay does show you that a non-refundable fee will be charged when using the Reserve price, pic below from using a PC and the Advanced listing tool.

To avoid this type of situation the starting price on an auction should be high enough that if the item sells on one Bid you make your profit ... more bids means more profit.

[pargran3]

It is not a scam. It is clearly stated when you put a reserve on an item that the reserve fee will be charged even if there is no sale.

YOU are responsible to know what you are doing before you do it. 

It really is a simple concept. Do this and you will be charged for it. Ta da.

[asset_liquidators]

The fee was disclosed before you listed. There really is NO reason to use a reserve. Just start the item for the least amount you are willing to take.

Also, unless it is a highly sought after item you are best off listing it as a fixed price listing. I haven't used auction format since the early 2000's.

[pishi456]

Maybe simple for you with 5591 stars the point is why there should be a fee such as this anyway.

[pishi456]

Oh I forgat...Ta Da

[buyselljack2016]

What was the point in having a "reserve"?

No "free" advertising for vehicles.

[kensgiftshop]

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@pishi456 wrote:

Maybe simple for you with 5591 stars the point is why there should be a fee such as this anyway.

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Has nothing to do with stars.

Sellers should be checking to see what the fee's are before listing anything.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@pishi456 wrote:

 ... the point is why there should be a fee such as this anyway.

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1.  To make money for eBay

2. To discourage sellers from using reserves.

Just start the bidding at the lowest price you'd be willing to sell for.

[luckythewinner]

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@pishi456 wrote:

What is the point of charging just for listing a reserve price when no one knows if the item would sell or not. 

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Three thoughts: 

1) The fee is abusive because eBay no longer likes reserve price auctions and want to discourage their use. 

2) In this day and age, what is the point of setting a reserve price in the first place? 

3) The Reserve Price listing form states that a reserve price is nonrefundable ("Review your fee: A non-refundable fee will be charged when your listing goes live whether the item sells or not.")

[monica-sells]

The fees are clearly displayed not once, but 3 times during your listing procedure.

How can you possibly not see them...

Labelling this a "scam" is incorrect.

You chose to ignore 3 alerts:

(in order)

and even before you hit submit it's in your face.