Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.
I read the first page, but I'm not going through every comment. Yes, it's legal Yes, CC's do it, and all other payment processors.
And no, I am not saying that what I am about to hypothesize is happening, but just that it is disturbing.
What I noticed and have been wondering about is, since ebay makes more money the higher the FVF is, and since the machine is being run by algos now, would that algo try to maximize profit by creating more sales in high tax states/cities, creating a real downward spiral if you think about it.
All I would like from ebay, and I have called in and spoken to them about this before, is a way to control a small surcharge for higher tax states. It's hard to sell items not knowing what your profit margin is exactly, due to the various states, and some cities, charging differing tax amounts. It's a small amount, I know, but not if you sell a $3000 comic book, and I have. Those FVF's on the taxes add up when you're shipping to California, and though the customer pays the taxes I pay the FVF on the tax. Also, as we all know, the customer is not who actually pays, because it's us that has to still get them the item at that price, so when the price goes up, they don't buy as much, and we usually have to lower our cost.
Instead of me losing more money when I sell to high tax areas, I'd like to give those people that live in states and cities that don't charge tax, or charge less, a discount, because I'm not paying as much FVF. That's my word on it.
Many cities charge a fee if you pay your taxes via credit cards. you are not paying a fee on sales tax, you are paying a fee on processing the payment which includes tax
This question has been asked 1,000+ times before and the answer is STILL the same. NO it is not illegal. CC companies do the same thing with regards to merchant fees, which are 3-4%, it is applied to the WHOLE amount including the sales tax.
FYI if you leave a tip at a restaurant and add it to your CC charge that is also taxed and the CC company charges a fee on that as well.
I have no argument about any fees except government fees/tax being charged additional fee. A legal/government fee shouldn’t be charged a fee. That’s my opinion. I think it is wrong that they do that. Like many wrong laws but that’s what it is. You have to live with them.
The state sales tax in any state is charged by that state and is remitted to that state, whether the purchase is at your local WalMart or on line. This is a law that must have compliance.
"A legal/government fee shouldn't be charged a fee." What does that mean?
What I mean is that it is a fee that must be paid. You don’t have to pay tip to your server at a restaurant (someone’s example above) but you must pay sales tax. Then it is like you pay more tax. Tax should be exempt from fees. Someone said then use cash if you don’t want to pay fees but Ebay still charges fee to your tax even if you pay cash on pick up.
If you would prefer, as a seller, not to have to pay your final value fee on eBay based on the item price, the shipping cost and the state sales tax charged to the buyer, and you feel this strongly about it, perhaps you should reconsider which venue, if any, would work best for you.
"Best answer" is utilized as a tool for others who may be looking for the solution to the same or similar topic as the one posted.
Do you honestly think that post is the "best answer" for future members who are wondering about the same issue you've presented?
"Share meaningful contributions."
"Please use search to see if your question has already been answered. If you don’t find what you need, then please post in the correct forum for your topic. If others say something you agree with, you also can use the ‘Helpful’ button on the bottom of each item to show your appreciation and agreement. Or use the "Best Answer" option whenever another user provides you with an answer you found helpful."
Yes. When you shop in Macy's and use your American Express card, Macy's has to pay a fee on the ENTIRE transaction including the sales tax. This has been the policy for credit cards ever since I was a little girl and that was many, many years ago.
Wouldn't it be safe to assume that eBay has at least a few (hundred) attorneys in their legal department who have made sure of the legality of this action?
I think it should be illegal but obviously not. I am sure someone with a lot of time on their hand could sue CC companies and Ebay/Paypal and win.
It is the standard and universal practice and has been since the invention of the credit card. The fee is based on the total sale to the consumer -- the total for the merchandise, sundry charges and surcharges, handling, shipping, sales or use other other taxes levied.
Every time you use your own credit card for a purchase, the merchant you buy from pays the fee based on the total you paid in the transaction. If you believe this is unfair, wrong, or illegal, be sure that you do not participate in the practice, and use only cash or checks for all your own purchases.
I believe the person is still under the impression Ebay only charges around 13% of what you sell. Never mind the fact they charge you on tax and shipping but say it is still only 13% of your sale price. 😄
"I believe the person is still under the impression Ebay only charges around 13% of what you sell."
Well, eBay could charge you between 3% and 15% depending on what you sell.
"Never mind the fact they charge you on tax and shipping but say it is still only 13% of your sale price."
I would like to see an example, please, of eBay "say[ing] it is still only 13% of your sales price." Should be a simple thing to find. Any advertisement or eBay publication, preferably showing a date because, as you know, eBay's fee percentages, like the prices of gasoline and eggs, have increased over the last few years.
You have posted this info very often, that eBay is lying about charging X% of the price of the item. Please provide an example of that lie, any advertisement, and eBay statement that the fee percentage is charged on only the price of the item.
They corrected that! At the time I posted that thread, it wasn’t clear at all. Now, they tell you openly. Funny you said that, last month I noticed they corrected it and was going to post a photo under my thread but forgot to.
My second message was accepting the fact it is legal. But I don’t think it should be legal. I wasn’t arguing. It was a question. I think you see everyone like yourself. Are you OK?
My second message was accepting the fact it is legal. But I don’t think it should be legal. I wasn’t arguing. It was a question. I think you see everyone like yourself. Are you OK?
I am so okay that I do not need to engage in ad hominem argument.
How do you "pay with cash" on ebay (or any online platform?)
that was a strange choice for the "Best Answer" to "Is It Legal?"
I "Googled" Feebay and came up empty....
From Google:
"...Everything I brew, I brew for you â˜•ï¸ Come by and ask our baristas what filter selections we are serving for the day! #feebay #coffee #cafemalaysia. ..."
In addition to paying with credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay, buyers can also pay with checks, money orders, and cash on pickup in certain categories
In what world would it be illegal to charge fees on the total amount of funds processed????
Sue to change the existing laws ??
What do you think the odds of that are? I will be watching for that, plus watching outside for pigs to fly, and see if either happens.
I'm going to sue the police department for giving me a speeding ticket, but before I can do that I have to sue to get the laws that govern giving tickets speeding changed. It is surely illegal to have such laws.
I'm going to sue to change every law that I do not like. (any law that does not directly benefit me)
I find that a slight adjustment to my asking price covers my fees to have my items shown to the entire world. (well that portion that has an interweb) With that slight adjustment 13.25% of an average of less than 10% will not adversely affect my bottom line.
You've posted a topic on this board to ask for information regarding eBay's fee structure. People have taken their personal time to respond. You've received answers with which you don't agree, so you've posted comments like the above.
To get the best community experience, it's probably not the greatest approach to try to insult (although hedging bets with a laughing emoji) those who are trying to respond to your topic.
My second message was accepting it that it is legal. Did you read it? I don’t think it should be legal. Like a lot laws don’t make sense but we have to obey them. It is what it is. Doesn’t mean I have to agree with it.
You are absolutely correct that we don't have to agree with every rule and law that we encounter. We just have to abide by the rules and laws. In reference to ebay, we have a choice-live with their rules or sell somewhere else.
Exactly. Do I have a choice m? Yes. I don’t use Ebay. Wann keep using then yes, I have to go by what they say. Still I think it isn’t right to charge a fee to government fee. Shipping fee, yes. Government? No. But what I think doesn’t matter. It is the law.
My second message was accepting the fact it is legal. But I don’t think it should be legal. I wasn’t arguing. It was a question. I think you see everyone like yourself. Are you OK?
@arda83 wrote:
My second message was accepting it that it is legal. Did you read it?
The point of my post was not whether it is or is not legal. The point of my post was the veiled insults aimed at other members, which, unfortunately, appears to continue.
"Your username is missing a three letter word" with an emoji that is laughing until it cries.
Wow. Aren't you clever? You asked a simple question: Is it legal for eBay [note capitalization] to charge a fee on sales tax? You received, from several people, this simple answer: Yes, it is legal for eBay to charge a fee on sales tax.
Your responses continue to question that legality. Now you resort to (trying to) make fun of a person's username. I really ought not to be surprised by anything anymore.
kh-vince
·2 years agoHi everyone,
Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.
Thank you for understanding.
chapeau-noir
·3 years agoLOL - maybe this should have ended with one reply that said "yes." 😖
arda83
OP3 years agoEXACTLY!
pickermall
·3 years agoYeppers!
sailinship
·3 years agoI read the first page, but I'm not going through every comment.
Yes, it's legal
Yes, CC's do it, and all other payment processors.
And no, I am not saying that what I am about to hypothesize is happening, but just that it is disturbing.
What I noticed and have been wondering about is, since ebay makes more money the higher the FVF is, and since the machine is being run by algos now, would that algo try to maximize profit by creating more sales in high tax states/cities, creating a real downward spiral if you think about it.
All I would like from ebay, and I have called in and spoken to them about this before, is a way to control a small surcharge for higher tax states. It's hard to sell items not knowing what your profit margin is exactly, due to the various states, and some cities, charging differing tax amounts. It's a small amount, I know, but not if you sell a $3000 comic book, and I have. Those FVF's on the taxes add up when you're shipping to California, and though the customer pays the taxes I pay the FVF on the tax. Also, as we all know, the customer is not who actually pays, because it's us that has to still get them the item at that price, so when the price goes up, they don't buy as much, and we usually have to lower our cost.
Instead of me losing more money when I sell to high tax areas, I'd like to give those people that live in states and cities that don't charge tax, or charge less, a discount, because I'm not paying as much FVF. That's my word on it.
soh.maryl
·3 years agoRespectfully, how can an "algo" create more sales" in any particular location?
And, if that were possible, shouldn't the "algo" be doing it now?
dindinruzi
·2 years agoCC's don't charge 15% only 2.5 - 4%, $200 sales tax cost me $30. PayPal charges about 3%. 15% of final values fees is not enough for eBay!
mistyelectronics
·3 years agoMany cities charge a fee if you pay your taxes via credit cards. you are not paying a fee on sales tax, you are paying a fee on processing the payment which includes tax
arda83
OP3 years agoOK. Great. So why does Ebay charge a fee on tax even if you pay with cash?
bonjourami
·3 years ago"OK. Great. So why does Ebay charge a fee on tax even if you pay with cash?"
You think Ebay still doesnt have to process a cash payment? Because its cash, it magically processes itself as payment?
dbfolks166mt
·3 years agoThis question has been asked 1,000+ times before and the answer is STILL the same. NO it is not illegal. CC companies do the same thing with regards to merchant fees, which are 3-4%, it is applied to the WHOLE amount including the sales tax.
FYI if you leave a tip at a restaurant and add it to your CC charge that is also taxed and the CC company charges a fee on that as well.
arda83
OP3 years agoI have no argument about any fees except government fees/tax being charged additional fee. A legal/government fee shouldn’t be charged a fee. That’s my opinion. I think it is wrong that they do that. Like many wrong laws but that’s what it is. You have to live with them.
soh.maryl
·3 years agoThe state sales tax in any state is charged by that state and is remitted to that state, whether the purchase is at your local WalMart or on line. This is a law that must have compliance.
"A legal/government fee shouldn't be charged a fee." What does that mean?
arda83
OP3 years agoWhat I mean is that it is a fee that must be paid. You don’t have to pay tip to your server at a restaurant (someone’s example above) but you must pay sales tax. Then it is like you pay more tax. Tax should be exempt from fees. Someone said then use cash if you don’t want to pay fees but Ebay still charges fee to your tax even if you pay cash on pick up.
soh.maryl
·3 years agoIf you would prefer, as a seller, not to have to pay your final value fee on eBay based on the item price, the shipping cost and the state sales tax charged to the buyer, and you feel this strongly about it, perhaps you should reconsider which venue, if any, would work best for you.
arda83
OP3 years agoI said it in one of my first messages. Ebay is the best when selling stuff. I think some including you don’t understand my post, sorry.
soh.maryl
·3 years agoPretty sure I DID understand your original post.
Let me recap: You asked if it was legal for eBay's final value fee to be charged on the state sales tax.
I (and quite a few others) stated that it is legal.
Where do you figure any misunderstanding on my part?
albertabrightalberta
·3 years agoYes.
That's the answer.
pburn
·3 years ago"Best answer" is utilized as a tool for others who may be looking for the solution to the same or similar topic as the one posted.
Do you honestly think that post is the "best answer" for future members who are wondering about the same issue you've presented?
"Share meaningful contributions."
"Please use search to see if your question has already been answered. If you don’t find what you need, then please post in the correct forum for your topic. If others say something you agree with, you also can use the ‘Helpful’ button on the bottom of each item to show your appreciation and agreement. Or use the "Best Answer" option whenever another user provides you with an answer you found helpful."
coolections
·3 years agoUnfortunately, yes.
3lilyankeefans
·3 years agoThat time of day again?
heckofagame
·3 years agoYes, let's get it to stop and then we can all collect and remit sales tax each quarter for 50+ locations. That's a genius plan. Let's do that?
soh.maryl
·3 years agoSince various cities, counties and states can (and do) tack on sales tax for their particular locations, bet it's a lot more than just 50+ locations.
ms.rodriguez*
·3 years agoYes. When you shop in Macy's and use your American Express card, Macy's has to pay a fee on the ENTIRE transaction including the sales tax. This has been the policy for credit cards ever since I was a little girl and that was many, many years ago.
soh.maryl
·3 years agoWouldn't it be safe to assume that eBay has at least a few (hundred) attorneys in their legal department who have made sure of the legality of this action?
arda83
OP3 years agoBut you know how it goes. Someone sues the big guys and win. It’s not always them that win. But 99.9% they win🤣
arda83
OP3 years agoI think it should be illegal but obviously not. I am sure someone with a lot of time on their hand could sue CC companies and Ebay/Paypal and win.
maxine*j
·3 years agoIt is the standard and universal practice and has been since the invention of the credit card. The fee is based on the total sale to the consumer -- the total for the merchandise, sundry charges and surcharges, handling, shipping, sales or use other other taxes levied.
Every time you use your own credit card for a purchase, the merchant you buy from pays the fee based on the total you paid in the transaction. If you believe this is unfair, wrong, or illegal, be sure that you do not participate in the practice, and use only cash or checks for all your own purchases.
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arda83
OP3 years agoYou sound like Ebay lawyer, are you?🤣
coolections
·3 years agoI believe the person is still under the impression Ebay only charges around 13% of what you sell. Never mind the fact they charge you on tax and shipping but say it is still only 13% of your sale price. 😄
monroe67
·3 years ago"I believe the person is still under the impression Ebay only charges around 13% of what you sell."
Well, eBay could charge you between 3% and 15% depending on what you sell.
"Never mind the fact they charge you on tax and shipping but say it is still only 13% of your sale price."
I would like to see an example, please, of eBay "say[ing] it is still only 13% of your sales price." Should be a simple thing to find. Any advertisement or eBay publication, preferably showing a date because, as you know, eBay's fee percentages, like the prices of gasoline and eggs, have increased over the last few years.
You have posted this info very often, that eBay is lying about charging X% of the price of the item. Please provide an example of that lie, any advertisement, and eBay statement that the fee percentage is charged on only the price of the item.
Ever hopeful . . . . . . .
arda83
OP3 years agoThey corrected that! At the time I posted that thread, it wasn’t clear at all. Now, they tell you openly. Funny you said that, last month I noticed they corrected it and was going to post a photo under my thread but forgot to.
buyselljack2016
·3 years agoIt can get confusing, but monroe67 ............................. was not replying to your post😀
maxine*j
·3 years agoYou sound like someone resorting to ad hominem attack, a sure sign you've lost the argument and know it.
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arda83
OP3 years agoMy second message was accepting the fact it is legal. But I don’t think it should be legal. I wasn’t arguing. It was a question. I think you see everyone like yourself. Are you OK?
maxine*j
·3 years agoI am so okay that I do not need to engage in ad hominem argument.
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arda83
OP3 years agoFYi, Ebay still charges the same fee even you pay with cash.
monica-sells
·3 years agoI'm just passing through, but I have to ask....
How do you "pay with cash" on ebay (or any online platform?)
that was a strange choice for the "Best Answer" to "Is It Legal?"
I "Googled" Feebay and came up empty....
From Google:
"...Everything I brew, I brew for you â˜•ï¸ Come by and ask our baristas what filter selections we are serving for the day! #feebay #coffee #cafemalaysia. ..."
arda83
OP3 years agoLocal pick up has the option to pay cash.
Depending on the category, and on the country you’re selling in, you may also choose to accept the following additional payment methods:
https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/choosing-get-paid/accepting-other-payment-methods?id=4184
monica-sells
·3 years agoI stand corrected....
In addition to paying with credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay, buyers can also pay with checks, money orders, and cash on pickup in certain categories
buyselljack2016
·3 years agoIn what world would it be illegal to charge fees on the total amount of funds processed????
Sue to change the existing laws ??
What do you think the odds of that are? I will be watching for that, plus watching outside for pigs to fly, and see if either happens.
I'm going to sue the police department for giving me a speeding ticket, but before I can do that I have to sue to get the laws that govern giving tickets speeding changed. It is surely illegal to have such laws.
I'm going to sue to change every law that I do not like. (any law that does not directly benefit me)
I find that a slight adjustment to my asking price covers my fees to have my items shown to the entire world. (well that portion that has an interweb) With that slight adjustment 13.25% of an average of less than 10% will not adversely affect my bottom line.
arda83
OP3 years agoYour username is missing a three letter word🤣
buyselljack2016
·3 years agoand I bet there are 2 esses in that word, but you know what............ they look a lot like dollar signs 🤣
I see those dollar signs each week in my "payout" to my checking account.
arda83
OP3 years agoI like you!
pburn
·3 years agoYou've posted a topic on this board to ask for information regarding eBay's fee structure. People have taken their personal time to respond. You've received answers with which you don't agree, so you've posted comments like the above.
To get the best community experience, it's probably not the greatest approach to try to insult (although hedging bets with a laughing emoji) those who are trying to respond to your topic.
arda83
OP3 years agoMy second message was accepting it that it is legal. Did you read it? I don’t think it should be legal. Like a lot laws don’t make sense but we have to obey them. It is what it is. Doesn’t mean I have to agree with it.
susanb1872
·3 years agoYou are absolutely correct that we don't have to agree with every rule and law that we encounter. We just have to abide by the rules and laws. In reference to ebay, we have a choice-live with their rules or sell somewhere else.
arda83
OP3 years agoExactly. Do I have a choice m? Yes. I don’t use Ebay. Wann keep using then yes, I have to go by what they say. Still I think it isn’t right to charge a fee to government fee. Shipping fee, yes. Government? No. But what I think doesn’t matter. It is the law.
pburn
·3 years agoThe point of my post was not whether it is or is not legal. The point of my post was the veiled insults aimed at other members, which, unfortunately, appears to continue.
monroe67
·3 years ago"Your username is missing a three letter word" with an emoji that is laughing until it cries.
Wow. Aren't you clever?
You asked a simple question: Is it legal for eBay [note capitalization] to charge a fee on sales tax?
You received, from several people, this simple answer: Yes, it is legal for eBay to charge a fee on sales tax.
Your responses continue to question that legality. Now you resort to (trying to) make fun of a person's username.
I really ought not to be surprised by anything anymore.
arda83
OP3 years agoYes would be a simple answer. Yet, I saw a lawyer in front me🤣. Yes is enough. Blah blah blah is not necessary.
aeparts1
·3 years agoIt sounds like you could have a new ( and highly lucrative) career!!
joseh1445
·3 years agoWe are at the mercy of ebay. And ebay decides, what and how much to charge on fees.
arda83
OP3 years agoThat irritates me but I gotta be frank, once you put something on Ebay, it sells the quickest. **bleep** it!
heckofagame
·3 years agoAll the cool kids do it.
luckythewinner
·3 years agoYes.
Credit card processing companies have been been doing it for half a century.
PayPal has been doing it for years.
maxine*j
·3 years agoYes. That is the answer.
Here, take a look at a few of the many hundreds of threads on this, with all the info you need:
https://community.ebay.com/t5/forums/searchpage/tab/message?advanced=false&allow_punctuation=false&q=fee%20on%20sales%20tax
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susanb1872
·3 years agoYes.