Here is something I guarantee most have not thought about that greatly affects Buyers and Sellers

[flynwillys]

I have been a member of Ebay since the mid 90's.  I haven't sold much but bought a lot including over 100 autos for a car lot I had in Oregon for three years.  What I want to bring to your attention is something I have found to be most disturbing of Ebays progression and development over the years. 

Ebay has made some changes that create obvious friction and negative feelings of Buyers for Ebay and strong well meaning - successful Sellers.  How?  This all comes from personal Ebay experience and years of business ownership and operations. It seems that most anyone can now become a Seller from anywhere.  There doesn't seem to be any vetting.  What I do know is that Ebay holds on to money for purchases of new Sellers until sales are completed and both parties satisfied.  What bugs me about that?  Ebay benefits far too much from this.  Think about it.  Ebay allows anyone to sell.  Ebay holds onto the money from these sales.  This is a huge interest free loan.  Right now I am waiting for a $1,000 refund on a 20 gram gold bar sold by a Seller with zero feedback.  I bought it on 12/7 and the last contact with Ebay was ask them to step in if not received by 12/24.   With my contacts or lack of with this Seller, I KNOW that I am not going to get it.  Ebay says it could be the Canadian mail delay.  No it's from Michigan and he hasn't even shipped it yet. I can't imagine what new members experience now days.  There are many members that are really relying on Ebay.  I feel I have helped Ebay build it's success.  I also feel I should help Ebay maintain it's success by pointing out it's failures.  Thanks for your time.  Have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

[kensgiftshop]

A few years ago, for items selling for $1000 or more, they've started holding the funds for 30 days, which is a good thing in case things don't go as planned.

[flynwillys]

I agree this is helpful and needed.  The point I’m making is the fact that Ebay seems to be creating more and more reasons to stretch out the time they hold on to the Sellers money and refunds to Buyers.  They greatly benefit

from all this money they now hold on to interest free.  For sure, quality of new Sellers has deminished  because of it.  I have personally experienced far too many problems because of it.   If the flake Seller creates a problem, Ebay is rewarded with interest free cash for up to 3 to 4 weeks.  I would like Ebay to disclose to members the percentage of purchases refunded in 2024 to what it was in 2004 and 2014.  You’re smart enough to guess what it will show.  The really bad part of this is the **bleep** poor experience for new buyers trying out Ebay.  Think about the amount of money we’re talking about here.  There’s 

got to be some sort of check on Ebay to keep their priorities in line with what’s best for all valuable, honest, trustworthy, and loyal members.  Please spread this info.  Brian

[fbusoni]

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@flynwillys wrote:

I agree this is helpful and needed.  The point I’m making is the fact that Ebay seems to be creating more and more reasons to stretch out the time they hold on to the Sellers money and refunds to Buyers.  They greatly benefit from all this money they now hold on to interest free.  For sure, quality of new Sellers has deminished  because of it.  I have personally experienced far too many problems because of it.   If the flake Seller creates a problem, Ebay is rewarded with interest free cash for up to 3 to 4 weeks.  I would like Ebay to disclose to members the percentage of purchases refunded in 2024 to what it was in 2004 and 2014.  You’re smart enough to guess what it will show.  The really bad part of this is the **bleep** poor experience for new buyers trying out Ebay.  Think about the amount of money we’re talking about here.  There’s got to be some sort of check on Ebay to keep their priorities in line with what’s best for all valuable, honest, trustworthy, and loyal members.  Please spread this info.  Brian

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@flynwillys 

The upside of this approach is that eBay is relieved of the pressure to increase fees that established sellers have to pay.

Same idea applies to eBay's promoted listings.   They are a source of revenue for eBay, and obviate the need for eBay to increase seller fees.

I am thrilled that eBay is making new sellers wait till they get their funds, because that means that my fees to sell here will not go up.

Amazon makes established sellers wait two weeks.  Think about how much money Amazon makes.  

[flynwillys]

Again, I have no problem with Ebay holding onto the money of new unproven Sellers.  The problem I do have is the Buyers that are driven away by repeated purchase problems created by new Sellers that Ebay seems to allow in without any vetting or at least minimal qualifying.  Example, I bought a gold coin from a Seller in Vietnam with under 5 feedback for a price about 50 less than it was worth.  I bought it knowing that I wasn't going to ever receive it.  I saw many listings just like it with different new Sellers from other over seas countries.  I contacted Ebay customer service and told them what I had done and pointed out all the other similar listings.  Well, Ebay ended up refunding my money and absolutely nothing was done about that Seller or any other of the bogus Sellers or listings.  Probable results?  I knew what was coming.  How many less experienced Ebay Members went through unnecessary Ebay hell dealing  with these listings.  I have seen way too many similar situations through my Ebay buying travels to just let this slide by as part of the process.  I have to believe many more experienced Ebayers haven't noticed.  Maybe if you just sell you wouldn't notice.  You might want to look at the whole picture.  It all affects your business.  I see Ebay always commenting on new safety features and payment options.  Why doesn't improving new seller approval requirements become a priority.  I've heard it said that Sellers are a dime a dozen but Buyers are hard to come by.  Maybe all that interest free money is the priority.  Thank You for your time.

[soh.maryl]

To the best of my knowledge, a buyer cannot pre-emptively open a case or ask eBay to step in until at least one day after the last estimated delivery date.

Example, you buy an item from me on Dec. 7.  The last estimated delivery date is Dec. 24.  You cannot open an item not received case until at least Dec. 25th and you have 30 days after the EDD to open a case.

Acknowledging that you have more selling experience here than I do, am ready to have someone show me that a buyer CAN actually open an INR case in advance of its last estimated delivery date. 

[flynwillys]

Hi.  I'm not quite sure what you are referring to but if it was my last reply, I notified Ebay about my gold coin purchase so quickly was not only to make them aware of the purchase but to primarily make them aware of all the other similar new foreign Sellers with similar very questionable listings.  Apparently they didn't have the expectation and concern that I had at the time.  As far opening a case timing, you are absolutely correct.  What I am saying about that subject is the fact that the more problems with purchases the more benefit to Ebay holding onto the interest free money paid by the Buyer for the non delivered item for a longer and longer period of time.  If you haven't already, please read all the entries to this conversation.  

[flynwillys]

This is my second response to you fbusoni.  It is after the first you'll find in the next reply.  Just thought I should add that what you said is important.  What you need to decide is what is more important having to pay less fees  for your sales on Ebay or having sales and hopefully more sales from happy satisfied Buyers. Without the later no need to worry about the prior.  That's my one and only point.  

[stainlessenginecovers]

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@flynwillys wrote:

Hi.  I'm not quite sure what you are referring to but if it was my last reply, I notified Ebay about my gold coin purchase so quickly was not only to make them aware of the purchase but to primarily make them aware of all the other similar new foreign Sellers with similar very questionable listings.  Apparently they didn't have the expectation and concern that I had at the time.  As far opening a case timing, you are absolutely correct.  What I am saying about that subject is the fact that the more problems with purchases the more benefit to Ebay holding onto the interest free money paid by the Buyer for the non delivered item for a longer and longer period of time.  If you haven't already, please read all the entries to this conversation.  

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How did you 'notify' ebay of a purchase you made? There is no way to do that. You can open a 'case' after the correct amount of time, other than that?? 

[flynwillys]

Ya even even someone with all that great feedback can learn something new.  After you purchase and item you can go to Purchase History, hit on the item, and the "Report this Item" is still accessible.  They have recently changed this option but can still be done through the new procedure.   In addition to this, with your user name and the item number you can Google Ebay Customer Service contact number and talk to Ebay customer service with the information.

[fbusoni]

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@flynwillys wrote:

Again, I have no problem with Ebay holding onto the money of new unproven Sellers.  The problem I do have is the Buyers that are driven away by repeated purchase problems created by new Sellers that Ebay seems to allow in without any vetting or at least minimal qualifying.  

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I agree completely... that is one of the reasons I do not buy anything on eBay.   I just don't want the hassle of having to deal with a return or with what passes for eBay customer service.

eBay's whole philosophy is great for eBay but less so for buyers:  let anyone sell on the platform and let the chips fall where they may.  The market will determine how long a seller remains.  

But in all fairness, a buyer needs to do their due diligence and read the descriptions carefully.  Buying underpriced coins from the Far East is a prescription for disaster, yet many do it.

[fbusoni]

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@flynwillys wrote:

This is my second response to you fbusoni.  It is after the first you'll find in the next reply.  Just thought I should add that what you said is important.  What you need to decide is what is more important having to pay less fees  for your sales on Ebay or having sales and hopefully more sales from happy satisfied Buyers. Without the later no need to worry about the prior.  That's my one and only point.  

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@flynwillys 

Thanks, you're correct and that is an excellent point.

I have chose carefully the categories I sell in (old things that are no longer manufactured) because they are desired by many.   At least for now.  😊

Happy holidays!

[flynwillys]

Ya know, EBay just keeps feeding me  by examples to prove my point.  I finally go a decision on my pending gold bar refund. 
it’s positive for me but includes even another delay to get my $1,004. Refund.

Hello Brian,

Thank you for contacting eBay Customer Service regarding the item (296865216864) “20 grams Perth Mint Australis .9999 Fine Gold Bar in Sealed Assay Card”. My name is Altamas, and I will assist you today.

Here are the details I was able to capture from this transaction so far:

• You were waiting for your item to be delivered however, you still haven't received it and seller failed to communicate with you to resolve the issue.
• You want eBay to step in and help you get full refund.

Here's the resolution for you.

Brian, I’m pleased to inform you that I have closed the case in your favor successfully. This decision was made, as I couldn’t find any evidence of item being delivered to your address. Normally, a refund takes maximum 3-5 business days to reflect after the case is closed. However, as the transaction amount is more than 750USD, this case will need secondary level approval so it might take up to 7-10 business days to reflect the payment in your account.

I want to highlight that we keep your money safe under eBay Money Back Guarantee. Your protection is our responsibility.

You'll also receive follow up email about our decision, along with the case details for reference.

I am confident that your concern is fully resolved. I appreciate your continued business with us. Thank you for contacting eBay. Have a wonderful day.

Kind Regards,

Altamas H.

eBay Customer Service

[marnotom!]

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@flynwillys wrote:

It seems that most anyone can now become a Seller from anywhere.  There doesn't seem to be any vetting. 

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There isn’t much in the way of vetting in the brick and mortar world, either.  Sure, many entrepreneurs apply for start-up loans or seek investor support and those parties will want to see a good business plan before making any sort of commitment, but that commitment is a mix of objective and subjective observations and is often based more on how well the entrepreneur can present themselves than anything in the plan.

How do you suggest eBay evaluate potential sellers?