Payment withheld for 170 days

[pokemartsuperstore]

I recently decided to take my sales business to eBay just to see how the market was. I had an issue with some returns but processed everything quickly and professionally, then a red banner popped up saying I was restricted. First it was for 30 days or until I fulfilled the requirements. Keep in mind I had an account that was one inventory issue away from a Top Seller account, with 97.4 positive feedback, but unfortunately had purchased non authentic items and promptly refunded while accepting my loss. Upon further review I was deemed a safety issue, left with no answers and a permanently restricted sellers account with $3,500 on hold for 170 days… I will never sell or buy on eBay ever again… by choice and even if they let me! Contacted them over the phone, app chat, Facebook messenger and continued receiving the same answer. The 170 days is to avoid credit card charge backs but I contacted the buyer and they used their debit card so once the 30 days for return policy is over there should be no reason to withhold what is legally owed to me? Looks like I’m waiting for five months unless arbitration would be a viable option as my wife is a lawyer so we’re talking it over now. Seller beware, make one mistake on eBay and you’ll never sell again hahaha 

[bonjourami]

97.4 % feedback is really bad, and selling 'unauthentic' items is the kiss of death on Ebay. Looks like you canceled a transaction too...nothing that Ebay hates more than a disappointed buyer. Paypal has a six month buyer protection plan, along with cc's. And buyers do debit card chargebacks every day, depending on their card, such as Visa and MasterCard.Good luck talking to your lawyer wife, be sure to show her the UA you agreed to to sell here. Its very specific on holds. After so many months, your funds will go to your states unclaimed property, so be sure to watch for that. Happy Trails.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

Without disagreeing with anything @bonjourami has said

You have probably  triggered multiple safety actions with sales ranging from a penny to thousands of dollars. Automated actions occur when a low ticket seller has sales which are above a threshold derived from their sales history.

Ebay does not share its safety algorithms or advise you of the specifics as they apply to you. This is common with other internet marketplaces.

The User Agreement gives Ebay wide authority in making trust and safety decisions including payment holds.

[pokemartsuperstore]

They told me payouts will be sent to preferred payment method after their hold so I will keep an eye out! But yeah not my proudest moment when I found out they weren’t authentic as it was an honest mistake but won’t make that one again! Thank you for the info! 

[12345jamesstamps]

"buyer used their debit card"...a buyer can do credit card disputes with a debit card as didn't recognize charge...I had no problems thus myself with Amazon and so on.

You can receive funds after 6 months through the government.

"make one mistake"....looks like several.