Auto-Pay

[jbbowers12012]

Hello Everyone,  I have a quick "opinion" question.  I think that many potential buyers sometimes hesitate to bid or buy - because of the Auto-Pay feature - which some folks like & some folks do not like.  As sellers can opt-out of this program would it be benifical for a seller who has opted out to stipulate this in his listings or would this just invite non-payers.  And is this allowed by eBay??   Maybe something like "Auto-Pay not engaged"  Thank You All For Your Professional Opinions...(J.B. From N.J.)

[ittybitnot · Accepted solution]

@jbbowers12012 

I have seen some sellers make a statement saying such things as "Buyers welcomed, no pre-payment info required here, real combined shipping. no  auto-pay here,  etc." and have never heard of any recriminations from eBay.  Other sellers, once they find out that they have these set to yes/on, will turn them off once they realize what keeping them actually does.   Both groups have reported an increase in offers, and increase in bidding from buyers that are interested in buying more than one product, thus an increase in sales.  It may take a while, since buyers that perused your listings and left may not try you again thinking you still retain the settings that result in auto-pay, reduced payment options, and lack of combined shipping. 

A seller that wishes to encourage multiple sales will save money as well.  eBay will be billing the seller for ONE non-refundable 30 or 40 cent transaction fee for a combined order instead of ten separate non-refundable fees for items auto-paid separately.  

eBay wants that extra money.  They enacted this program next.  It is forced on everyone if they want it or not:

If, as a seller, you SEND offers, or accept a counter offer, these will all be "immediate payment required separately for each item".  Though buyers can choose the payment option of their choice, eBay has taken away the ability to combine items for one payment.  The products remain for sale until someone pays for them, and sellers cannot send a reminder,  invoice, or file the unpaid item cancellation strike  for counter offers accepted, that remain unpaid. 

You may wish to read this thread that mentions eBay's latest "good news for sellers" on this topic (at least through message #10 where the topic will digress somewhat).  

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/Combined-Shipping-glitch/m-p/34910062#M2518922

[jbbowers12012]

Thank You ittybitnot - VERY helpfull.  (J.B.)

[sheeneyman2]

Auto Pay is just another example of eBay's greed and impatience to get money in their pockets as fast as they can. Twice now I've been gouged on shipping because they raided my bank account before the seller could combine shipping and invoice accordingly. I've complained to eBay and they just volley the ball into the seller's court with an "it was their option" answer.  At the very least, they should post that the seller is signed on for Auto Pay as they do with does or does not accept returns, combines shipping, etc. And neither seller refunded the difference, claiming they didn't know how. I'm considering having my bank block it; they have no business going into my account without my authorization. I'm sure that if I do, eBay will strike me as a nonpaying bidder. It's time eBay stopped counting money and started being fair with buyers, who are the ones injecting that money into their company. 

[appalachianjane]

As a buyer, I do not like the autopay feature at all and it will definitely keep me from bidding in the future. I almost always use Paypal's pay in four option as I often buy higher dollar items. The autopay takes my money directly from my account without me having a choice of payment methods. I do NOT always use the same payment method. I will use a CC or a bank account for small ticket items, and pay in four for larger ticket items. My buying habits are definitely going to change and I will ask sellers if they have auto pay before I do business with them. 

[appalachianjane]

I wonder if auto pay, the way eBay uses it, won't spark a lawsuit down the road. Just saying. 

[rexall52pup]

When I bid on a auction and win ebay pays before I can get combined s/h from same seller with multable items won from same seller