eBay

ron802 · ‎12-30-2024

eBays new Local Pickup rules will get you suspended if you're not careful. eBay now requires the local buyer to provide a QR code or a 6 digit # at p/u to confirm the item was received. The problem is, many buyers aren't familiar with the rule, don't know where to find these codes or just plain forget them. We've had some swear up and down they never received the code and get VERY UPSET when we persist it's important. Try refusing to release their item if they don't have it! We usually end up protecting ourselves by having them sign a copy of the eBay payment invoice "as received". Easy Peezy right?

WRONG eBay has decided to punish the seller and not the buyer if this number isn't entered to complete the transaction. I've been a Top-Rated seller with a 100% transaction rating since 1998. Now in the last several months I've received so many transaction defects I'm about to drop to a Below Average seller. At this point they can suspend my account or START CHARGING HIGHER FINAL VALUE FEE'S.

I've tried getting these defects removed but eBay's foreign customer service agents, who can barely speak English, and are of little help. The last one could only reply in scripted English responses. And like many sellers, we find the Help pages and Automated Chat apps to be totally worthless. It's like they make it as difficult as possible to get in touch with someone who can actually help. Now we must decide whether to eliminate local sales, lose revenue, upset loyal customers or pay eBay even higher FV fees than they already charge. Or have our account suspended.

brightlightbookseller · ‎12-31-2024

They're not wrong. We've been using the QR code or 6 digit code for a few years. That said, it wasn't strictly required until this year, so you're half right. You can no longer the mark an item as picked up without it, which you could do before. Don't be so antagonistic, and maybe you'll learn something new.

ron802 · ‎12-31-2024

You're assuming we don't know the local buyers, and someone could forge their signature. Our local pickup sales are to buyers I've known for years. I can't remember the last time we sold a local item to someone we didn't know. So, forgery is not a big concern. And again, eBay has forgotten that many older buyers don't live on their computers and phones and understand QR codes and such.

I just had a buyer who purchased 27 separate postcards and other items this past month tell me he's done with eBay for local items. He's an older man who's responsible for most of the defects we've received this month because he says he doesn't have the codes. I asked for them several times and he's gotten to the point he's tired of the whole situation. So are we. Our area has a large number of online groups for buying and selling antiques and collectibles. It's free and a cash business. No QR codes or other nonsense. eBay is just costing themselves customers and revenue with unneeded rules.

pastimpressions · ‎12-31-2024

I am a little confused by some of the seemingly contradictory anecdotal evidence being provided on this topic. I have been following this topic for over a month now.

I was selling regularly years ago & have since recently returned.

Some of my items are local pick up due to weight, size and prohibitive shipping cost. I removed these listings because it was understood by me that absent a smartphone with the Ebay app, there was no way to fully ensure submission of 6-digit code/QR code.

Further, that in spite of Ebay's own topic related info on the matter, I signed invoice would not be an acceptable alternative as this apparently presents issues with release of funds, etc. The article Ebay presents on this topic is woefully inadequate and begs more questions than it answers IMHO.

I am all for a buyer controlled 6-digit code to ensure pick-up but cannot fathom why that tech could not be integrated to the website/laptop version before roll out? They have had 4 years to do so.

So, I humbly ask, can anyone on the community board definitively (from actual transactional experience) address the following:

A. Can a local pick be processed & completed properly without a smartphone?

B. Is there any means on the laptop/computer version of Ebay to submit that 6-digit code?

C. If, as Ebay states, a signed invoice is acceptable, why are sellers being penalized for using this method?

I would love to reinstate my local pick-up items, but they will remain in limbo until I can be sure.

I thank everyone in advance for their wisdom and experience on this topic.

brightlightbookseller · ‎12-31-2024

Yes, you can process it without a smartphone. You will enter the 6 digit code from the Awaiting Shipment page, by clicking Confirm Pickup from the dropdown and then typing it in. I just checked to confirm that process. I've done it more than a few times, but it's always good to be sure!

ron802 · ‎12-31-2024

It's under Seller Hub. Just click on the Performance tab and scroll down to the Seller Region. Your percentage will be shown. You can click on the > at the upper right corner to see a breakdown of the transactions and any defects.