Funds being held - If you have the same problem, please read

[demo-826672]

I have recently sold an item for $12,000, eBay vaguely explains that expensive items and I quote expensive items are subject to a longer hold. Period. But they do not define what that dollar value is. I sold the item obviously because I need the money I need to pay bills that are due. It’s very stressful times and I’m being told that even though the item was paid for on 8 September and delivered on 15 September that I still will not receive my money until 9 October. using the chat that is available in the help section I was able to ascertain that funds would be released seven days after delivery of item, but the agents in the chat once I finally got them there say 9 October and that there’s nothing they can do and then they repeatedly endbthe chat on me. This was clearly explained before the item was posted for sale I would not have used this platform and they would not profit $2000 from my sale. to be very fraudulent on eBay part by being vague where they know they should be very very informative. They should not be allowed to have secrecy in how they define a payment hold for users money. This basically allows them to hold our money for an entire month and all they have to say is it’s expensive. I highly doubt that they are holding back their fees. I am taking this to the next level legally unless I hear from an eBay rep that my money is being released, so I am posting this to see if possibly which I’m sure there are many other people with the same issue, very much seems like there would be a class action movement here. Please reach out with your information and story 

[monica-sells · Accepted solution]

Sorry for your situation, needing fast cash.

But, it is clearly defined prior to listing...it is not hidden, it is referred to on the listing page, it is very transparent.

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https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold/payments-hold?id=4816

We may place a transaction hold on funds depending on your seller status, changes to your account status, or other factors we use to help ensure a safe marketplace in all categories, regardless of whether the transaction is covered by our eBay Money Back Guarantee or not:

• New or infrequent sellers will experience transaction holds while learning best selling practices, becoming established, and building a strong selling history on eBay. New sellers typically receive their funds within 30 days, although sometimes it may be longer
• Previously restricted or suspended sellers will experience transaction holds for the 30 days after the restriction or suspension is lifted, while we confirm that the items have been successfully delivered
• High priced items may lead to transaction holds for up to 30 days to help us ensure that buyers don't have any issues with the order
• Unusual selling patterns may lead to transaction holds where funds are released 3 days after delivery confirmation or 30 days after the order is placed
• The authentication process may lead to transaction holds for up to 30 days until the authenticity of items sold with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee can be confirmed

[demo-826672]

OK what is your definition of a high-priced item then

[kensgiftshop]

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@demo-826672 wrote:

OK what is your definition of a high-priced item then

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On Ebay, anything over $1000, they'll hold the funds for 30 days.

[monica-sells]

I suspect it may be an arbitrary number based on your selling average once established. And since you have no selling average, your hold would fall under bullet point 1...New or infrequent sellers...

[demo-826672]

OK where is that in their terms and conditions when you are posting an item for sale or when establishing an account

[soh.maryl]

It does not depend on what "our" definition of a high priced item is.

It's what eBay defines as a high priced item and this could vary depending on the individual seller, how long that seller has been on eBay and/or that seller's previous selling pattern.  For instance, if a seller has been here perhaps several years and has sold mainly used car parts or sewing patterns or paperback books, and suddenly lists a piece of jewelry valued at several thousand dollars, eBay might see fit to hold the funds from that transaction.  However, if that seller has been around for some time and has only sold jewelry in that price range with no issues, there might be a very short "hold" or none at all.  

ETA:  It's almost never that an eBay rep will respond to posts here.  

[demo-826672]

if you have to suspect it being an arbitrary number, then it is not clearly defined anywhere. Therefore, they are operating under secrecy with my money. I don’t appreciate it.

under the new or infrequent sellers. It also says that it is typical they receive their money within 30 days more vague answers

[demo-826672]

I understand that you guys are trying to represent eBay and some sort of a good light, but does anybody not see the consistency in the responses. Nobody can provide any clarity there is no definitions and it’s all everybody’s guess. Maybe I’m just the only one that actually needs the money from the item they sold.

[slati_2013]

You are a new seller. You have sold one item. eBay does not trust you yet. Surely you can understand? What if the buyer has a change of heart? Says the item is not working? Not as described? Wants to return it? eBay does not want to be on the hook for refunding the buyer. Now if you were a regular seller selling items costing several thousand dollars, eBay would have given you your money sooner. 

In the early days of eBay, scammers would list very expensive items, get paid and disappear with the money. After that eBay changed its payment approach to protect buyers. Since you have not heard back from the buyer it seems everything has gone well and you will get your money on October 9th.

The item you sold looks like something that would be bought by a business, or even the government, which greatly reduces the chances of a scam but wow! You played with fire there. With such expensive items and a first time seller the odds are good that the seller gets scammed. Reminds me of a nature show I once watched where an orphan mouse stepping out for the first time walked straight to a snake coiled up and was inspecting it, the snake tried to eat it but the mouse reflex was faster than the snake and it got away. Won't do that again.  Looks like you will get away with this, but you played with fire and you should kiss the ground when the money hits your account in October. 

[lonebuck-books]

eBay is trying to protect themselves so they don't end up on the wrong end of a sale that goes bad.  They aren't scamming you or cheating you, they are holding the money until they are reasonably confident that the buyer is happy with their purchase.  30 days covers the eBay return policy time which is why they use that as the hold time.  In reality, depending on the credit card used the buyer can come back up to 180 days and file a chargeback and depending on the reason they say, can very well end up getting their money back AND keep the item.  

eBay is NOT the place to sell high dollar items as a new seller, especially if you need the money urgently to pay bills.  You could very well end up on the bad end of a chargeback where eBay comes after you for the whole $12K in a few months if the buyer decides to try and scam you.  Don't think it can't happen, it does and it isn't all that uncommon.  Just search the forums, you will see it happens with some regularity. 

[demo-826672]

I appreciate that response. 

I get they not attempting to scam me, but in a small way they are. I believe the platform should be extremely transparent with the seller on when they will receive their money and they shouldn’t get to determine it based on whatever they decide in the moment and that’s exactly what you will see and everybody sees with loosely defined t and c’s. 

in short, if eBay would’ve told me that guaranteed even though my account is one year old, even though I have only positive positive feedback that my funds would be held regardless of that 30 days I would not have posted the item on their platform for sale. eBay would not make $2000 in listing fees off of my item. so, even though you say, they aren’t trying to scam me, they are engaging in what toes the line of deceptive trade practices. 

[heckofagame]

As a new seller, if you exceeded your monthly sales limit, that will always trigger a hold. 

[bonanza125]

@demo-826672 

Monica posted in this thread clear terms to your complaint about why your funds are be held. We are your peers who are here to give you advice and answer questions. Your complaint has been solved. If you question the way Ebay does things I would recommend not selling here. When you click submit you agreed to terms Ebay states in its policy. You are a new user. Your funds will be held period. There is a reason why that the responses are consistent because the answer to your issue is very clear. 

[demo-826672]

Lol that’s a very funny response I appreciate the story at the end. 

all I’m trying to get at is, I wouldn’t have listed the item with eBay to begin with, had there been more transparency on their part. 

That would lead any reasonable party to believe that the lack of clarity is intended so that eBay obtains the listing.

and all the responses from long time users of the platform, I get it. I understand that they are trying to protect themselves, but no giant company should do that at the risk of their own credibility. I’ve for One will never use the platform for anything ever again. It’s a good thing. I’m in a different line of work lol