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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

 

Hi,

 

I'm a US seller at eBay since Aug 2021. I started to actively list items in November and started selling items with no issue until I received a message from eBay on 12/13th that my account was restricted. They requested multiple documentation including my id, proof of address and invoice/receipt of items I've sold. I thought it was frustrating of the fact that they delisted all of my items but followed their rule since it was their process to avoid fraudulent activities. I've provided all documents right away and yet they sent another message to me with same exact request. I again, provided them with their requested documents. On 12/16th, I received another message from eBay stating I need to upload tracking numbers to all items sold. There were few items that I didn't so I uploaded all and responded back to them with proof. Then on 12/17th, they sent me another message stating all items must be delivered in order for them to continue processing the appeal. I waited a few days until all items were delivered, called and let them know that all items are now delivered. On 12/20th, they sent me another same message they sent initially on 12/13th requesting for copy of id, proof of address and receipt/invoice. I was frustrated of the fact that they're requesting for the same thing again which made me think that they're not really reviewing what I've sent. I called and complained multiple times came back with indefinite answer stating it is the internal department that reviews the documents and asked me to wait for 48 hours. Although it was already beyond my patience, I again uploaded their requested documents. On 12/21st and 12/29th they sent me another message asking for the SAME EXACT REQUEST once again! I called and complained about it again and they told me to wait because reviewing process can be delayed due to holiday season. On 1/2nd, this person from Trust and Safety team messaged me personally stating "Nothing to worry I will make a thorough investigation in your case details further. I've checked and I was able to verify that this case is being handled by our Trust and Safety Team.".  I waited another week and called three consecutive days for follow up. All I heard from them was to wait 48 hours each time I called. On 1/22, I receive a message from eBay stating "We have reviewed this account history.  We are committed to reducing both fraud and negative buying experiences on eBay. To maintain a safe marketplace, we sometimes restrict selling activity, end active items, or suspend accounts until an additional review can be completed. We have completed the additional review of your account and show that your account was originally restricted because it was in violation of eBay policy and your behavior posed a risk to the eBay community.

 

We understand that you may feel that the decision to restrict your account was unfair. We take your concerns very seriously. However, after reviewing your situation again, we have decided that your appeal will be denied, due to the nature of the violations. We have taken this action out of concern for the safety and integrity of the eBay Community. Due to eBay policy, we cannot provide you with more specific information.

 

We are sorry if you are unhappy with the decision not to reinstate your selling privileges. Although future emails from you will be read, we may not be able to respond."

 

Not really sure what to do at this point... I asked the reason for their decision, they said due to eBay's policy they cannot let me know the reason. I have not done any suspicious or fraudulent activities, provided to them with all requested documents. More than payment of $2,000 is held in my account due to the restriction. I even thought if I need to hire a lawyer to resolve this issue. Did anyone encountered any similar issue? Was it ever resolved? What happens to the payment held? So sorry for the long post but any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. 

Message 1 of 16
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15 REPLIES 15

HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

@kreat_83 

Oh boy, looks like you were drop shipping all that pioneer woman cookware and there was a very unhappy buyer left in the wake. That's probably why ebay was requesting receipts.

     Unfortunately thats about all your going to get out of them, it's their site and rules. They are deeming you a risk and you are finished.

    Your money will be released to Colorado unclaimed fund dept.

Message 2 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

@kreat_83 

 

If you're dropshipping from another retailer, which it looks like, that's not allowed on Ebay.

You'll get paid, but it might be awhile.

Have a great day.
Message 3 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

You are selling 400+ value items on fairly fresh seller account. Stock photos so dropshipping.

Already had an issue with return(s).

Since eBay left paypal they have been taking on fraudulent sellers more. New sellers that cause problems have a high chance of being removed.

Message 4 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

 

Thank you for your reply. One negative review from buyer was left after I was restricted. If this is the cause of the restriction, I had called, explained and appealed because buyer complained about the item stating the external box was damaged. I had explained to buyer that the external box could've been damaged during the delivery process and asked the buyer to return the item for refund but buyer never shipped the item back. I provided the return label to buyer, I tracked the status and item was never shipped back. eBay agreed that tracking status showed the item was not shipped and yet decided to refund the buyer with my credit held and told me that the negative review can only be reviewed after my account is reinstated. I feel like seller's voice is never heard and eBay only believes what buyer's words... 

Message 5 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

Before I started this business of dropshipping, I reviewed all the policies posted by eBay. The link below shows that eBay does allow product sourcing. 

 

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/drop-shipping?id=4176&st=1...

Message 6 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

 

I do understand the fact that eBay is cautious about seller's activities to avoid fraudulent activities but listening to one buyer out of all positive reviews from other customers seems to be very unfair. The buyer who left a negative feedback started messaging me with another account, violently cursed when I told buyer full refund will be provided once item is received. Buyer never returned the item... 

Message 7 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

Drop shipping usually has negative outcomes.   Good luck in your next career. 

Message 8 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold


@kreat_83 wrote:

Before I started this business of dropshipping, I reviewed all the policies posted by eBay. The link below shows that eBay does allow product sourcing. 

 

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/drop-shipping?id=4176&st=1...


Yes, eBay allows traditional dropshipping. But they do not allow retail arbitrage, which is where the seller lists an item and when it sells, then seller buys the item from another retailer and has the retailer mail the item to the eBay buyer.  It looks like that’s what you were doing. Is that correct? 

Message 9 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

 

From my understanding, I did exactly what ebay describes the dropshipping also known as product sourcing.

 

"Drop shipping, also known as product sourcing, is when you buy stock from a supplier and work with them to send items directly to your buyers without ever handling them yourself."

Message 10 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold


@kreat_83 wrote:

Before I started this business of dropshipping, I reviewed all the policies posted by eBay. The link below shows that eBay does allow product sourcing. 

 

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/setting-shipping-options/drop-shipping?id=4176&st=1...


Yes, they allow dropshipping if you have a contract with a wholesaler.

What you can't do, is sell it here, then buy it from another retail site and have them ship it to your buyer.

Have a great day.
Message 11 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

If you contract with a supplier for actual inventory before you list, that is permitted.  If you are simply waiting for a sale, then buying from your supplier, that is not.  If you are engaged in the former, you could have provided your written agreement with the supplier.

Message 12 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold


@kreat_83 wrote:

 

From my understanding, I did exactly what ebay describes the dropshipping also known as product sourcing.

 

"Drop shipping, also known as product sourcing, is when you buy stock from a supplier and work with them to send items directly to your buyers without ever handling them yourself."


There is no use defending your position about the wording in the policy. It states clearly that “product sourcing” from retailers (instead of wholesalers) is not allowed. I’m very sorry.

Message 13 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

If and when you're ever allowed back or if you sell on another site, do not dropship and use your own pictures. 

 

As a buyer, I NEVER buy from a seller who doesn't show the actual item I'll be receiving. I want to know she actually has it in hand and what it looks like.

 

If I want a dropshipper, there's nothing stopping me from going to Amazon or another site myself.

albertabrightalberta
Volunteer Community Mentor





I can explain it to you but I can’t understand it for you.
Message 14 of 16
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HELP! - eBay restriction and payments on hold

"

If you're dropshipping from another retailer, which it looks like, that's not allowed on Ebay.

You'll get paid, but it might be awhile."

 

The last three orders I have bought from HERE...have been dropshipped from Amazon.  When is that going to stop?

Message 15 of 16
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