MC011 and deliberate misinformation from support

[cameroschaffe_0]

So after listing a large quantity of products in early August, I was placed with this selling restriction. It was difficult as I was told directly by support that while they could not reinstate my account at the time, once my orders were delivered they would reinstate my account. Yet the day the orders are finally delivered Im given an email saying my restriction was now permanent. Well that's its own headache, my real concern now is my funds. I have a 100% positive feedback rate, and was told from day one my funds would be released to me in 30 days. 30 days pass and although my funds have moved from 'on hold' to 'available', I have no payouts scheduled so these funds are completely inaccessible. I've spoken to multiple agents, and have now been told it could be 60-72 days, 170 days or more, or just indefinite. Considering this is almost $10,000 and the way I've been lied to, I'm worried that my money has been stolen, and I'm now in a spot in which nothing is in text and I have no guarantee of getting my property. Is it worth even bothering dealing with eBay anymore or is this something that should be escalated to authorities? I can ensure that the documentation I've provided would clear away any suspicion of fraud and whatnot, and at this point am not getting any help from any route of support.

[lakefor94]

The money from your sales will likely end up with your state within a year and can be picked up there. 

New and infrequent sellers peddling expensive new items end up there quite a bit. Especially in the last year.

Good luck.

[kensgiftshop]

You'll get your money, but it'll be awhile.

They like to wait until all chances of a refund is past, which is at least 6 months, depending on how they paid.

They will probably send the funds to your states unclaimed property, then you can get it from them.

[robbie31415]

I'd be surprised if eBay didn't give you some ways to verify your legitimacy.

Ebay will hold for awhile because they don't want a closed account with no money leaving them with the bill if a chargeback happens.

But since you didn't resolve the problems the money will most likely be sent to the state for unclaimed property.

[rugerskick]

Get in touch with a good business attorney.  ASAP, while things are hot.

[downunder-61]

---

@rugerskick wrote:

Get in touch with a good business attorney.  ASAP, while things are hot.

---

I have to agree, seriously, how the hell does a new seller get to list/sell $10k worth of stuff when all we hear about other new sellers are limits/restrictions/until they prove themselves and so on and so forth.

All about the  $$ value and FVF's when it all boils down to it I guess, talk about having it both ways eBay.

elizabeth@ebay  I have tagged eBay employees before about this, can anyone explain this double standard regarding limits to new sellers? 

[slati_2013]

Can I ask a question? Why did you list those cards as new? I am guessing these are very old cards. From 1911? The reason why you might have or should have gone with "Used" is new expensive items immediately trigger a review of your account. Another thing is if you decide to sell any new products different from what you normally sell, you want to establish yourself with the cheaper ones first and introduce the expensive ones slowly. Unfortunately most new sellers do not realize this and immediately list dozens of expensive new items with dreams and visions of tens of thousands of dollars in quick money. It rarely pans out that way. 

[cameroschaffe_0]

Since they were freshly graded I suppose they were marked as new. I had listed/sold a decent amount of ungraded cards several months prior. At this point I feel like my stuff was stolen from me. Obviously bays terms of service are a mile long and seem to let them just keep my money indefinitely, but I can't wrap my mind around how that's legal. At this point I'd rather have my stuff back then wait half a year for a chance to collect my money, never mind the headaches I've gone through dealing with "customer support" literally hanging up on me.

[reallynicestamps]

Hanging up?
You were phoning them?

The phone reps are sub-contractors.

You want the actual employees who cover social media - like the facebook address above.

BTW, call centre clerks are allowed to hang up on rude or threatening callers.

[bamorris]

I always get the feeling we're not hearing the whole story as to these sudden and mysterious MC011 restrictions.

The best advice you'll get on these forums is to go to connect with actual employees through Facebook. As with any front line reps, you'll get a different answer every time you speak to a CSR.

[fashunu4eeuh]

What was eBay’s reason for the initial restriction? Usually there are warnings first, and temporary suspensions, etc. eBay rarely just jumps to restricting a seller’s selling privileges. There is usually a trail of problems beforehand.

How did you get in touch with the phone reps? Was it thru a Help & Contact link found on most eBay pages, or did you google a number to call?

The overseas call center contract reps have no authority to change anything, and are a waste of your time now, as the info they impart is unreliable (as you can see, as you were being constantly told one thing or another about your funds, none of which was correct.)

Can’t be sure but you may have been caught in the new INFORM law dragnet. E-commerce venues and retailers are now responsible for screening high dollar sellers to insure they are legit. New or infrequent sellers who suddenly list multiples of new pricey items seem to be a prime target.

[ckimodog]

@cameroschaffe_0 

Sorry for your situation.  Did eBay ask you to give receipts for all those expensive items you sold?  That's a lot of money for a new seller and it will always raise a red flag.  Lots of stolen items on this platform and eBay is starting to crack down hard as to where sellers retain these items by asking for receipts.  Feedback has nothing to do with it.  

Do as others have suggested and try the FB link.  They are US CS agents that work for eBay and have known to be very helpful with resolving seller issues.  Give it a try.

https://www.facebook.com/ebayForBusiness/

Good luck to you.

[downunder-61]

Agreed, but a pity they don't crack down BEFORE items are listed and sold.