eBay

evry1nositswindy · ‎05-12-2018

I got a message from a bidder and noticed this at the bottom of the message. I took a picture of the screen on my phone, so excuse the way it looks. Is this something new or have I just not noticed this before? Look right above the blue reply box.

evry1nositswindy • seller since 2013
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castlemagicmemories · ‎05-12-2018

If you exchange contact info, Ebay can assume that you sold the item off ebay and charge you fees just as if you had sold it on ebay. This started last year.

That's a warning so you think twice about what you are doing.

couldabeenworse · ‎05-12-2018

Haven't seen it much recently, but ebay has charged final value fees if the item isn't sold or relisted. I suspect they might also try it on multiple item listings.

castlemagicmemories · ‎05-12-2018

It serves two purposes, actually. It can be seen as a deterrent to taking transactions off ebay, and it is a new revenue stream for Ebay.

So for them, Win/Win.

ymeagainlord · ‎05-12-2018

Isn't everything they monetize a win/win (for them)?

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Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. - L Tolstoy

"You are entitled to your own opinion, you are not however, entitled to your own facts."

castlemagicmemories · ‎05-12-2018

@ymeagainlord wrote:
Isn't everything they monetize a win/win (for them)?

Helps that bottom line!

ted_200 · ‎05-12-2018

I got a message from a bidder and noticed this at the bottom of the message. I took a picture of the screen on my phone, so excuse the way it looks. Is this something new or have I just not noticed this before? Look right above the blue reply box.

It is a concise version of a User Agreement Update. Maybe Fall 2017?

The Floggings Will Continue Until Morale Improves.

ted_200 · ‎05-12-2018

@castlemagicmemories wrote:
@ymeagainlord wrote:
Isn't everything they monetize a win/win (for them)?
Helps that bottom line!

I'm not so sure about all that... they're lagging most of ecommerce in GMV and revenue growth... they may think it's win/win, but threatening people and trying to "monetize" them could be a "lose/lose/lose" (less transactions on eBay/less revenue for eBay/bad result for sellers).

The Floggings Will Continue Until Morale Improves.

castlemagicmemories · ‎05-12-2018

You're talking cause and effect~the warnings and the fees could turn sellers to other venues, thus causing an overall fee loss.

couldabeenworse · ‎05-12-2018

They are referring to this section of the User Agreement:

If you are a seller, you are liable for transaction fees arising out of all sales made using some or all eBay Services, even if sales terms are finalized or payment is made outside of eBay. In particular, if you offer or reference your contact information or ask a buyer for their contact information in the context of buying or selling outside of eBay, you may be liable to pay a final value fee applicable to that item, even if the item doesn't sell, given your usage of eBay Services for the introduction to a buyer.

There were a number of sellers that claimed to experience this shortly after it was announced, but I haven't seen anyone post about it lately.

ted_200 · ‎05-12-2018

@castlemagicmemories wrote:
You're talking cause and effect~the warnings and the fees could turn sellers to other venues, thus causing an overall fee loss.

Correct. They claim they send warnings to buyers about this too, and if the buyer wasn't engaged in anything "funny" (not trying to take something off eBay, but just wanted to discuss the item further, wanted a PDF, wanted to talk on the phone...) they might decide they don't like eBay too and they might leave. It's not just sellers. Additionally, seller might get hostile with buyer over sending contact info. and getting them in trouble, and that might drive the buyer away from eBay too.

The Floggings Will Continue Until Morale Improves.

castlemagicmemories · ‎05-12-2018

@ted_200 wrote:
@castlemagicmemories wrote:
You're talking cause and effect~the warnings and the fees could turn sellers to other venues, thus causing an overall fee loss.
Correct. They claim they send warnings to buyers about this too, and if the buyer wasn't engaged in anything "funny" (not trying to take something off eBay, but just wanted to discuss the item further, wanted a PDF, wanted to talk on the phone...) they might decide they don't like eBay too and they might leave. It's not just sellers. Additionally, seller might get hostile with buyer over sending contact info. and getting them in trouble, and that might drive the buyer away from eBay too.

A wdie ranging ripple effect, then.

lovtaco0 · ‎05-12-2018

It's about time they added the warning to the message page so those who are not trying to take sales off eBay won't get caught up in the fees. They should have added the warning when they changed the policy last year.

janet9988 · ‎05-13-2018

@evry1nositswindy wrote:
I got a message from a bidder and noticed this at the bottom of the message. I took a picture of the screen on my phone, so excuse the way it looks. Is this something new or have I just not noticed this before? Look right above the blue reply box.

The sad part is buyers can just send the seller their contact info without being asked and get the seller in trouble. I am sure that the BUYER will not be paying the fees.

Lift your left leg at midnight to start off on the right foot. Happy new Year!

castlemagicmemories · ‎05-13-2018

I have seen buyers sanctioned after receiving the warning. Unable to communicate and/or buy for seven days. I believe the sanctions are structured to mirror the seller sanctions~first a warning, then a three day, then a 7 day, and so on.