Next steps after an MC011 Ban?

[a.sc_30]

I'm really hoping someone here has gone through something similar or has some wisdom to offer.  Here's our situation. 

I work for a brick and mortar "general store" business.  But, much of the business is online selling hardware, automotive tools, & automotive parts.  We run a successful Amazon account and added eBay about a month ago.  In that time I've made the following mistakes one or more of which may have prompted the MC011 inquiry to begin with.

1. One buyer cancelled, we refunded him

2. One buyer was sent the wrong part, we sent him the right one (no extra charge of course, it was our mistake)

3. We made ~$3,000 in sales.  This isn't really a mistake, but I understand this might qualify as fast growth on a new account.

4. The title of two listings did not have the wording "for" or "compatible with" the vehicle the part was compatible with.  Basically, the title was something like "muffler, Nissan Altima...." instead of "muffler, fits Nissan Altima".

eBay took these two listings down, I corrected them.  The listing itself did make it abundantly clear that this was not an "OEM" part.  No customers purchased these items.

Aside from the four items above, we haven't had any major mishaps.  No returns, no complaints, no negative feedback.

We received the MCO11 notice on 11/30.  We supplied all requested documents to eBay by 12/05.  This morning we received notice of a permanent ban.  I've been on and off the phone with eBay several times. I've reached out via social media.  The message is vague but consistent.  The decision is final, and there is no appeal.  

If we were intentionally doing anything in the gray area of the TOS I would take my lumps and move on.  But, I really feel this is a mistake.  Has anyone successfully navigated back to having selling privileges after a ban?  What did you do and how did you get in touch with someone capable of making this decision?

Seller Metrics

[ckimodog]

@a.sc_30 

Sorry for your situation.  You just signed on to Ebay in October of this year.  In about 6 weeks time you sold multiple items of the same for rather expensive prices to the total of $3500.  New sellers are under Ebay's radar and all those similar sales of the same thing set off the red flags.  Please note that I am not accusing you of anything other than being a new seller.  The law is cracking down hard on Ebay to enforce sellers to provide receipts and proof as to where they obtained their merchandise they are selling.  This is due to all the fraud and stolen items that are being sold on Ebay and it's getting worse.  Brick and mortar stores are being robbed with out any accountability, train and port robberies, especially on the coasts.  Ebay just wants their buyers to have a positive buying experience.  Did you provide the receipts for all those parts?  Unfortunately, there are a lot of vendors who aren't very honest and perhaps you purchased your inventory from one of them.  You also need to be clear of the items condition, meaning OEM or compatible.  Big difference.  

I can only wish you well with future career opportunities.

Good luck. 

[a.sc_30]

Hey @ckimodog I provided six receipts from the part manufacturer, a credit card bill addressed to the stakeholder at the place of business, and front/back driver's license photos for everyone on the account. 

One place where I possibly erred is that I didn't fully realize the gravity of an MC011 letter until we received the permanent ban email.  I assumed the verification check was a normal step for a new account.  If I'd known that eBay suspected we were doing something wrong I would have submitted invoices for every item sold. 

These are OES parts, not OEM, but we were very clear about that.  We listed the brand, part numbers, and compatibility in the listings.   Maybe listing the interchange part numbers was our mistake?

[ckimodog]

@a.sc_30 

Yes, that may have triggered it.  Like I also stated earlier, selling multiples raise red flags as well.  I understand your frustration because it reads you were all A's across the board, so in my opinion the restriction should have been lifted.  My husband and I used to purchase pallets of unclaimed freight, damaged items and overstock returns from the auctions here in town. We had many in multiples as well and sold with no problems.  Indeed it looks to be that this is just a sign of the times.  Internet theft and fraud have never been worse then it is right now.  I've been selling since '99 and seen a lot of change that's not for the better.  

You do realize you can sell these on other platforms, probably with much less hassle.  Google it and see what you can come up with...I'm sure there are plenty out there that would love to have your merchandise on their site.  I just think Ebay has been forced to enforce any suspicious activity, no matter what it is to protect their buyers and ebay as a whole.

Again, sorry for your situation.  Your funds will be released in about 6 months to your states unclaimed funds dept.  You can claim it then and make sure you have current and proper ID.

I wish you well and Happy Holidays.