04-18-2022 07:53 AM
Hello everyone, a few days ago I got this message.
"We wanted to let you know that your account has been permanently restricted from selling because of activity we believe was putting the eBay community at risk. We understand this must be frustrating, and please know that our decision was not made lightly. Measures like this help keep our marketplace safe for everyone. Learn more about how and why accounts can be restricted.
Here’s what you should know
If you have any questions or concerns, or think we’ve made a mistake, please get in touch. We’re here to help. "
I called eBay 4 times and each time I was put on hold for 2 minutes then they hung up. Here is some background information, I have 98.3% positive feedback and always have had a top-rated seller status. In February/March I got hacked. It was reported to eBay the day it happened and it was all cleaned up extremely fast. This person put up 2 to 3 listings on my account, one of these sold before eBay took care of the issue. They refunded the buyer and deleted the listings. Over the phone, I was told that there would be no repercussions from these listings. But when I check my seller level it was below standard, This was caused by the listings getting removed on my account counted as "Cases closed without seller resolution". Of course, eBay removed them from my account, but they told me that I would need to wait until next month's evaluation of the seller level. Back to the present, for eBay to have shut down my selling doesn't make any sense and eBay is unwilling to disclose the reason why based on that I might take advantage of eBay through the loopholes that they disclose to me. I believe that I have been unjustly shut down for reasons that aren't being explained. Whom do I talk to and where do I contact? Thank you
04-18-2022 08:16 AM - edited 04-18-2022 08:18 AM
Looks like you were selling "mystery boxes" which are not allowed and grounds for suspension. Someone most likely reported it to ebay.
Read this and it will explain to you why your account was flagged. Sorry for your experience. Good luck with future career endeavors.
https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/chance-listings-policy
Mystery items or listings that offer an opportunity to win an item by chance or contest are not allowed on eBay. Listings for grab bags are only allowed if they follow our policy.
04-18-2022 08:29 AM
There's no one you can contact that will help.
04-18-2022 08:36 AM
Mystery boxes are the kiss of death. Dang...
04-18-2022 08:38 AM
@ckimodog wrote:Looks like you were selling "mystery boxes" which are not allowed and grounds for suspension.
I only see one "mystery box" in the OP's sold listings. Otherwise a good seller. When Ebay permanently restricts good sellers in this draconian fashion it hurts all sellers. I would have thought a warning about selling mystery boxes , with perhaps a 3-day suspension, would have sufficed.
04-18-2022 08:42 AM
Maybe it was for failing to keep your account safe from hacking?
04-18-2022 08:56 AM - edited 04-18-2022 09:00 AM
@pburn wrote:Maybe it was for failing to keep your account safe from hacking?
That was my suspicion as well...
When an account is reported as hacked the issue is sent to a special department called Trust and Safety and they do investigate thoroughly... They might look into IP addresses logging in, the strength of the password, and so on...
Because so many issues are reported as glitches and hackings...
It's kind of the new version of the dog ate my homework.
Here is another possibility:
@pokepulse000 wrote:In February/March I got hacked. It was reported to eBay the day it happened and it was all cleaned up extremely fast. This person put up 2 to 3 listings on my account, one of these sold before eBay took care of the issue. They refunded the buyer and deleted the listings. Over the phone, I was told that there would be no repercussions from these listings. But when I check my seller level it was below standard, This was caused by the listings getting removed on my account counted as "Cases closed without seller resolution".
Incompetent Customer Service personnel come to anyone's attention of late?
I mean, I think I might could've done as much myself in ways of deleting listings and cancelling transactions... The question here is, you have to wonder just what reason the CSR may have used?
Was it "Out of stock / damaged?"
If so, 3 or 4 of these in a row will blast your account right out of existence.
Ebay's algorithm has short patience for that.
The CSR either didn't know or didn't care?
04-18-2022 09:02 AM - edited 04-18-2022 09:05 AM
@m60driver wrote:
@ckimodog wrote:Looks like you were selling "mystery boxes" which are not allowed and grounds for suspension.
I only see one "mystery box" in the OP's sold listings. Otherwise a good seller. When Ebay permanently restricts good sellers in this draconian fashion it hurts all sellers. I would have thought a warning about selling mystery boxes , with perhaps a 3-day suspension, would have sufficed.
Not sure where you were looking, but the OP had dozens of "custom," "value," "vintage, "loot" or otherwise identified boxes listed. In fact, those "mystery" boxes were the vast majority of his/her listings.
The OP also received a couple of negatives for selling them. Of course, we don't know how many other customers were dissatisfied but did not leave feedback or how many filed return/refund request; nor do we know whether the OP had been warned or had previous listings removed or earlier temporary suspensions.
04-18-2022 09:05 AM
They will not tell you exactly why you are permanently suspended.
They will likely not reverse it. If your FB was at 98.3%, you have had other issues besides a hacking? What were your metrics like?
Did e-Bay determine you were not hacked or think you gave access to your account to someone?
Good luck in future endeavors.
04-18-2022 10:35 AM
Hi @pokepulse000 sorry to hear this happened, if you're on Facebook or Twitter those teams can take a deep dive and could possibly give more info. Thanks!
04-18-2022 10:48 AM
Seems there's no mystery as to the reason you've been restricted.
The grass IS greener on the outside.
04-18-2022 11:53 AM - edited 04-18-2022 11:55 AM
Has eBay changed the policies surrounding the listing and sale of so-called "mystery boxes" lately? Are those listings still subject to the Chance listings policy?
04-18-2022 12:11 PM
04-18-2022 12:15 PM
@m60driver wrote:
I only see one "mystery box" in the OP's sold listings...
Then you're not looking closely enough, I'm afraid.
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04-18-2022 12:17 PM
I remember back in 2003 when I first started my ebay endeavors that mystery boxes were quite the fad on ebay..never understood why..