eBay

kristinaa · ‎04-29-2023

Hi! Hoping to hear from sellers with recent experience as well as those who go way back. I've been on Ebay for 24 years now (!) and selling intermittently here and there. Right now, I need to list some stuff and get paid as quickly as possible. It seems like, back in the day, it was so easy, buyers paid through Paypal and the funds were just there immediately. NOW, not even remotely so easy. Ebay support told me that in order to get paid fastest, I need to purchase and use the "Ebay shipping labels" - and says that since I don't have a printer, the local Post Office or UPS or whomever I use to ship, can print the labels based on a QR code. I find it very doubtful that anyone at my local Post Office would oblige me in such a request, although I may be wrong. Are people shipping small items via UPS or FedEx ground? Isn't that slower than USPS? Now, we don't get paid until the item is shipped, OR until the buyer receives the item?

Just really want to make sure my brain is wrapped around all this before I list anything.

nobody*s_perfect · ‎04-29-2023

@kristinaa wrote: .... Ebay support told me that in order to get paid fastest, I need to purchase and use the "Ebay shipping labels" ....

That is not true. You can purchase postage anyplace, and the release of funds for new and returning sellers will usually be based on delivery confirmation.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold/payments-hold?id=4816

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold?id=4814

But the rep was correct regarding the QR code. Perhaps some local PO's aren't equipped to do this, but in general most will:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/shipping-items/labels-packaging-tips/buying-printing-shipping-labe...

kristinaa · ‎04-29-2023

Docs say "when a buyer confirms they’ve received their item" is when funds are released. This is different from USPS delivery confirmation?

Docs also say that "new or infrequent" sellers will be subject to a 14 day hold. I don't know how they define "infrequent". The ebay support rep says that if I call them, and there is delivery confirmation from an ebay label, they can manually release the funds...? Of course I trust what they say, not so much at this point.

heckofagame · ‎04-29-2023

Things have changed. Even Paypal now holds funds if you are not a regular user.

I recently started a second ID on eBay for sales and the funds are being held until the estimated delivery date plus one week, assuming the item gets there within the estimated time.

It's the thing they all do now.

caldreamer · ‎04-29-2023

All sellers are required to enroll in the new MANAGED PAYMENTS (money is deposited into your checking account 3-5 after sale is made). But if you only sell sporadically....there would be a 14 day hold on your funds.

To enroll in MANAGED PAYMENTS you must provide checking account (ROUTING# only) and social security# (for tax purposes). Name on your checking account, social security card and EBAY profile page must be EXACT MATCH (or your application may be denied). EBAY does NOT use PayPal for their money management anymore.

Post Office should be able to print label when you show them EBAY QR code on your cellphone. If you purchase labels using EBAY you get "discounted rate" for USPS, UPS or FedEx. Otherwise, you will have to pay "full retail" for shipping.

Good luck with your selling....

mybigsale · ‎04-29-2023

Hi! Hoping to hear from sellers with recent experience as well as those who go way back. I've been on Ebay for 24 years now (!) and selling intermittently here and there.

Welcome to the forums! I have been an eBay user for over 20 years as a buyer and seller.

Right now, I need to list some stuff and get paid as quickly as possible. It seems like, back in the day, it was so easy, buyers paid through Paypal and the funds were just there immediately. NOW, not even remotely so easy.

Setup your managed payments with eBay and get it working as soon as possible.

Ebay support told me that in order to get paid fastest, I need to purchase and use the "Ebay shipping labels" -

Nope. Not true. Ship however you want. I primarily use eBay shipping. I also use PirateShip for their cubic USPS pricing for small heavy packages (that eBay doesn't offer) and also for insurance for non-priority USPS packages. THE SECRET IS TO MAKE SURE YOU ENTER THE TRACKING NUMBER INTO THE ORDER. Other online services like PirateShip will do this for you. You need to manually do this if you ship from your local Post Office.

and says that since I don't have a printer, the local Post Office or UPS or whomever I use to ship, can print the labels based on a QR code.

This is true, but you should check with your local post office to confirm they offer this service. If you drop off your packages you can self-scan the package at the USPS Kiosk (if they have one) and avoid waiting in line or risking a missed scan. If the USPS misses a scan, you could get a defect for not shipping on time. I use and recommend a Rollo thermal label printer (or another thermal label printer).

I find it very doubtful that anyone at my local Post Office would oblige me in such a request, although I may be wrong. Are people shipping small items via UPS or FedEx ground? Isn't that slower than USPS?

I have been quite happy using USPS as a shipper.

Now, we don't get paid until the item is shipped, OR until the buyer receives the item?

Just really want to make sure my brain is wrapped around all this before I list anything.

Don't know how this works for others (I believe there are holds for newer/unused accounts). I have no holds on payments. There is still a 1-3 day wait for eBay to process the payment. You can still use unpaid funds to purchase postage (if you use eBay postage).

I have seen reports of sellers being fooled by buyers sending fake eBay messages saying to ship.

Just check your eBay orders page and ship when eBay says to ship.

Manage orders awaiting shipment — eBay Seller Hub

Welcome back! Despite many negative posts, I find 99%+ of my buyer's great people and have no issues with USPS shipping.

luckythewinner · ‎04-29-2023

I need to list some stuff and get paid as quickly as possible

'As quickly as possible for a new seller may be pretty slow. Manage your expectations.

Now, we don't get paid until the item is shipped, OR until the buyer receives the item?

You get paid when eBay decides to pay you. There is no single rule.

I find it very doubtful that anyone at my local Post Office would oblige me in such a request, although I may be wrong

https://www.usps.com/business/label-broker.htm

deltilogical · ‎04-29-2023

I was wondering what you want to sell but nothing has sold recently - expect to be treated as a new seller. They will hold your funds.

What they don't tell you is there are no casual sellers on ebay anymore. The tax people got their scolex into online trade and we are their slaves. This is not a yard sale.

12345jamesstamps · ‎04-29-2023

I have never used "ebay shipping labels". I used USPS for tracking and such.

I am connected to "instant payments" in which I can receive funds in about 48 hours after payment.

Unfortunately, you are considered new for selling something on eBay. Your funds will be on hold for 30+ days.

Plus you must enroll in "manage payments" which does take a little time also.

kristinaa · ‎04-29-2023

Thanks everyone for your responses!!! Such great information!

BTW I'm not a new seller, I have been selling intermittently since apparently 2003, they said. The last time I sold something was within the last year or so? Can't remember. I sold a stamp. Don't remember having any issues. Managed payments is all set up.

Now at this point I am thinking about selling a bunch of stuff, but see a lot of chatter online about how eBay is just getting more and more ridiculous.