Why did I get my account restricted? Crazy

[raiderfarmer]

To anyone that could help it would be deeply appreciated.  I sell baseball cards on eBay that I buy from either breaking online or from local cardshops.  I have in my possession all the cards I ship.  I use USPS first class with tracking on every single item I sell.  I'm a Top Rated Seller and have 100% delivery on time rate.  

I recently got an email stating that my account had been restricted. MC011 message that said as follows: To help us remove the restriction on your account, you’ll need to:
- Provide proof of delivery for all of the items you sold on eBay by uploading tracking. Track items you've sold. 
More specific details are provided below.

They took down 140+ listings that had bids and are holding my funds.  No one will a)want to bid on these again after having their bids cancelled and b) will trust buying anything from me now that they took everything down. Not to mention they are holding over 6 grand worth of money up.  

I called three different customer service reps that said I needed to prove that the items had been delivered.  I purchase all my labels through eBay!!  I mentioned that to the rep and she just kept reading me a script that basically said what I quoted above.  I sent 4 different messages/emails to the address they wanted me to respond to.  

I received a response that stated something different this time.  It says :

Please also allow us to explain what information we need:

 - Documentation that shows that you purchased the item(s) recently listed for sale on eBay. Documentation that will help us verify your items can include either manufacture invoices or receipts. Unfortunately, we will be unable to accept photos of the items to fulfill this requirement. (NOTE: This documentation must show your suppliers' information, items purchased, quantity purchased, price per unit and your payment information.)

So now I know they think I'm drop shipping and want me to provide all receipts and such.  This is impossible as most of these cards were won in a break at some point.  So now they have hurt my ability to sell cards as well as holding money that I received from selling these cards and paying their enormous fees.  

I sell and package all cards from my home and my personal collection.  I have no idea what drop shipping even means.  I'm certainly not engaged in it.  

If anyone has any ideas or help it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you all.

[mtgraves7984]

Well, this is no good. I can see how they might question your 'ownership' of the cards ("manufacturer's invoices or receipts"), because you've had some great sales in such a short period of time... and are probably considered 'new' again (even though you sold previously), but I don't see how that reflects a delivery issue, especially since you've provided tracking and the great feedback is rolling in.

[postcardcountry]

What I see.....the bulk of your "feedback" is not current. 

Your selling history is short, and you are selling some expensive items.

I don't think the problem is so much they think you are a drop shipper.

I think the problem is more they question if you are legitimate.....that's why they want to see invoices for your items. 

Don't know what to tell you to do.

[calntom]

I have been seeing quite a few of these similar posts recently.  I checked your solds as well. Perhaps has something to do with the amount of sales in a short period of time as we have seen with at least a couple of other sellers.  

Others may be along to add some insight. 

[aprilmoviebuf2000]

I'm wondering if this could be because of the signature confirmation requirement.  You have a few recent high dollar sales, and eBay requires signature confirmation on orders totals of $750.00 or more.  (the total includes taxes and shipping).  

Now, I don't know if this is actually a requirement technically, or just a strong recommendation to protect both seller and buyer.  But it could have something to do with your restriction.  Did you ship with signature required on those high dollar sales?  

[coolections]

With the prices you are getting for those cards I am sure you must have receipts of all that stuff. Just show Ebay some of those $3K boxes you bought to find those cards.

[anjofak]

I had just noticed a few days ago that on the website not app that most of the month of February was missing in the (shipping labels)..

Perhaps there is some corruption in the system that is triggering the automation?  

[dbfolks166mt]

     I have seen several of these type of postings lately a couple from veteran sellers who have been selling for quite some time. I am not sure how some sellers would provide that information especially those that are selling off things they have had for sometime. I am not sure what type of algorithm eBay has setup that is picking out individual sellers but they are hurting themselves with regards to revenue. The first message was pure bologna since eBay already has access to that information but is to lazy to check it. Just like when there is an INR eBay requires you to upload the tracking information showing delivery. NUTS!!!

     I am not sure how large of an amount they are holding and how long they have been holding it but if it is significant you may be well served contacting a lawyer to obtain your funds. They can hold it for awhile but they cannot steal it. 

     I am not sure if you have checked out other sites for selling your cards but there are several that specialize in that market and have a buyer population that is focused in that area as well. 

[computeraidllc]

I am wondering with your graded cards, did you send them in to be graded? If you did, you should have some paperwork with a receipt from the grading service. This may help you out.

[collectfest]

I see no good reason that you cannot sell. Hold funds is a different story but you're not reporting that as an issue. I can see why they would hold funds due to high dollar sales.

I want to know how they are handling sellers that eBay allows to take consignments and sell for others. For sure they do not provide receipts.

Furthermore, it is NOT ILLEGAL to sell an item without proof of purchase. You may have a higher tax burden, example income tax. I have car dealership key chains that are giveaways. Baseball cards given as Christmas gifts. 

Let us know how things turn out.

[raiderfarmer]

Yes I did.  I normally do it over 500.

[raiderfarmer]

Thanks for all of your input.  I appreciate it.  This is so frustrating.  Its mind blowing to know I pay these people for them to turn around and do this to me.

I have been collecting for a while.  I buy into breaks and buy some at card shops.  Would be completely impossible to remember what card came from what break or what box over a decade.  The cards I'm selling are more recent obviously but still a monumental task to find that kind of specific information about baseball cards.

I just think its nuts that you can sit here and sell one day and be made to feel like some kind of criminal the next, all the while paying 13% fees.  I'm all for cracking down on what needs to be done on their behalf, but this kind of deal is nuts.  Can't get ahold of anyone that doesn't read a script answer back to me.  

I'm sending everything I can find on buying into breaks and such through PayPal to them.  If that's not enough I don't know what I could possibly produce that would be. 

Thanks again all.

[mtgraves7984]

"Can't get ahold of anyone that doesn't read a script answer back to me."

@raiderfarmer 

I'd like to address this part of your post. (It sounds like you have a handle on the rest.) To prevent scripted answers, and to reach qualified  C/S... start with a message on the eBay facebook page. You'll set up quick, intelligible, two-way email conversation (no flow charts, no scripts) with Reps who actually have the ability and the resources to offer service.

When messaging, stick to the facts and separate emotion. (You sound humble, too... that helps.) I can't think of a better way for you to spend your evening. Godspeed.

[raiderfarmer]

I will certainly give it a shot. Thank you. 

[714ricki]

Just my guess, ebay is probably concerned about your sudden selling activity at those high values. You can upload up to 10 files proving that the items you're selling are truly in your possession & that you're not a drop shipper. Find some receipts, some announcement that you won those cards, or something similar that the cards were sent to you. Plus, all your shipments need to show proof of delivery in the ebay system & make sure you have uploaded the tracking number for each transaction. Respond to everything that they ask from you!

From new to experienced seller, this has been happening quite a bit lately. 

Good luck!