eBay is stealing from me

[kirby1077]

Hello, I have been affected by the covid pandemic and I needed cash, so I sold my wedding ring for 2100, as I have no money for groceries or anything else. So I sell the ring and saw that if I updated shipping and put in the tracking number and the buyer leaves feedback I could get my money, well eBay is a dirty liar. I did this. I spent money I did not have on shipping the ring and adding a signature requirement to the package and guess what? I was still told that eBay was going to hold my funds for the full 21 days, which is complete **bleep**. eBay how would you like it if someone told you they were going to hold your paycheck for 21 days just to see if you were performing to standard? Well you wouldn’t because obviously you’re not performing to anyone’s standard right now. You misrepresented information and now my family is suffering. Upon contacting customer support I was told you absolutely just couldn’t release the money before 21 freaking days. I know this is a lie. I know it could be done, but in some way you’re profiting off of not releasing my funds. This is theft. There’s no ands, ifs or buts about it. This is an unfair policy. The buyer received and signed for the item 4 days ago now, so you’re lying by saying you’re protecting them. No you’re hurting me. I am not happy. 

[gwzcomps]

Not an uncommon issue for new or casual sellers unfortunately.

[pburn]

How is it "sealing" if you will get your payment--even if it's 21 days from now?

In the meantime, I just want to make sure you're aware that the buyer can file for a refund on eBay within 30 days of receipt of that ring.

And the buyer has 180 days to file for a refund if s/he paid for it with PayPal.

If the buyer used a credit card, s/he can also pursue a refund through the credit card issuer.

Yes--I'm sure waiting 21 days for your money is a burden. I get that. But what are you going to do if that same buyer wants that $2,100 back six months from now? How will you refund him/her?

eBay just isn't the venue for quick grab-it-and-run cash. Bad idea.

[kensgiftshop]

---

@kirby1077 wrote:

The buyer received and signed for the item 4 days ago now, so you’re lying by saying you’re protecting them. No you’re hurting me. I am not happy. 

---

You know the buyer can file an INAD and send you back a rock and you'll have to refund.

Ebay want's to make sure if there is a problem, the funds will be there to refund the buyer and they have 30 days to file for a refund.

If they paid with Pay Pal, they have 180 days to file for a refund.

Yes, if the item sold for more then $1000, the funds will be held for the full 21 days.

[pburn]

@pburn wrote:

How is it "sealing" if you will get your payment--even if it's 21 days from now?

---

Um, yeah. That should probably say "stealing." My keyboarding skills are really in a downward spiral.

[aldente28]

I'm sorry you found out about that policy the hard way. Hopefully you'll be OK until the 21 days is up and you get your money.

[fashunu4eeuh]

What made you believe that this venue was appropriate for the sale of your ring? Where did you find the information outlining the payment holds?

I sincerely wish you had come to this forum prior to placing your ring up for sale. 

[bigdeals.etc]

---

@pburn wrote:

How is it "sealing" if you will get your payment--even if it's 21 days from now?

In the meantime, I just want to make sure you're aware that the buyer can file for a refund on eBay within 30 days of receipt of that ring.

And the buyer has 180 days to file for a refund if s/he paid for it with PayPal.

If the buyer used a credit card, s/he can also pursue a refund through the credit card issuer.

Yes--I'm sure waiting 21 days for your money is a burden. I get that. But what are you going to do if that same buyer wants that $2,100 back six months from now? How will you refund him/her?

eBay just isn't the venue for quick grab-it-and-run cash. Bad idea.

---

Yup. Haaaaaard lesson to learn for many newbie sellers here. But unfortunately this lesson is the reality on eBay.

[pburn]

Well, to be fair, eBay sure does make it appear to be an easy way to make money, judging from some of the selling solicitations I get either through banners encouraging people to start selling to earn money for Christmas or through eBay messages offering whatever the latest promo might be. 

I really can see how people get sucked into it, I guess. SMH.

[coolections]

I know you are upset but selling a diamond ring for that much you think Ebay should not make sure the buyer didn't get ripped off ? Sorry but you have to wait it out. Borrow money for food from someone until you get paid.

[mam98031]

It is a very tough time for many families.  I'm very sorry to hear yours has come down to your need to sell your wedding ring.  Certainly a major impact to your emotions I am sure.  

I'm sure it is all the emotional stress that you are feeling which is why you are so mad at Ebay.  But they are doing what the rules state they will do.  As a new seller it is really important that you learn the basics of selling BEFORE you start selling so that you at least have a general idea of what is going to happen.

Here are some links to help you.  Take your time with them and please come back and ask any question you will most certainly have.  We are here to help you if we can.

FYI, After you have delivery confirmation and the signature on the delivery of the package.  You might try calling Ebay to see if you can get the money released.  IDK if they will, but the worst they can tell you is no.  But be VERY careful here.  If they do release the money and then you spend it, if that buyer does file a claim a few days later, you are going to have a real problem processing that claim and refunding the buyer if you have spent the money.  Just something to consider.

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/selling/selling?id=4081

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/get-started/seller-fees.html

https://pages.ebay.com/seller-center/service-and-payments/funds-availability.html

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/getting-paid/getting-paid-items-youve-sold/pending-payments?id=415...

https://www.ebay.com/help/listings/creating-managing-listings/creating-listing?id=4105

[femmefan1946]

I spent money I did not have on shipping the ring and adding a signature requirement

If you had used an eBay shipping label, the money would have come out of the Held funds.

Another reason why research comes first.

At least you did get paid, even if the money is being Held. You would be shocked at how many naive newbies think they will get paid after shipping.