Community Chat, February 10 @ 1:00 pm PT - General Topics

[brian@ebay]

Hi everyone! Thanks for joining us for the Weekly Chat with eBay Staff. We don't have a specific topic this week, so feel free to share any general buying or selling questions you may have.

The chat thread will remain open until 2 PM PT at which point we'll close it from additional responses. After that time, we'll continue to work on responding to any queries that might still be unanswered.

To post your question, click Reply in the lower right corner of this post, type your question, and hit submit between 1-2 PM Pacific Time. The format of our chat mirrors the format of our Community Discussion Boards, where each post will appear in the thread chronologically. The Community Team will review each question as it comes in, and will quote the original question in our reply. This quote and the reply will appear later in the thread, so just keep scrolling down to see our answers.

Missed the chat? Send your questions to the podcast by calling  888-723-4630 or email us at podcast@ebay.com and maybe your questions will make it on the air! Or listen to past episodes while you wait for next Wednesday!

[mam98031]

@go-bad-chicken 

It is when they PAY.  Sellers don't have to ship until the buyer pays.

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

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@mr_lincoln wrote:

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@comics-scifi-collectibles wrote:

I probably won't be too popular with fellow comic-book sellers with this suggestion but I'd love it if eBay would make it so that media mail labels can not be printed on ebay.  Ebay has blocked media mail labels from other categories.

Per the USPS comic books do not qualify for media mail.

Trying to compete against other sellers that break this rule is difficult sometimes.  

At least make the seller work for it and have to buy their label offsite if they wish to violate the postal code.  

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@comics-scifi-collectibles   I think the eBay Shipping Department Team should dust off their negotiating hats and visit USPS HQ and come up with a special "Printed  Material Shipping" rate specifically for eBay Sellers who sell things that do not qualify for the "Media Mail" classification ... then just make it a default setting in those categories that it applies to.

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I like this idea!!

[nuclearomen]

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brittanie@ebay wrote:

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@comics-scifi-collectibles wrote:

I probably won't be too popular with fellow comic-book sellers with this suggestion but I'd love it if eBay would make it so that media mail labels can not be printed on ebay.  Ebay has blocked media mail labels from other categories.

Per the USPS comic books do not qualify for media mail.

Trying to compete against other sellers that break this rule is difficult sometimes.  

At least make the seller work for it and have to buy their label offsite if they wish to violate the postal code.  

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@comics-scifi-collectibles I understand where you're coming from and appreciate the feedback on how these labels are being used. While I can't make any promises, but I can pass along this insight to the right team for review.

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brittanie@ebay  just to throw out something here - as seller who sells in music - record category - the option to ship Media Mail is NECCISARY - ebay taking the Media Mail option away would be CATASTROPHIC to media sellers - keep that in mind - if people abuse the media mail requirements by shipping items not allowed by media mail guidelines then the option to have Media Mail as a method for that sale should be removed - not the ability to ship Media Mail all together! 

_____
Edit: A reply to your post can be found here

[brian@ebay]

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@nuclearomen wrote:

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brian@ebay wrote:

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Thanks for sharing this info @nuclearomen, I'll be sure to pass it along to the right teams.

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just have what ever teams are needed fix this asap, it's annoying cause I of course need the receipts, but I ship a lot of media mail - as I mainly sell in music - vinyl record category - Thanks. 

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@nuclearomen I'll definitely do what I can on my end, but can't make any promises on when this will be resolved. 

[mam98031]

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tyler@ebay wrote:

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@go-bad-chicken wrote:

Hello

I have a question.

Am I wrong in my understanding that "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" are locked in once a buyer has completed their purchase?

On another account I recently noticed that the "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" for a sale that I recently made to a buyer in the state of Florida on 02-04-2012; had changed within the Order Details Page.

As of 02-05-2021 on the order details page, this order originally showed an "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" of Feb. 10, 2021 to Feb. 11, 2021.

When I checked the same order details page 66 hours later on 02-07-2021 the "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" HAD CHANGED TO Feb. 09, 2021. Thus reducing the estimated delivery time by 2 days.

I may have missed an update recently but it was my understanding that once a buyer had made their purchase that the "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" was locked in and would not change.

I ask because I am worried that for sellers who are in Managed Payments are now experiencing payment hold due to buyers filing INR- Item Not Received cases and this changing of "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" is in this example shortening the window by 2 days in which this buyer could possibly open an Item Not Received case.

Here are screen shots of Order Details Page for that particular transaction.

The 1st screen shot was taken on 02-05-2021 and the 2nd screen shot was taken on 02-07-2021.

1st Screen Shot
Screen Shot Taken On 02-05-2021 at 5:15 am cst
AT THAT TIME THE:
"Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer"
was Feb. 10, 2021 to Feb. 11, 2021

USPS Postage purchased on 02-04-2021 through
eBay Labels but the package was not checked in and
in possession of the USPS
until the afternoon of the following day on 02-05-2021

66 Hours Later on 02-07-2021
I just happened to notice that the "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" had been changed by 2 days.

2nd Screen Shot
Screen Shot Taken On 02-07-2021 at 11:13 pm cst
AT THAT TIME THE:
"Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer"
WAS CHANGED!
From: Feb. 10, 2021 to Feb. 11, 2021
To: Feb. 09, 2021

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Hi @go-bad-chicken - will you please provide the item number so I can have this reviewed in more detail? In my experience, from a buyer's perspective the order details screen is locked at the time of purchase - and this may be a cosmetic issue within Seller Hub's display to you. The item number will let me get more detail on this and report to the appropriate team. 

Thanks!

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tyler@ebay 

It shouldn't lock it at the time of purchase unless the payment came along with it.  If it is from purchase, OMG lots of sellers would be in deep trouble far more frequently.  But I don't think that is what you meant to say.

[valueaddedresource]

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tyler@ebay wrote:

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@go-bad-chicken wrote:

Hello

I have a question.

Am I wrong in my understanding that "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" are locked in once a buyer has completed their purchase?

On another account I recently noticed that the "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" for a sale that I recently made to a buyer in the state of Florida on 02-04-2012; had changed within the Order Details Page.

As of 02-05-2021 on the order details page, this order originally showed an "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" of Feb. 10, 2021 to Feb. 11, 2021.

When I checked the same order details page 66 hours later on 02-07-2021 the "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" HAD CHANGED TO Feb. 09, 2021. Thus reducing the estimated delivery time by 2 days.

I may have missed an update recently but it was my understanding that once a buyer had made their purchase that the "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" was locked in and would not change.

I ask because I am worried that for sellers who are in Managed Payments are now experiencing payment hold due to buyers filing INR- Item Not Received cases and this changing of "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" is in this example shortening the window by 2 days in which this buyer could possibly open an Item Not Received case.

Here are screen shots of Order Details Page for that particular transaction.

The 1st screen shot was taken on 02-05-2021 and the 2nd screen shot was taken on 02-07-2021.

1st Screen Shot
Screen Shot Taken On 02-05-2021 at 5:15 am cst
AT THAT TIME THE:
"Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer"
was Feb. 10, 2021 to Feb. 11, 2021

USPS Postage purchased on 02-04-2021 through
eBay Labels but the package was not checked in and
in possession of the USPS
until the afternoon of the following day on 02-05-2021

66 Hours Later on 02-07-2021
I just happened to notice that the "Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer" had been changed by 2 days.

2nd Screen Shot
Screen Shot Taken On 02-07-2021 at 11:13 pm cst
AT THAT TIME THE:
"Estimated Delivery Date Shown To The Buyer"
WAS CHANGED!
From: Feb. 10, 2021 to Feb. 11, 2021
To: Feb. 09, 2021

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Hi @go-bad-chicken - will you please provide the item number so I can have this reviewed in more detail? In my experience, from a buyer's perspective the order details screen is locked at the time of purchase - and this may be a cosmetic issue within Seller Hub's display to you. The item number will let me get more detail on this and report to the appropriate team. 

Thanks!

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tyler@ebay  @go-bad-chicken  - I've seen the question about estimated delivery dates changing like this come up before, I believe at least once in a weekly chat somewhere.

I'd have to go searching to try to find an example, but just wanted to chime in to say no you aren't crazy and yes it has come up before. 😊

[tyler@ebay]

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@postcardcountry wrote:

Tyler,

This was in Seller Hub / Orders / Paid and Shipped / click and order and go to Shipping.

I certainly left my feedback....in all CAPS.

Somebody at eBay really needs to get a handle on what is posted to the live site.....

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Thanks for the pathway @postcardcountry - that will help me identify the team. Glad you left feedback on this. Whenever you find yourself on this page I'd encourage you to share your insight. 😈

[gwzcomps]

brittanie@ebaywrote:

@gwzcompswrote:

I mean many of the options say they are closed despite being open hours. When I do request a call back for MP the window is ridiculous. The estimate vs when I get the call are well beyond the time frame given. I mean hell even after the 102 minute window ends up being 4+ hours I get the call outside of what is supposed to be your "operating hours". Then the fact that your CS teams regularly give incorrect advice at the expense of the users. I could keep going...

@gwzcompsThe managed payments team is one of the busiest and the options close if we cannot realistically service more callbacks than have already been requested. We are working on alleviating this pressure point, but it's a work in progress.

We expect our teammates to provide accurate information and coach them for success regularly. I will pass along your feedback to the appropriate team.

You are lying to yourself if you believe that. Even during the height of the pandemic last year I had no problems getting in contact with the other financial institutions I use. If you can't manage Managed Payments then maybe you should quit while your are ahead. It is quite clear eBay is incapable of upholding their part of the deal. Despite all the additional money eBay is bringing in fees it is clear they aren't reinvesting it in necessary infrastructure. I wonder if it is being used to pad the pig mask fund?

[brian@ebay]

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@valueaddedresource wrote:

brian@ebay  tyler@ebay 

Any updates on these outstanding issues with sales tax that was charged incorrectly?

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/eBay-Overcharged-Tax-on-Battery-Sales/m-p/31458236

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/FYI-Sellers-Check-Your-Recent-Sales-To-FLORIDA-eBay-Is-CHARGIN...

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/eBay-still-charges-sales-tax-on-the-full-price-of-clothing/m-p...

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@valueaddedresource we're still waiting for a response to this, unfortunately. 

[nuclearomen]

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@comics-scifi-collectibles wrote:

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@nuclearomen   A few places where you get the totals paid for shipping

1) For labels you purchase through eBay now that you are in MP

Payments> reports> statements   https://www.ebay.com/sh/fin/report/statement

2)  For all shipping you purchase can find the info on a transaction report now that you are in MP

Payments> reports> transactions 

https://www.ebay.com/sh/fin/report

#3 For any shipping prior to enrolling in managed payments, you can find the report on paypal.  Activity download report.   

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/PayPal-s-date-range-programmable-CSV-formatted-database/m-p/30...

These are all reports that should satisfy the IRS.  

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Again, every report I have downloaded, or created DOES NOT include purchases for shipping labels - all of them state $0.00 because I offer "free" shipping... been through this with EB CS and MP already. But thanks for the suggestion. Aside, a receipt at time of purchase is to me mail to you, that's all that is needed.  

[mam98031]

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@wooperwares wrote:

I have a buyer arguing the condition of the item received is not as described. Fair enough. I replied I'll work with them but the response following was I should refund them and let them toss the card out. Obviously they intend to keep it. Am I protected by eBay in this situation? Messages in eBay system from the buyer demanding I refund and let them keep it to "toss" out.

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The team may have a different take on this than I do as a seller.  I personally stand my ground on these kinds of things as I simply am not built to withstand thieves or bullies.  I simply can't tolerate them.  My response to a buyer like this is always a simple one.  

I state that I am sorry they are having issues with the item.  Please return for refund.  99.9% of the time the item never comes back and I don't hear from the buyer again.  On rare occasions they will write again trying to bully me into just refunded them.  I just rinse and repeat my original message.  Always staying polite and professional no matter what venom they spew at me.

@wooperwares 

[brittanie@ebay]

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@mr_lincoln wrote:

brian@ebay, brittanie@ebay 

Good afternoon eBay support team!

Please provide an update on exactly WHEN Sellers will be given access to the list of Members (Buyers and Sellers) who are Following them?  This should have been taken care of already so wondering what's going on with it????????

Mr. L

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@mr_lincoln - Good afternoon! 

While we passed long this feedback, there hasn't been any updates on this nor any commitment that there will be a change to how this feature works going forward.

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

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@wooperwares wrote:

I have a buyer arguing the condition of the item received is not as described. Fair enough. I replied I'll work with them but the response following was I should refund them and let them toss the card out. Obviously they intend to keep it. Am I protected by eBay in this situation? Messages in eBay system from the buyer demanding I refund and let them keep it to "toss" out.

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Those are the kind of buyers that I just approve the return label for and say "return for refund"  and rinse and repeat.  If you wait for ebay to step in then you'll get a defect and you won't get your sellers fees back, the buyer may be allowed to keep the item. 

This buyer sounds like they are "fishing" for a discount or free item.

[onnius]

This was 5:06AM this morning - and re-attempted at various points throughout the day for that matter - and agents already "unavailable" for rest of day.  Been trying to get help with an account / 30-day-hold on all payments issue for a week.

Is this the new normal?

_____

Edit: Reply to this post can be read here

[tyler@ebay]

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@treasureeverywhere wrote:

Tyler,

Thank you very much for updating and guiding me about this.

Wishing you the best,

Shirley

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Thanks @treasureeverywhere! I like your profile page that you have now. You could also consider a 'billboard' image too for your profile too!