eBay rules now prohibit private contracts

[TheMastersSon]

Found this eBay notice in our mailbox today, their updated user terms include the following:

 

"The key update to the eBay User Agreement is that we've made it clearer how we address violations of our policy on offers to buy or sell outside eBay. Sellers who violate this policy may be charged a final value fee for the applicable item, even if it doesn't sell."

 

I suppose it was inevitable in this era of unrestrained corporate bean counting, and given eBay's share of the online auction market, but the company is now going to charge sellers for forming their own private sale contracts. I'm looking forward to seeing how sellers respond to this. IMO it's no less stupid and greedy than any other site charging people for stuff that doesn't sell, or sells offsite and privately. Can you imagine Craigslist trying this nonsense? Me neither.

Edited September 20, 2017 by TheMastersSon

[fastbu]

I just remove the item from the listing and sell it directly to buyer/friend/relative/business entity/whatever. No hassle/fee from ebay. :thumbsup:

[TheMastersSon]

If I'm reading their terms correctly, eBay has the option of charging you for canceling auctions. They graciously allow one (1) exception per calendar year:

 

http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/end_early.html?rmvSB=true#fees

[soupdragon1234]

Listing items and then selling outside of eBay was never permitted its just that now they've decided to penalise you for it as well. Its also a great way to get scammed (send item, money not received/payment reversed later).

 

eBay is increasingly tightening down the screws on sellers thats nothing new either. Don't let your seller rating drop below 4.7 on any of the stars or its curtains for your seller account.