"Private" account turning over £90k+ in 5 months | Business Seller Board

spruehub · 2026-03-21T21:47:08.879000Z

Let me preface this by saying I am a VAT registered business, with an eBay business account. I've conducted a lot of research into a seller in my category, and have found some alarming facts that eBay allow to continue. Both of these belong to the same individual, with the same name, return address (I've purchased from both the ascertain this) and make VAT claims through their VAT registered business (details can be found on the business account, as required by law). VAT situation will become more apparent later. Example of listings, same item, same photos: private account: £3,500 business account £4,250 A "private" account, selling 3 x £3,500 items, with a further 3 in stock, should surely set the eBay algorithm alarm bells ringing? I've downloaded the private accounts sales records via eBay - over £90k in sales since creation Oct 2025, and £75k in the last 3 months alone. Reporting to eBay has so far yielded nothing. Actual violations: - eBay policy ( in clear contradiction of 3 key rules) - Business sellers can't represent themselves as private individuals and are required to: - Full contact details for the business - A VAT number, if the business's online activities are subject to VAT - Consumer Rights Act 2015 & Consumer Contracts Regulations - Businesses are required to display business contact information - VAT / HMRC concerns - Businesses have to register for VAT if their VAT taxable turnover is more than £90,000 - No issue here right? Unless the seller is selling without VAT, and then claiming the purchase VAT back. Avenues if eBay continue to ignore reports? - HMRC - documented VAT evasion - Trading Standards - Evidence presented to their accountant (legal obligation to discuss tax evasion, and report via Suspicious Activity Report if person committing offence does not report themselves) - eBay report? Seems unlikely to impact, but maybe from more than one source? Sadly this is one example in what appears to be quite the pickle! Anyone with similar experiences / positive outcomes? A

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"Private" account turning over £90k+ in 5 months | Business Seller Board | eBay UK