I don’t understand why dropshipping from a wholesaler is within the rules on ebay.

[billiobob]

What is the difference between buying from a retailer which is prohibited on ebay and buying from a wholesaler?

I have reported a seller who claims the item they are selling is in Stockport England. That is about 15 miles from my home. So I bought it but then was told that the item would not be delivered for 14 days. It was marked as posted immediately so I couldn't cancel the order, which is unfair in itself.

Because I was suspicious I checked the tracking order provided which informed me that the item is "awaiting collection", which is in my opinion not "posted".

I reported this to ebay who agreed that it sounded like dropshipping which is they say against ebay rules and they would investigate.

However when I read the ebay rules on dropshipping I found it wasn't as simple as that. Buying from a wholesaler in permitted dropshipping activity but not buying from another retailer. How does ebay know? How does a buyer know?

[pixiesen2012]

'dropshipping' is when a seller has a contract with the supplier to provide the item purchased and this is alowed by ebay

what isn't allowed is advertising an item for sale and then buying it from the supplier after it sells on ebay

[billiobob]

If you read my question again you will see that I have read ebays rules on dropshipping. I am questioning what are the advantages or disadvantages of this practice for buyers.