No it is most definitely not normal!!
For any purchase here to qualify for eBay's money back guarantee it must be paid for through the resolution centre, and by a method that qualifies for protection. Bank transfer does NOT qualify.
Be very careful. Asking for payment by a method which disqualifies the buyer from the protection eBay provides is often a sign of someone who is planning to defraud you.
In some cases, for example when items are collected or for the sale of motor vehicles buyer and seller protection may not apply, or work in the same way. In this case, it's perfectly reasonable to sellers to ask for payment in cash on collection, after inspecting the item. But paying by bank transfer leaves you with no protection at all if the item isn't as described, or turns out not even to exist. It happens!
