Age Verification

[stuttard63210]

Hi

The Age Verification on eBay is stupid, i mean i can't buy Cordless Hedge Trimmers because they are bladed and i need to verify my age. The age of my account alone should tell eBay i am old enough (2005). The funny thing is i bought some Petrol Hedge Trimmers about 18 Months ago. I was also allowed to buy a Metal Blade for my Strimmer/Weed Whacker which would be far more dangerous than Cordless Hedge Trimmers. I have also bought Scissors in the past. I can understand certain bladed items like Knives and Scissors been Age Related but come on. I have just been reminded i have bought Hedge Shears from eBay which could be very dangerous in the wrong hands. I need a Credit Card to verify my age and can't use any other method. This Age Verification Rule really needs to be looked at and is totally ridiculous in it's current form. Is there another way where i can get verified without having the need to get a Credit Card, oh a Credit Card will verify my age but a Debit Card Doesn't...Really ?.

[jckl1957]

Young people of 16 can have a debit card - generally, an 11 year old can get a debit card with parental consent so, the only age verification Ebay allow is the use of a credit card.

The law has changed recently which is why it previously was not an issue to buy bladed items.

You can get a credit card, buy elsewhere, or ask a family member with a credit card to pay on your behalf.

[stuttard63210]

Why should i have to apply for a Credit Card or ask someone else to pay for me. This rule is nutty. I am not going to run around a City Centre slaying the Public with a battery operated Hedge Trimmer. How can anyone defend a stupid rule. I don't want a Credit Card and i don't feel i should need to ask someone else to pay for my goods. Why are there not anymore ways to verify my age. I have purchased Vape Related things which needs Age Verification and was done without the need of a credit card so in reality i have already had my age verified. Don't try to defend stupidity.

[papso22]

No-one is defending stupidity and the rules are there for a reason.  Just because they don't suit you doesn't make them wrong.

[stuttard63210]

Well you tell me why something as harmless as Cordless Hedge Trimmers can need Age Restrictions. A Screwdriver or Hammer or Maybe a Saw can be deemed far more dangerous than Hedge Trimmers.I could name a lot of things that deserve Age Verification more  than what i want to buy  yet i can purchase them freely. I abide by the rules and laws and this one needs looking into as it was made by idiots obviously. If someone puts age restriction on Hedge Trimmers because it has blades then Age Restriction should be put on Knitting Needles because they are pointy and can hurt someone.It's total lunacy and anyone with half a brain should see that.

[*vyolla*]

It's not just an eBay directive, it's the law and eBay must comply.

[jckl1957]

Mentors can only advise on Ebay policy.

We may share your opinion but simply saying 'Oh dear, that is dreadful' etc. etc. is not useful to you.

If you want to buy bladed items on Ebay, you can only pay with a credit card.  However cross that makes you, it is a fact.

[red_magpie]

Well you tell me why something as harmless as Cordless Hedge Trimmers can need Age Restrictions.

No we won't and can't. Except that it's probably the easiest way for eBay to do it.

We don't make the rules, and it's not for us to explain them. We're just other members like yourself and our role is simply to try to help by answering questions about trading issues.

As regards age verification, eBay will only accept a credit card. End of story. Ranting here is pointless. If you want to ask why, or complain about it, please contact eBay customer support.  If everyone did this eBay might actually get the message and do something about it.

[stuttard63210]

It's all sorted, i went to Amazon and bought some and guess what, it's not against any law and i didn't need any Age Verification. In fact there several places that were willing to sell me Hedge Trimmers without me needing security access from the Government. With this rule you don't just have to think of the buyer, me in this case. You have to also think of the Sellers who because of a stupid rule lose out. Just for the Record i am 63 years old and have been a member of eBay since 2005 which is probably a lot longer than most of you on here so if i think some rule is ridiculous and wrong i think i am entitled to my opinion. Watch out for any News flashes "Man Goes On Killing Spree With Battery Operated Hedge Trimmers"