Buyer protection fees killing sales for people selling their own property

[tabitha-miggins]

Time to say goodbye to eBay.

Guess what? They've added new 'Buyer Protection' fees for those buying from non-business sellers, such as myself. BUT, it seems that eBay is being less than transparent and only adds the fee once the item has been won without having advised the bidder beforehand and...guess what.

Yes, most winners are now asking me to cancel their wins, many accusing *me* of adding extra costs after the event. Not me, I'm afraid, but those money-grasping *bleep*s at eBay.

It appears to be an attempt to force fraudulent sellers that are really businesses to admit that they are not really private sellers. Fair enough, but what about the complete hassle we real private sellers are now going through? The extra work and the lost sales after the event?

Does anyone have any advice about the best platform to move to for a bona fide private seller selling his 60+ year collections?

[plum993]

There are many complaint being posted from sellers and buyers regarding the new ebay changes.

The ebay discussion boards are almost full of disgruntled members Discussion - UK eBay Community

Sadly we as mentors can't supply optional venues for selling,but there are some out there.

In the meantime, ebay may well take on board the loss of revenue,from sellers and buyers,and changes could be made.............lets hope so.

[papso22]

Your buyers are telling porkies. 

All auction bids include the buyer protection fee, as do all buy it now prices.

They will not be asked to pay more than they bid, or more than the amount on the listing.

Just because ebay breaks it down at checkout does not mean they pay more than they expected to.

For advice on  other platforms look at the many threads on the main seller discussion boards.

[tobiasd4]

If you upgrade to business seller, BP and payment hold will not apply.

[jckl1957]

This statement is incorrect:

'BUT, it seems that eBay is being less than transparent and only adds the fee once the item has been won without having advised the bidder beforehand and...guess what.'

Buyers can and do see the price including BPF before they bid or purchase.

So, looking at the first item I can see in your listings

15 Die-Cast Toy Cars - Dinky, Corgi, Morestone/Budgie - FREE UK POSTAGE

the price I see is £16.32.

If I bought these, that is the price I see and that is the price I would pay.

If your buyers are asking to cancel, they must have other reasons.

[plum993]

To add to the advice given,if you have buyers cancelling puchases, then best add them to your blocked bidder list here, because saying the price has changed after they have won the item is wrong https://www.ebay.co.uk/bmgt/BuyerBlock?