eBay

spindlefrog · ‎02-11-2025

Today I wanted to buy some multi tool blades for my Makita power tool for a job I have to do.

Only to find that this is not allowed, unless I can prove my age by means of a Credit Card. NOT a debit card.

As I don't and never will use Credit cards, both the retailer and Ebay lose out on this transaction.

Accepted it's some EU or GB nanny state ruling, but if my bank are happy enough with my identification and banking criteria to issue me with a Debit Card then I cannot see how by any stretch of the imagination a credit card is, somehow, more secure.

Crazy situation. Especially as I CAN buy the complete tool With exactly the same blades included elsewhere on Ebay as a tool..... What's the difference?

I gather even knives in a cutlery set have the same rule. So if I want 6 more very blunt round ended butter knives, I can't buy them..... Madness.

Money now spent elsewhere.... Simple!!

Ebay... Sort it out. Support your Sellers.

tressygirl · ‎02-11-2025

Yep, you are not alone, it's a problem for many, but eBay holding fast credit card is the only form they accept to verify your age as 18 years plus.

Someone mentioned and it may be true, that other forms, e.g. driving licences, passports, birth certificates etc., would entail cost and time to verify genuine paperwork, whereas not with credit cards, these you do have to be 18 years or older, to own one.

Maybe one day eBay will change this? Looks like ..... not yet !

@spindlefrog

spindlefrog · ‎02-11-2025

Thanks Tressygirl.

Yes, let's hope for the best.
A crazy situation.

Sent from my Samsung Smartphone.

red_magpie · ‎02-11-2025

There are plenty of ways of verifying age, but most will involve eBay staff in checking documentaton.

That isn't necessary for a credit card, as you have to be over 18 to hold one. So that's all that eBay will accept.

It's eBay's site, eBay's rules.

spindlefrog · ‎02-11-2025

Ebay's site Ebay's rules accepted.

But as an example, there are countless oscillating tools and other tools
for sale on Ebay, right now, which ALL come with the exact same blades, and
for which no such ridiculous rule applies.

As I'm well over 70 and have had an Ebay account since 2002, I fail to see
any logic in it at all.

Never mind... Off to get my cucumber sandwiches now if I can cut the loaf
with a spoon and eat them with my blunt teeth.

Sent from my Samsung Smartphone.

red_magpie · ‎02-11-2025

I fail to see any logic in it at all.

Don't expect logic on eBay - but that said, I can see their point. eBay is committed to automation wherever possible. Most bladed items are fairly low value and most people today have a credit card anyway. They probably prefer to lose a few sales than pay staff to check other forms of verification.

Talking of logic, why are you so averse to having a credit card? Most don't charge if you pay in full each month, and for purchases over £100 you get statutory card purchase protection under the consumer credit act. This provides a free and valuable extra layer of protection that you don't get with a debit card.