Buyer Protection Fees UK 2025 + consumer rights

[tulipsorange12]

This appalling decision by eBay to charge buyers for sales from private sellers at a flat rate of 75p and 4% of the sale price means they are actually charging more than the fees that private sellers were paying -  a cynical greed driven motive.  They think people are stupid. Under UK consumer law is it legal to charge an insurance fee for buyer protection? And is it legal to charge that only for sales from private sellers. What do consumer watchdogs make of these plans. How do we complain to eBay? 

[plpmr]

is it legal?

No idea, but what is usually overlooked is the fact that what buyers are now paying for was previously free. 

[tulipsorange12]

That is not really what I am asking. UK consumer laws give people 'free' protection anyway for online purchases.  So, is eBay decision to charge for buyer protection from only private sellers in accordance with UK consumer rights? Whether you think it is reasonable to charge for buyer protection (which many disagree with) is a different issue.

[*devils.advocate*]

they are actually charging more than the fees that private sellers were paying

If I’ve got this wrong, someone, who is less confused as I am, please correct me.

Previously, a BIN item listed at £10 + £3.70 (small parcel) postage incurred fees of £2.11

The seller received £7.89

Now, if the seller lists the exact same item at £8.90, the buyer will still see an item price of £10 + £3.70 postage.

eBay will add 4% of the item price (£0.35) + 75p = £1.10 - since nothing will apply to the postage element

The buyer will see the same price as before.

The seller will now receive £8.90 - an extra £1 in their pocket?

I’m quite sure it’ll be legal - the only department which seems to do their research and to work properly is their legal department.

Whether or not it's morally right to do so is another matter.

And yes, I’m relatively sure in my own mind that they want rid of the low cost listings - not necessarily private sellers.

[tulipsorange12]

I only listed items when there was 70% off FVF promos every fortnight. So, I think the fees to sellers were less. 

[*devils.advocate*]

That's been a while ago - that was then but this is now.

Private Sellers still have no fees.

A savvy seller will adjust their prices accordingly.

Nobody likes any kind of change but Private Sellers will need to adapt to this new situation, if they want to continue - but that's obviously their own individual decision.

IMHO, this pales to insignificance when compared to the possible effects of "Simple Delivery".

[tressygirl]

Couldn't agree more @*devils.advocate*  !

Yep,  whilst this Buyer Protection will affect those who wish to reduce their items price,  to cover the extra cover of the cover of the existing MBG cover !

It also  impacts greatly for those with low value items it will increase the prices of those items to make, in some cases,  not saleable, the idea of Simple Delivery being imposed is that nail in the coffin for me and for many.

[tulipsorange12]

Yes, I know it was a while ago. This buyer protection fee policy is not sustainable for private sellers selling low value item hence the backlash.

[tulipsorange12]

Clearly eBay are happy to lose some private sellers as they feel they will recoup any losses through the buyer protection fee. But  it is an enormous (foolhardy) gamble with their reputation.  But wonder if there is any consumer law regarding this two tier buyer protection plan being introduced by eBay. What do consumer bodies say on this?

[*devils.advocate*]

This buyer protection fee policy is not sustainable for private sellers selling low value item

And as I said above, I’m relatively sure in my own mind that eBay does want rid of these low cost listings.

What do consumer bodies say on this?

You’ll need to ask them?

Doubt if anyone here will know the definitive answer.

[lucy_farmer]

'But wonder if there is any consumer law regarding this two tier buyer protection plan being introduced by eBay. What do consumer bodies say on this?'

I don't think it actually matters ; we have 'agreed' to do whatever ebay want, by 'agreeing' with their latest Terms and Conditions. 

(which one 'agrees' to simply by *using* ebay.... you don't even have to tick a box to say you've read 'em!...which'll be why I couldn't remember have ever ticked the box marked 'Yes, Please Kick Me' 😅)

[asleepingdragon]

The biggest rip off on eBay was when sellers all started buying online postage and no matter how small and light what you buy the postage is well over £3.  

[buffster1963]

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@asleepingdragon wrote:

The biggest rip off on eBay was when sellers all started buying online postage and no matter how small and light what you buy the postage is well over £3.  

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I think thats more to do with postage prices rather than buying it online. Unless its something small and flat that can go large letter then its going to be small parcel size and cost over £3. Its not the sellers fault. 

[phillsvinyl]

TCF is the correct term for insurance - under FCA regulations.

TCF = Treating customers fairly

FCA Finacial Conduct Authority

How can this be treating customers fairly? Also the wording that will need to be applied for charging a fee of 75p and 4% needs to be reworked. And has to be passed by the FCA.

If Ebay are coverned by them. Depending on which Name they use, as some of Ebays previous names are dormat companies.

Would be intertresting to see which governing body come under - think i will dig a little deeper.

[tulipsorange12]

Exactly. It needs to be scrutinized before being blindly accepted.  In effect it is a two tier buyer protection scheme operating on one site.  Is that allowed?! It seems very shaky.

[phillsvinyl]

I have also just read the following:

The law makes it illegal to advertise a low price for a product, only for that product to be subject to additional or mandatory fees later.

[crg_music]

I mean vinted works the same and if it was anything illegal it would be surprising that they hadn't already been done so I'd be surprised if it hadn't been checked over carefully, this is ebay after all not big terry down down the carboot.

Its not going to make much difference I dont think either way, you get them to change their minds and theyll just slap the seller fee back on like it was a couple of months back. 

The serious error ebay made imo was getting rid of the fee in the first place, I cant help but think that if they just turned around and said as of next month there will be no seller fees but the buyer will pay a fee instead it would have been far less of an issue, in making it free all be it for only a couple of months it now gives the illusion they are taking something away when in reality you cant take anything from nothing.

[tulipsorange12]

Thank you. Essentially eBay are charging people  a fee for buying from a private seller, and calling this buyer protection when there is already buyer protection for  all purchases made on eBay. So are they misleading eBay users about the buyer protection fee?  If so, what do consumer bodies / FCA make of this. It's early days but some investigation into this would be great.

[phillsvinyl]

Is Vinted a UK company or a American company?

This is the difference - certain laws forbid to advertise a low price for a product, only for that product to be subject to additional or mandatory fees later.

[crg_music]

They need to include the final price upfront, I do remember vinted getting into trouble for this. Someone was saying that the price seen by the buyer will include the fee and the price seen by the seller will exclude the fee.