OK, so this is what I've learned over the past few days:
Positive feedback on a sale (i.e. confirmed delivery from the buyer) doesn't really matter. Ebay is not looking for that; I assume because their systems are automated and are hard coded to authorise payout on:
a) A courier\carrier confirmed delivery scan.
b) 14 days after sale, assuming no dispute.
Though you might be able to persuade the platform to release money on a transaction by transaction basis, if you are able to negotiate through its customer service processes (I couldn't).
Secondly, I have got paid on a few deliveries where there has not been a scan on the point of delivery. Unfortunately, this means 14 days after sale. In essence that is going to be the price of using the platform. It's now no longer a fee hit, more a cashflow fit.
Thirdly, given the above it is unlikely matters are going to get much better. The fewer scans that are actually completed, the greater the cash balance residing with Ebay. It does look like sellers will get paid, but the average wait time may well edge further towards 14 days. That's life.
Fourthly, 'Simple Delivery' may be something that you can arrange in front of your PC, but it doesn't actually mean much for low value items. I can sell an item for a fiver, get it scanned at the drop-off point (for posting proof), but it doesn't actually help as far as the confirmed delivery process is concerned. It's still a bit random.
I've put my items back on for sale. However, given the challenges of actually tracking whats sold and when it's due to pay I reckon I'll have to take them off the shelf for a few days from time to time just to work out where I am.
I'm going to drop the subject for now and see if I can live with delayed cash flow. I kind of knew there would be some catch to 'free selling'. One way or another all the selling platforms have to make money. It's just a case of working out how to do it.
