Proof BPF is a Scam

[sewbeck]

In eBays own words

Free automatic coverage
Shop hassle-free with eBay Money Back Guarantee.

There's no extra fee, and it covers the purchase price and original shipping costs on eligible purchases.

Under Checkout Tab

Purchase protected by eBay Money Back Guarantee.

So what is the purpose of the BPF if not to scam more money from Private Buyers, as they were already protected.

[britanniabug_stamp_store]

In eBays own Money Back Guarantee policy wording the new BPF offers nothing extra to the buyer other than a fee when purchasing items from a private seller; I see no other explanation for it and boy I have read hundreds of responses and questions regarding this new and extortionate fee. It seems buyers feel the same when purchasing from a private seller, especially when they can get the same item from a business seller and not pay the BPF for a buyer its a no-brainer.

[plpmr]

a considerable time ago I said all it is a charge for something buyer's previously got for free.

also there's the problem regarding business sellers trading on a private account - while they defraud eBay of their fees, buyer's actually hand over unnecessary money in the way of BPF.

[vinylscot]

There is no doubt that the BPF is deeply unpopular, and its introduction has been handled exceptionally badly by eBay.

What they should have done, was to issue a statement along the lines of -

"Due to the increasing costs involved, it is no longer possible for eBay to provide the Money Back Guarantee free of charge across the board, since the abolition of private sellers' final value fees. Beginning on 4th February, eBay will be adding a buyer's protection fee of 75p plus 4% of the final selling price, to all private sellers' listings. This fee will be added at checkout, and is payable by the buyer. Business sellers' sales will not be affected, as the cost of the MBG is included in the final value fees which they pay."

It may still have been unpopular, but at least there would be a rationale for it. Whether or not you believe that rationale, would have been completely up to yourself, but I don't think it would have caused quite so much (totally predictable and justified) outrage.

[department28]

I agree. We all get that eBay want to make as much money as possible, and that the BPF is a clumsy way of getting some fees back from private sellers, to compensate for 'free to sell'.

eBay should just be more upfront about it, rather than trying to flannel us with all that 'enhancing our experience' nonsense.