Simple Delivery forced on a revision to a lot that complied with the size/value exceptions

[robinson_flyer]

Have had a particular listing up for several years which has escaped Simple Delivery to date because of the low value/size which falls within ebay's exceptions published earlier in the year.   I updated it the other day - just changed the number of items available as I have done so many times before - and the wretched Simple Delivery is now on it, and I can't seem to get rid of it now it is there.  I am sure I have done the same thing in previous months since ebay forced it on us, and don't recall having to correct the postage before. 

As a test, I have started to create a new listing and it does seem that Custom Postage pops up on lots £10.00 and below AND where large letter is selected (anything £10.01+ OR go for a larger package and it disappears). 

So unless anyone has a trick up their sleeve, it looks like I am going to have to end the listing and loose the sales tally on it, which I'm loathed to do, and re-list from scratch. 

[jckl1957]

Business sellers don't have to use Simple Delivery.

I really don't think a private seller would have over 2000 paste syringe kits.

Upgrade your account and solve your postage issue.

[robinson_flyer]

Thanks for your  post. If you have a look at the listing,  you will see that it is an ebay charity scheme one, and structured in a way that no profit can ever be made. All I deduct is materials - I dont even cover my time - and I keep detailed records of the material cost because my sales are above the 30/pa that might trigger a look by HMRC  as they try and eliminate side-hustling through ebay data sharing.  My sales are around 300/pa (the same listing has been up a long time which is why you might be confused). 

A "business" has a particular meaning and definition under UK law, but whichever source you read, it is usually very clear on one point or test  - that you are doing whatever you do to obtain renumeration/income.  I am not, and that means I am not a business, and therefore I am not obliged to register as one with ebay.  Doing so would potentially mislead buyers into thinking they had additional rights that they do not (distance selling for example). 

Hope that clarifies. 

[robinson_flyer · Accepted solution]

So, the answer to my own question is it IS possible to sort this out without a re-list, BUT it has exposed something highly suspicious in the way ebay have implemented their opt-out, and I have put up a fresh posting on this so it gets the necessary visibility, as it seems likely many people will hit the same issue.   

https://community.ebay.co.uk/t5/Seller-Central/ebay-playing-silly-games-with-categories-to-stop-Cust...

So in my case, I have had to temporarily change the sales category to the black hole that is Everything Else > Other whilst I work out what other categories actually allow the opt out. 

[edwardian-dreams]

Home furniture & diy / diy materials/other diy materials works

@robinson_flyer 

[jckl1957]

If i was unclear, I apologise.

I was suggesting you need a business account to sell on Ebay.

You say in your listing:

I buy in bulk and put these little kits together myself from brand new high quality (mainly Becton Dickinson manufacture) sealed/sterile components supplied by a medical wholesaler. Several thousand kits have now been sold since 2011.

Ebay say:

Do I need a business account?

If you plan to sell casually, such as selling items you no longer want, a private account is the best option. 

If you want to sell large quantities, if you have items that you've made or bought to resell or if you already have a business outside of eBay, you’ll need to register a business account.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sellercentre/selling/start-selling/create-ebay-business-account

[robinson_flyer]

I think you need to look at the intent of the rule rather than the wording, as wording in rules and contracts always throws up situations that don't fit.  I suspect that is why ebay have said "you'll need" rather than "you must". 

ebay's intent is crystal clear.  They want to ensure that genuine businesses register as such and I have no issue with that.  Their definition is a bit clumsy and doesn't bear any relationship to anyone elses (or to UK law) so it's wide open to challenge - but that's their problem. 

I've been selling the same item for 14 years and during that time, I've had several interactions with ebay C/S over the specific listing (as recently as yesterday in connection with this issue as they wanted to actually see the listing) and not once have ebay asked me to register as a business.  I doubt they ever will because it would just be silly. 

[robinson_flyer]

I must have missed that one, and it's certainly a better category than the black hole that is Everything Else > Other 😀

Much appreciated.