Just received the email about the new buyer protection and while this is a very predictable change since free listing was introduced, and I don't really have a problem with 99% of it from a selling perspective (buying side it's a bit annoying), I think eBay need to rethink the payment hold element.
Getting a speedy payout is going to rely completely on the tracking system on here working flawlessly and whoever the delivery agent is doing their job at the delivery point.
That's not going to happen 100% of the time so the seller will have paid for the postage but might have to wait 14 days for those funds to be available for a payout.
This may only be a few pounds for 1st, 2nd and 24/48 hour tracked UK delivery, but it can run in to the 10s of pounds for standard international, more for a tracked service and more for things like Special Delivery in the UK.
I'm pretty much just thinking about people who are selling something because they need money quickly for whatever reason, they might not have the available funds to pay for postage when an item sells. I don't see a buyer being happy if they are told "I won't be able to send this out until next week as I don't currently have the money to pay for postage".
Maybe one of the mods on here can pass on these suggestions? (I'm going to try myself too)
If there is a postage charge on the listing, make this available for payout within 24 hours like the system works now, holding the sale price as per the new changes state.
If a buyer leaves feedback on an item which is sent untracked, or tracked but hasn't updated as delivered, then that is considered delivered and funds should be available.
Send the buyer a message on the last day of the delivery estimate to ask if they have received the item, if again it is sent untracked or the tracked system hasn't updated.
