I recently had my selling limits restricted with no clear way to appeal and no explanation of what metrics I need to meet to have them lifted. My defect rate is 2.7%, my late delivery rate is 1.5%, and I have 100% positive feedback—yet I’m still penalised.
One of the biggest issues is how sellers are unfairly hit with defects from buyers who file invalid return reasons, which eBay doesn’t verify. This means we’re punished even when the return isn’t our fault. On top of that, eBay’s new "Buyer Protection Fee" contributes to their revenue, taking another 30%, and they hold funds until delivery, making it harder for sellers to operate. I’ve even had a case where eBay admitted a "system error" prevented my funds from being released even after delivery, yet there was no resolution.
The irony? When you start a chat with an agent, they thank you for 14 years of loyalty—but where is eBay’s loyalty to its sellers? When I reached out for help, I got vague, scripted responses. When I asked for specific numbers on what I needed to improve, the advisor ended the chat rather than giving me an answer. Rude is an understatement.
Sellers are the backbone of eBay, yet we are treated like we’re disposable. If eBay wants to remain a viable marketplace, they need to provide realistic performance metrics, allow sellers to dispute unfair defects, and offer real support instead of empty rhetoric.
Is there someone more senior I can contact to formally address this? I know it’s unlikely to change anything, but I’d like to at least have my concerns documented. If anyone else has successfully appealed these restrictions, I’d appreciate any advice.
