Incorrect requirement for VAT registration

[skytwang]

eBay are insisting I register for VAT. I am massively below the registration threshold for turnover and according to the HMRC webpages (which the eBay notification refers me to) I do not meet any of the registration criteria. I have discussed on the phone with eBay and was given - repeatedly- entirely incorrect information about VAT registration requirements and some imaginary thing called an 'exemption certificate'. I have been VAT registered in the past and this only applies to specific exempt transactions IF you are already VAT registered. They refused to accept that they were wrong or that according to HMRC there is no requirement for me to be registered. They have said that I must provide a statement in writing from HMRC to say that I do not need to register. I have asked for this from HMRC and, unsurprisingly, they have not replied. Do I have any other way to get eBay to drop this totally unnecessary requirement?

[pixiesen2012]

are you sure they are asking you to register for VAT?

or are they just asking you to upgrade to a business account on ebay

[skytwang]

Yes, they are asking me to provide a VAT registration number and to add this to my account. You cannot provide a VAT registration number unless you are VAT registered. During one call they claimed that I could ‘register to be VAT exempt’ and that ‘HMRC would give me a VAT number but that I would not need to pay VAT’. This is utter nonsense.