eBay forces everyone on to PayPal

[Howard Jones]

"Because you are a valued seller we'd like to let you know about some changes to eBay.com.au that are going to make our marketplace an even safer place for you to buy and sell.

These changes will be introduced in two stages:

From 21 May you must offer PayPal on all your listings as well as currently permitted payment methods.
From 17 June you will only be able to offer PayPal on your listings and pay on pick up (i.e. paid for when picking up the item).

Pay on pick up can only be offered in conjunction with PayPal. No other payment methods will be permitted."

[TimS]

I use Ebay alot and we list most things for pickup only (unless the postage is relatively inexpensive).
I hate using paypal for local things because of the charges, but certainly international transactions thru PayPal are alot more suitable.
Once again, the guys in the big houses are waving big sticks at all the little folk!!!

Mush mush people!! <cracking>

T..

[HA_DA_JA]

"Danger Will Robinson Danger"

[astrovic]

An article I read had eBay saying it was because other forms of payment are too unsafe. E.g with bank transfers, there's too much risk that you'd send the money to the wrong bank account.

It's nice to know that eBay are out there saving me from my own stupidity. About as believable as the Chinese "torch attendants".

[Howard Jones]

It has me considering whether or not to continue buying and selling on eBay. It would like donating to the Nazi party.

[HA_DA_JA]

I was charged US$120 for freight from USA to Australia for a shoe box size parcel I bought on ebay. I emailed the seller and told him it was outrageous. He said he would refund me the difference. I paid him US$100 freight for the item. WHen it arrived it only cost US$50 to send. I emailed him about paying the difference and got no response. I lodged a claim with Paypal and they took over 60 days to look into the matter. I had all the emails and receipts of everything. It was a shut and close case. After ringing paypal threes times (what a waste of time ringing them is - a complete joke) and numerous emails later they finally replied "We have concluded our investigation into your case. Unfortunately, at this
time we are unable to decide this claim in your favour. "
What protection is that. When this June comes along you can add my name to the list of ebayers who will be ceasing trading with them. Why cant google start something up? Any other alternatives than www.oztion.com.au?
Can forcing people to use Paypal be considered illegal in Australia?
Cheers
DAle

[chris p]

Can forcing people to use Paypal be considered illegal in Australia?

The technical term is third line forcing, and its prohibited in ss.47(6) & (7) of the Trade Practices Act 1974, but only if PayPal and eBay are separate entities. There is nothing wrong with setting up an internet auction site with its own exclusive, in-built payment system - the choice is then whether to use that auction site or some other.

Now for my standard disclaimer: This comment garble fwergle general purposes only warble dawdle fondle not legal advise to any person stubble bubble shrubble purple cannot be relied upon fiddle dribble no liability WHATSOFUKINEVER GOT THAT!

[Howard Jones]

I consider this decision on the part of eBay to be very odd... except for the fact that they own PayPal and will get a vastly increased revenue by doing this. Their stated reasons for the change are patent rubbish as PayPal cannot offer any increased protections above and beyond what eBay themselves could/do offer.

Dale, your experience just confirms my worst fears. PayPal is acting as a de facto bank but, so far as I am aware, their Australian operations are not covered by any of the regulations and consumer protections that control the activities of legitimate banks. Furthermore, as you have found, they are lazy, inefficient and don't appear to give a stuff.

As I look back over the last 12 months, I can see in retrospect a definitely softening-up process as my in-tray has been bombarded with offers stressing how I can protect myself with PayPal. Yeah, right. I didn't understand this at the time, but I sure do now.

I'm normally pretty sanguine about corporate machinations, but the Stalinist nature of this move leaves a very bad taste. This takes eBay from being an auction clearing house to something else altogether.

[HA_DA_JA]

This forced use of Paypal is only happening in Australia oddley enough.
Paypal is not a bank and therefore not under the same regulations as a bank. E.G. scrutiny/integrity of their employees. Anyone can work in Paypal and have access to your info according to www.paypalsucks.com
All scary stuff when you start to look into it.

[Ausrock]

I won't use Paypal regardless of how "attractive" an item is. I've always explained to US sellers that I can only pay by either Direct Deposit, International Bank Cheque or Western Union International Money Order, I then leave the choice up to the seller and have never had a problem.

Re postage costs from the US........I have always made a point of getting sellers to either get a quote from their PO or to give me an "agreed cost" prior to even bidding on an item. One thing I've noticed when browsing Ebay (not audio gear), is that UK sellers seem to have embraced Paypal more than other areas.

Chris

[Kris]

I have to say... I have over 100 ebay transactions, 90% of which were payed through PP, most from the USA and no trouble at all. Sorry to hear your story Dale.

One thing I have noticed though is that their foreign exchange rate is always 4 to 5 cents off my bank or www.xe.com.

And why does it take 7 days to get money from my PP account into my bank account? 'Cos they're playing the short term money market with it, that's why.

But, it's good for doing business sometimes, especially when dealing with peeps wanting to pay via credit card.

oh yeah btw... I have two accounts.... so I can get a cash advance off my credit card (if really needed) and still get the 55 days interest free and flyer miles!