Blog - EBay Abuse Of Power

This is a quick blog to simply highlight the strangest course of events I have ever come across in 20 years.

In effect a client asked me to extend their e-commerce operation to Ebay. Simple enough? An account was signed up on 10 June 2023. A test item was added the same day. The following day, after the first item went live, several other items were prepared to be added, however, on the second new item the account was put on hold with a warning that the account would be permanently suspended if we did not contact Ebay within seven days. We contacted Ebay on 13 June and after a lot of tooing and froing were informed that it was a simple task of uploading some ID, which we did. However, after seven hours we received the following, essentially permanently banning us and any associated account from using Ebay, with no appeal. I am posting this general reference. Clearly with is wrong and I will be writing to my MP about it. Unfortunately my MP is a bankrupt heading out of the door, Adam Afriyie, who has refused to deal with my concerns about abuse of power by big tech as demonstrated here for many years

Hello Sir,

Thank you for contacting eBay regarding the restriction on your account.

Sir, we don't make decisions like this lightly, so we have spent some time reviewing your case. After careful deliberation and investigation, we regret to inform you that we can’t grant your appeal and our decision on this is final and your account will remain suspended permanently.

Building a trusted marketplace is our first priority. As such, we suspend any account that poses a risk to that trust. Your account has been suspended because the pattern of activities we have witnessed present a risk to our eBay community.

You will not be able to participate in any buying or selling activities on eBay. In addition, any other accounts that you own, or that are associated with this account, will also be suspended. We won't be able to reinstate your account. This is our final decision.

While we know this isn't the response you wished to receive, there is no further opportunity for appeal on this decision. Also, we realize that this may not be the answer that you hoped for, and would like to apologize for any disappointment or inconvenience this response may cause. Unfortunately, your account is not eligible for reinstatement.

Wishing you a lovely day ahead.

Warm Regards,

Kapil M

eBay Trust & Safety

The TimeLine:

10 June 2023 8.15pm: Account Open

10 June 2023: Item added.

11 June 2023: Item added accepted.

12 June 2023: One more item added and then account blocked.

13 June 2023 7.30am: Email stating account temporarily restricted recieved.

13 June 2023 2.02pm: Contact with Ebay made and documents uploaded as requested by Ebay.

13 June 2023 8.35pm: Account suspended Permanently - No Appeal.

14 June  2023 1.58am: Ebay are fast to respond to my request to reconsider their hasty action, the reply to which is below.

Hi Sir,

I hope this email finds you in best of your health.

Thank you for reaching out to us regarding the suspension on your account. My name is Sapana and I will be glad to be your host today.

After reviewing your account and the documents you sent I must tell you that this suspension is permanent. You will not be able to participate in any buying or selling activities on eBay. In addition, any other accounts that you own, or that are associated with this account, will also be suspended.

Your account was suspended because it exhibits a risk to eBay and to its community. We're not comfortable with your selling practices or business model, and we feel they don't help to promote a positive buying and selling environment.

While we understand that you may not agree with our decision not to grant your appeal, please understand that this decision is final and will not be reversed.

We have determined that it is best in our mutual interest to part ways. We regret any frustration or inconvenience this matter may cause you.

Kind regards,

Sapana J.

eBay Trust and Safety.

Following that they sent this:

Hi,

Thanks for contacting eBay regarding the suspension of your account. As we mentioned previously, we don't make decisions like this lightly, so we have spent some time reviewing your case.

Building a trusted marketplace is our first priority. As such, we suspend any account that poses a risk to that trust. Your account has been suspended because the pattern of activities we have witnessed present a risk to our eBay community.

As previously mentioned, this suspension is permanent. You will not be able to participate in any buying or selling activities on eBay. In addition, any other accounts that you own, or that are associated with this account, will also be suspended.

While we know this isn't the response you wished to receive, there is no further opportunity for appeal on this decision

Regards,

Shubhank S.

eBay Trust and Safety

This is clearly an abuse of power.

Note: The selling practices and business model are that of an ISO 9001 company established in 1978 involved with mechanical parts. Clearly, according to Ebay, much riskier than many of the home based traders they currently offer a platform for.