Bitcoin Forum

So it looked like Ebay, and Paypal were embrasing Bitcoin with open arms?

http://www.coindesk.com/ebay-ceo-weighs-paypal-bitcoin-option/ (http://www.coindesk.com/ebay-ceo-weighs-paypal-bitcoin-option/)

Hmm.....I was dubious about the thought. Why would Paypal be willing to take a non centralised, non refundable payment method? How could they then rip people off?

Quite interesting his quote:

“It’s a new disruptive technology, so, yeah, we’re looking at bitcoin closely"

Disruptive as in, Ebay can't buy it, cant control it.....so Ebay probably, secretly fears it.

Well I posted some bitcoins for sale on ebay, and this is what happened to me 2 days later;

   
Dear bitcoin_bob
In order to keep our website a safer place for buyers and sellers, your account will be restricted from selling indefinitely.

Our decision is based on evidence from our records. 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.

Even though you can't sell on our website, you can still use your account to buy or bid on items. For more information on the basics of buying, please visit:
http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/buy/basics.html

Please remember that you can't use other accounts or register new accounts to sell on eBay. If you do, your accounts could be limited, restricted, or suspended.

Regards,

eBay Trust & Safety team


Currently trying to find out what is going on, and talking to eBay even their customer complaints department, after escalating me to two levels.....still Can't answer the question and the specialists' need to get back to me.

Anyone else has this experience when selling Bitcoins?

Vinny Stephenson
I have reviewed your account and can see that in order to better assist you in this regard, I will have to escalate your concern for further review. Please be assured that the relevant team will get back to you via email.

I wonder what 'men in black' department they have dealing with Bitcoins in Ebay.

I have a feeling that Ebay is not going to be as friendly towards Bitcoin as their overtones suggest. The words 'regulated environment' and 'We’re closely following this area and look forward to seeing how it develops' are more likely to mean 'AHHHH were scared of this and don't know what it is, get it out' as they try to shoo Bitcoin with a broom until it runs away.

Watch eBay bitcoiners, because, eBay is watching you......

bitcoin_bob
any idea on a timeframe?
Vinny Stephenson
They should get back to you via email in 48-72 hours.
bitcoin_bob
should or will......
Vinny Stephenson
We will try to get back as soon as possible.
bitcoin_bob
do you know what department is dealing with this also?
bitcoin_bob
are you still there?
Chat Session Ended, Goodbye. (5009)

I thought it was most interesting that this is being dealt with by the department that shall not be named. It seems that my request to know who they are was so offensive it was grounds to finish the chat.......

I just looked on ebay and seen loads of (overpriced) BTC for sale.

Where you selling physical or 'normal' btc?

Yeah... There not going to get back to you. I have heard that from both PayPal and eBay at least 5 times each. Never once have they got back to me.

John Donahoe is the gazelle that taunts the Lion. Trying not too look intimidated there even though deep down he knows that their end is coming, slowly but coming.

my guess is digital and not physical coins. I think you have so many people doing chargebacks that its becoming one big hassle. Could be wrong but I see a lot of auctions going on for bitcoins.

che bragh. that's a "boiler-plate" robo-letter. they dont get back to you, and most likely will not reinstate your account. I got v& from google adsense last year, and I imagine ebay works the same (indiscriminate ban, no explanation, appeals are useless)

Etsy allows bitcoin, including transactions in btc. take your business "down the street" and F*&K EBAY!

The next best thing to reaching the decision to abandon 'trusted' transaction intermediaries like eBay and PayPal, is having them abandon you. It really is best for both parties. Bitcoin is a "peer to peer" technology, ill suited for peer to skimming intermediary to peer transactions.

EBay has gone the way of a poor man's amazon by catering to super-sellers of junkets. Low volume sellers that are often individuals garage-selling unwanted items are often given this type of treatment no matter what they are selling. My last eBay experience was my last for a reason, and my account wasn't suspended.

I was brought before the eBay tribunal for selling new tech at a loss. Some large sellers complained and my auction as cancelled during the final hour. Listing fees were not refunded. EBay and PayPal can suck it...two times.  PWI don't do eBay. I'll take YouandMEbay the Bitcoin way any day.

Nothing new really, it seems every 'big' company is against bitcoin, even the BBC seem to be against it.

any link to that story? Would be interested to see what the beeb are bitching about.

actually I have some physical coins I was selling.

Screw ebay, I sold them on Kijiji.


Oh wait....Kijiji is owned by Ebay, and they have shares in Craigslist also........can anyone spell 'Monopoly'

Been speaking to 'Customer support' today.

Amie Samuel
Welcome to eBay UK Billing Live Chat, my name is Amie. How can I be of assistance today?
bitcoin_bob
Hi I was supposed to have a response within 72 hours to answer the reason my selling privalidges have been suspended.
bitcoin_bob
can you please find out why this response has not been sent yet.
Amie Samuel
Thank you for summarisng your concern.
Amie Samuel
For this issue, I am transferring your chat to the Reports and Appeals department. They will be able to help you in a better manner as we just handle the seller fees issues. Should I go ahead and transfer your chat?
bitcoin_bob
of course.
Amie Samuel
Please be connected.
Amie Samuel
Has transfered you to:Lynn Richie
Lynn Richie
Good evening. Welcome to eBay Live Help, My name is Lynn. Please allow me to review your previous chat with my colleague.
bitcoin_bob
ok
Lynn Richie
I understand you need help regarding the restriction on your account. I fully understand your concern and I am more than willing to assist you with this.
Lynn Richie
Would it be fine if you could just give me 2 minutes to look into this one for you?
bitcoin_bob
ok
Lynn Richie
Thank you for waiting. I have checked your account and I can see here that the restriction should be assisted by the relevant department. Would it be fine if I transfer you to them?
bitcoin_bob
do you know when the musical chair will stop?
bitcoin_bob
3 times transfered, 3 times before that
Lynn Richie
We do apologise for the inconvenience however you have been transferred to the wrong department. May I go ahed and transfer you now?
bitcoin_bob
why do you need to ask me that
bitcoin_bob
its kind of obvious that I want my problem solved by whoever can do it.....
Lynn Richie
Thank you. Please stay connected.
Lynn Richie
Has transfered you to:Frank Steven
Frank Steven
Welcome to Community Watch Live Chat. My name is Frank. Please give me a moment to review your previous discussion or if you'd like to, can you let me know what the issue is?
Frank Steven
Thank you for waiting.
bitcoin_bob
im hoping someone can finally give me some answers without messing me around anymore.
Frank Steven
I've reviewed your previous chat conversation.
bitcoin_bob
can someone please tell me why out of the blue my seller account has been suyspended?
Frank Steven
I do realize that you've been awaiting the reply from our specialized team.
Frank Steven
Please wait while, I do some basic investigation, so that I can help you resolve this matter quickly.
bitcoin_bob
ok thank you.
Frank Steven
Thank you for waiting.
Frank Steven
I've reviewed your account details and can find that we've already escalate your case to our specialized team.
Frank Steven
I'm sorry for the inconvenience caused to you in this matter.
Frank Steven
In order to help you resolve this matter, I will once again escalate your case, with the highest priority appeal.
bitcoin_bob
ah so
bitcoin_bob
no real answer then
Frank Steven
Rest assured, you will get best resolution in this matter.
bitcoin_bob
just lots of big words to sound like someone gives a crap.
bitcoin_bob
how can i be rest assured, i was rest assured I would have a response in 72 hours
bitcoin_bob
then the agent rudely closed the chat
Frank Steven
I understand that, you have gone round in circles, I understand what you've gone through.
bitcoin_bob
can you please tell me what is going on. Now. Thanks.
bitcoin_bob
so you have been led round in circles yourself then by ebay
bitcoin_bob
how is your 'Ebay experience' so far?
Frank Steven
Bob, I'll escalate your with the right away after the closure of this chat.
bitcoin_bob
I imagine the only way you can possibly understand my fustration, is if you have an ebay seller account which you rely on to pay your bills.
bitcoin_bob
has this situation happened to you personally?
bitcoin_bob
if so maybe you can give me a few pointer on how you resolved it.
Frank Steven
I completely understand your concern in this situation, be assured, I'll do my best to escalate your with proper note (including) the time which you've been waiting for.
Frank Steven
Please let me know if anything else I can assist you with?
bitcoin_bob
yes, can I hold whilst you get an answer for me.
bitcoin_bob
as you understand my concern is an answer to this now today.
bitcoin_bob
and you said you fully understand said concern
bitcoin_bob
so I am sure you will do this for me now whilst I hold. and come back with an answer.
Frank Steven
I am sure that our specialist team will look into this and will get back to you with best possible resolution as soon as possible.
bitcoin_bob
wow....
bitcoin_bob
you know how dumb that statement sounds right.
bitcoin_bob
its almost like you are ignoring my request on purpose.
bitcoin_bob
do you comprehend what I am asking, I just want to know why this has happened. Today. Why can this not happen now? why wont you give me a reason right now, why they have not replied.
bitcoin_bob
why, can I not even know who this 'specialist team' are?
Frank Steven
Please realize, we're not ignoring your appeal.
bitcoin_bob
last time I asked that question the chat mysteriously 'disapaeared'
Frank Steven
I can assured you that, this chat won't get closed up till you're satisfied with the situation.
bitcoin_bob
thats good because I have all day to resolve this.
Frank Steven
I would have right away told you the reason behind the selling limits on your account, please understand that, as I'm not trained on this, I would like to make sure that you get absolutely correct and fair resolution on this issue, therefore, I will escalate your issue once again as they are the experts on this part of the product.

And then the chat DID close.....hmm


Thought some of you might find that interesting.

eBay live chat makes you dizzy... it's a constant hand-off to someone that hands you off to someone else...who then proceeds to hand you off to someone who knows more about your issue. Then, that person isn't completely sure so they hand you off to someone who knows more. Unfortunately, that person also doesn't have any idea how to help you so they hand you off to their colleague, who's in a department that is named almost after your exact problem. Lo and behold, this person is the first you have spoken to who seems like they might be able to help you. Sadly, it's all a ruse. Before you know it you're dead handed off again.

They are all from India man, the "I understand your frustration" is just a psychological trick they have learned which is surprisingly annoying. Everything always has to be in shit sandwiches and double meanings with them, e.g. if they want to refuse to help you the first paragraph will summarize how they understand every single word and how they thank you for writing them, the second one will basically tell you to fuck off and the third one will go on about how you're an important and valuable customer and thank you so so much for choosing them.

Took me about 500$ to learn to never trust eBay or Paypal, if you absolutely have to pay use your credit card and if things go sour just reverse it with the credit card company, the lesson I've learned has been well worth the money.

If I was you I would first come to the realization that the world isn't fair and they are not willing to play by the rules, then open an account without the word "bitcoin" in it and sell "coin mining" hardware or something. I do however take comfort in the thought that their days are numbered and we will all bring to their fall...

I talked to PayPal support yesterday and asked about Bitcoin and they said they prohibit the sale of bitcoins or anything related to bitcoin because they don't want to associate the PayPal brand with it.  I'd assume the same goes for eBay.  Then again I've talked to both eBay and PayPal support a couple times in the past few days and have received mixed responses, although lately it's leaning toward the anti-bitcoin direction. (I'm trying to get a PayPal account used for selling mining hardware unlocked)

I think it's going to be quite the Ebay VS Bitcoin battle soon. It would be interesting to see if Bitcoin could grow enough to bring down something like ebay......

so... who wants to start a decentralized Buying and selling platform?  ;D If they don't want to play ball with us we'll do it our way.

it can be done my friends, the source code is already out there,

FreeNet
YaCy
Tor
Bitcoin
BitTorrent

hell... if people had an easy way to set up their own server on their own computer...FileZilla! we already got the decentralized platform. just take a picture of your wares and share them to the network, using YaCy people could directly catalogue what is for sale over the internet once you catalogue your goods.

need some anonymity? FreeNet is your ticket.

no one really keeps other peoples data on their system you just use Yacy to broadcast what you have.

I've heard of this happening a few weeks ago and have tried to warn people on here as much as I can.  I'm sorry to hear it happened to you.   Ebay will probably not offer you any explanation and your acct is probably toast.  There are many websites online that talk about how they just shut people down for no good reason...even PowerSellers for years and with 10000 positive feedback.

I suggest you read this and may have to make a stealth account.  I need to do this myself at some point for backup to my regular acct:

http://www.aspkin.com/forums/ebay-discussion/19007-who-bought-ebay-stealth-book-what-did-you-think.html

You just have to know how the eBay system works. I haven't sold any bitcoins in a week or so but I have had zero issues selling them.  

   Ebay will suspend your account for certain amount of policy violations (think it's like 5?) in a given time frame. The problem is say your selling bitcoins and they think your in some type of violation (for whatever reason), each auction you have up will count as a violation. So you just get hit all at once and you can end up with like 10 violations instantly causing your account to be suspended with no real warning.  This is what happened to me a few years ago when selling ebooks; it was very frustrating but I did get my account back after sending in ID documents and had to hand sign some agreement w/notary and mail it in. I've never had any problems since.

After over a week of waiting;


It would seem that bitcoins are now officially 'Items that pose potential risk' on eBay......

I think it had more to due with how you were listing them and what you posted in your auction (may of been doing something wrong and didn't know it)...

Only reason I say that is this is from your original post "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."

If it had to actually do with selling something against their TOS, they would of said it.  However, they basically said they weren't comfortable how you listed your items.  Just sucks they were so vague and didn't give you more details in the followup email and give a second chance..

Of Course, not to say your lying, but most of the time we never get the full story (maybe already had a second chance?)

While it does suck, there are ways to get another account and get to selling again.

Of which I already have, sensibly.

I have never had a warning from ebay before whatsoever on that account- Simply listed 10 Bitcoins for sale and was closed pretty swiftly. I'm only putting this up as a warning to others who might rely on their account for income etc to see it wiped out for listing a bitcoin.

If anyone else has Ebay-Bitcoin related account closures maybe they could share their story, so I know in the future if it is safe to list anything Bitcoin related on ebay or if I somehow just caught the attention of the random ebay account-decimator bot.

my add on kijiji for building mining rigs got shut down, said it was outside kijijis policies. I did not violate any of their points, but I know enough now, don't touch it on any eBay system. It got flagged recently something that has never happened before.

my posting was not instant... it took hours before they denied it and I had had it up for months, but when I reposted it with modifications in my own province... it got rejected. yeah it's time to make the exodus from centralized companies now... time to build the p2p classifieds free of any politics, or corporate interests.

a VERY HIGH % of bitcoin transactions end up being scams. This is why ebay is starting to clamp down on people selling/buying bitcoins. I personally don't see any conspiracy theory.

Same reason ebay/pay pal doesn't like people selling e-tickets to sporting events or concerts.  The scam rate is simply too high.

obviously you didn't escalate high enough

sue

I tested the water with selling on ebay a couple of years ago. Not long after I posted my offer I had literally hundreds of orders all ready to pay with paypal. That got me really suspicious so I cancelled all the orders and removed the listing. Scammers are circling ebay bitcoin listings like vultures because they know they can pay with paypal, receive the bitcoins to their wallet then open a dispute with paypal and get their cash refunded 100% of the time. My advice is stay the fuck away from ebay and paypal when dealing with bitcoins.

yeah I know, I worked retail, we had specific policies to avoid this... two bank accounts. end of the week, cash goes into the other one not known by ebay... it was the only way. people really scammed the system, it was annoying specially when the item costs thousands of dollars.

We could not accept accounts out of country for litigation purposes, can't fight someone in a different country just a pain in the pinata, we never accepted paypal except through ebay... just too risky, they'll do a refund and boom our account is short 8k bucks.