eBay Seller Crash - Will PayPal Say "We Told You So"?
Just a few short weeks ago here in Australia, the business watchdog ACCC stopped eBay forcing it's users to use PayPal (an online payment service) as the only payment method.It was a bit of a slap in the head for eBay who own PayPal, but people who have had bad experiences with PayPal (and here) saw the exclusive use of PayPal on eBay as a nightmare move.
But methinks the PayPal complainers aren't laughing so much now with one of eBay's biggest Australia sellers - eBusiness Supplies - appearing to have skipped the country with close on $1.3 million and a ton of people waiting for goods that almost certainly won't show.
Bummer.
PayPal To Cover Losses
PayPal has stepped forward and said they'll cover the losses of people who paid for goods using PayPal, and then stuck it's thumb on its nose and given a "Nanananananananana" to people who didn't use PayPal.
eBay's not liable of course for the seller - but hundreds are complaining on forums that eBay should have closed the seller down after they received lots of complaints.
A Big Suck Up Job
It's basically a big suck up job by PayPal (and eBay the owner of PayPal) to say to everyone "You should be using PayPal or you'll get ripped off with no recourse available."I reckon the number of PayPal users here on eBay Australia are about to go through the roof. Not bad marketing by eBay/PayPal for some nice long term gain and great PR.
They must be having a giggle now and saying "I told you so" to all those people who complained about their efforts to make PayPal the only payment method available.
Those people who paid via EFT, cheque, cash or whatever have as much chance of getting their money back as I have of winning Miss Australia.
But let's cross our fingers anyway......not for me winning Miss Australia, for the people who haven't received the stuff they handed their hard-earned over for!
What The Hell is The Protection Anyway?
I was just interviewed for the 6 pm ABC news here in Australia and the spokesman for PayPal in Australia (Andrew Pippolo) said that PayPal wasn't liable for any of the losses made by people paying with PayPal.
So I'm not sure what their protection is they so vigorously promote - if it doesn't protect you from non-delivery of goods like in this case what the hell is it good for Andrew?
No really....please explain it to me. I'm all ears.
Top Tips To Avoid Getting Ripped Off On eBay
- Check out the feedback on the seller. If you're nervous, don't buy.
- Use PayPal - offers a level of protection, but horrors stories abound.
- Use a credit card - you can always do a chargeback.
- Don't pay via EFT, cash, money order or cash.
Brendon
Labels: ebay seller disappears
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