eBay Australia is removing the option for direct deposit

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   Hovalisposted 16 years ago

   I really wonder what eBay is up to some times. They sent an email today telling me, in the most positive spin that they could, that they were removing the option for direct bank deposit from their auctions by June. Instead, the only options you'll have as a seller is cash on pick-up or PayPal. Now I don't have anything against PayPal as a service, except for its fees. It's good for international transactions, but overpriced for local when there are other more cost-effective options.
   
   I can see this pushing out small sellers, and those that don't like PayPal. I've got to admit as both a buyer and occasional seller I'd rather see the option for direct deposit stay.
   
   What do the other Aussies think of this?
   
   PS: They are also making it compulsory to have PayPal as one of the payment options. I'll bet that there are sellers who don't currently have merchant accounts that will be extremely unhappy about that!

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      darksideposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      As much as I enjoy finding the odd bargain on ebay (got something REALLY cool on Tuesday) and also have used it to sell, I think they're a bunch of tossers who have gotten too big for their boots.

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         Hovalisposted 16 years agoin reply to this

         I'm thinking the only way to get income from eBay at the moment is as an affiliate after giving it  further thought. It's ironic that they give the option for direct deposit with their affiliate program. I'm shaking my head at how ridiculous it all is.

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   Marisa Wrightposted 16 years ago

   I'm a bit perplexed at all this talk of fees.  I have the basic Paypal account and they don't charge me any fees.

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      Hovalisposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      If you have a merchant account, which you need if you want to receive money, then they charge you fees. It means that sellers will end up having no choice but to pay extra. There's two fees they charge: one for any funds deposited in your PayPal account, and the other is a flat fee or $1 per transaction to transfer the funds to your bank account. That second transaction fee is only for funds under $150. If you are a small seller it can really eat into your profits.

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3. 86

   Marisa Wrightposted 16 years ago

   I don't have a merchant account but I can receive money.  I've done it lots of times when selling on eBay.  The only reason I'd need to upgrade to a merchant account is if I want to accept credit cards.
   
   I'm in Australia, maybe it's different here.

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   embitcaposted 16 years ago

   No, that's the way it works here in the US as well, Marisa. You don't need a merchant account to accept money. You only need it to accept payments by credit card.

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   Marisa Wrightposted 16 years ago

   I think part of the trouble is that Paypal is (deliberately?) confusing when you go to sign up.
   
   If you don't read the small print carefully, you could get the impression you need a merchant account if you're a seller.  I know a few people who were only proposing to deal in cash, but signed up to a merchant account because they misunderstood the Paypal site.

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      Hovalisposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      That's very possible Marissa. I signed up for a merchant account because, by the site, it looked like I needed it to accept money. If it's not required, and you can get money sent to your account without it, then I'll downgrade the account. They really tuck that away in the small print, don't they? I wonder if that could be seen as deceptive under the Trade Practises Act. Hmn.

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   Inspirepubposted 16 years ago

   I am guessing this move has something to do with the cross-ownership between eBay and PayPal.
   
   There is actually a law in Australia against "third line forcing" - as a vendor you are not allowed to force your customers to also use a third party in order to deal with you.
   
   http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.ph … temId/3669
   
   What you are describing sounds as though it would be illegal in Australia, if your description is accurate.
   
   Call the ACCC and ask them to take action against eBay Australia for anti-competitive practices.
   
   Jenny

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      Hovalisposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      Jenny, I just read the Anti-competetive conduct and it does seem to fit with "third line forcing" doesn't it?
      
      What they actually said in the email was:
      
      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.
      
      A small number of exclusions will apply to these changes.

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7. 63

   Eileen Hughesposted 16 years ago

   I have bought and sold on ebay for years. And always do bank deposits when buying.  What annoys me is that when someone pays like (this is not ebay) like helium.  The last time they paid to paypal I waited and waited and then found out that I had to request payment.  I am waiting for one from them now.  Yet there is no record in paypal.
   
   So will have to check it out.  I love internet banking the best.  If push comes to shove. will go to one of the other auctions.
   
   In fact a week or so ago I actually received a birthday card greeting from one that I hardly ever use.  And never get anything from Ebay like that.

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   Lissieposted 16 years ago

   Its nasty they are making it basically compulsory to use PayPal - but I do like the service - otherwise overseas payers would send me a check which would takes weeks and costs to cash (and takes more weeks to clear) - alternatively you can transfer to a bank a/c internationally but that costs about $20. 
   
   I also find it useful to be able to receive and pay in US$ without having to transfer to NZ$ in between - that's where the banks really make their money.  The only thing that bothers me is what is Paypal  its not a bank I think - is it basicall an escrow service - if EBay went belly up where would our Paypal funds disapear to?

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   Hovalisposted 16 years ago

   Aaaand the ACCC has officially become involves. As Jenny suggested it is under the clause of third party forcing. I'm now going to see what I have to do to make a submission to the investigation.
   
   More here:
   
   http://www.smh.com.au/news/web/watchdog … 45331.html

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10. 63

    SunSevenposted 16 years ago

    Its not a major concern for HP at the moment!

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       Hovalisposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Which is why this thread is in the off-topic forum.

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       darksideposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       It's of no concern to HP.
       
       But worth discussing as Australians who are Hubbers who use ebay.

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11. 64

    darksideposted 16 years ago

    It would seem that ebay wishes to have "immunity" from Australian law.
    
    News Source

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12. 74

    Lissieposted 16 years ago

    Interesting  - surely other places like the UK and Canada have similar consumer law too - though it sounds like the land of the free doesn't Years ago EBay decided to bypass New Zealand - they thought us too small - so a local start up (by a student but no owned by one of the media groups) does very well trademe.co.nz - sellers have to be based in Australia or NZ, no drop shipping or E-goods but I think the fees are less - might be worth a look - no affiliate programme either :-(

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       Kitchy Wytchposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       I used to live in NZ and my husband and I *loved* trade me.  When we decided to sell up and move back to the States, we sold basically the entire contents of our home on Trademe.  It's a great website.  We still go on there and have a look about though we can't have an account there since our IP is outside of NZ. Boo!

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