eBay: Greed before Compliance
Navigating the listing of old collectible passports on eBay, often humorously referred to as “eGreedy,” remains a persistent challenge that tends to frustrate both collectors and sellers. eBay policy auction passport
Greed before compliance
eBay’s listing policies vary by country, yet a conspicuous lack of consistency suggests prioritization of financial interests over compliance. The platform has witnessed a significant decline in share value, with executives facing legal consequences due to cyberstalking and harassment issues, culminating in a $3 million fine for eBay. For a detailed account, watch the accompanying video.
Huge fines but business as usual eBay policy auction passport
Recent reports highlight shipping and compliance challenges making headlines, with eBay resorting to legal battles and, if unsuccessful, opting to pay fines (e.g., a $59 million fine) to continue business as usual.
Global shipping program
One contentious aspect is eBay’s “global shipping program,” perceived by numerous users as potentially deceptive. Users have reported frequent miscalculations and duplications of customs duties, leading to inflated costs. This issue is particularly evident in cases where items with a modest value, ranging from $10 to $15, incur exorbitant additional charges of $50 to $60 for customs duty and shipping. eBay policy auction passport
eBay Customer service
Engaging with eBay’s customer service, represented by various individuals with each follow-up query, reveals a challenge in maintaining communication continuity. Despite consistent communication, reaching a satisfactory resolution can be elusive, often resulting in repetitive information without addressing the core issue. Communication is abruptly cut after the fourth email in a given case.
Own experience eBay policy auction passport
In a span of 24 years using the platform, there has been only one instance where eBay unequivocally acknowledged and accepted responsibility for an issue. The experience with eBay’s customer service varies between the U.S. and German platforms, with the latter relying solely on callbacks, which some users find intrusive.
Back to the initial topic
Returning to the initial issue of listing an 80-year-old German passport on the U.S. platform, the punitive actions taken, including the suspension of any listing for a specified period, are deemed disproportionate and unjustified. The discrepancy between eBay’s policy and email statements adds to the troubling aspects.
Unclear policy and communication eBay policy auction passport
Customer service prohibits listing passports from non-U.S. governments as government property on eBay, but there’s selective enforcement, questioning the allowance of U.S. passports.
eBay’s unclear responses and sudden communication cutoffs contribute to the ongoing ambiguity surrounding this issue.
Passports as government property
While passports are recognized as government property, the usual disinterest in old, obsolete documents challenges eBay’s policy. Despite clear communication from the German interior department on this matter, non-U.S. passports continue to be sold on the platform when the seller is based in the U.S. However, eBay promptly removes similar listings when sellers outside the U.S. attempt them. eBay policy auction passport
eBay's persistent inaction and reluctance to address concerns, prioritizing financial gains over compliance, raises ethical and practice-related questions.
What are your thoughts, and what has been your experience with eBay?
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