Selling away from ebay after auction ended

TDIfurby

Had a first I think, for me.

Had an auction of mine finish at what for me, is quite a nice price. So, that sale went through OK, but unlike before I got two questions asked afterwards. This was just a "question from member" both asking if I had more of the same, and would be willing to sell there & then.

So, of course I said, Yes, but I'm still wondering if this was right. I know I've forgone a couple of feedback points, and that ebay security, but I used Paypal each time, so feel indirectly that Ebay got their money in the end....

Anyone else get this on a regular basis? Anyone come a cropper too? Silly Q would be, once I have the paypal credit, can they take it away again after I've posted?

g33za

i wouldnt worry too much about ebay slapping your wrists for that, just make sure that you post the items to the confirmed paypal address.

Jennywren_4

This is definitely against ebay policy and in theory they can ban you for it. But I'm not sure how they actually police this.

The buyer can't take the money back after it has cleared, but be sure to make sure it has.

mcwarre

I don't see a problem. Everyone is happy!

Alfie_E

What you've done is perfectly ok. Here's what eBay prohibits you from doing.

Using member contact information obtained from eBay or using any eBay feature to sell duplicate or additional merchandise outside of eBay to underbidders.

Note that it explicitly states "underbidders", ie. those who bid on your item, but didn't win. With the winner, you have a contractual relationship that doesn't involve eBay. eBay can't stop you modifying it, say, to include further items, and they can't stop you entering into further contractual relationships with the winner.

While I can't see any statement prohibiting you from using the eBay system to modify or extend your contract in this way, I would advise against it. You said the buyer sent you their request via the eBay website, so that's their lookout. Just make sure you reply directly by email.

Can the money be removed from your PayPal account, once you've received it? You're at slightly less risk selling off-eBay than you are selling on-eBay, as the buyer has slightly less rights! The buyer can still file a Buyer Complaint, claiming non-receipt, and the buyer can still chargeback, if the payment was by credit card. You would be in exactly the same position of defending yourself, whether you sold through eBay or directly.

TDIfurby

So when does paypal money "clear"? I thought it was instant, i.e you got an email saying usually "you've got cash" if its not from an auction sale, then its there.... I usually try and withdraw the dosh a.s.a.p anyway so its me earning a little interest, not ebay.

It definitely wasn't to "underbidders" - I even checked, but then THEY approached ME, not vice versa. If I don't get a response, sometimes I'll make a second chance offer to the 2nd highest bidder, but I've yet to actually have someone follow through with one... Well odd given they HAD bid that ££ amount a few hours before. lol

Alfie_E

TDIfurby wrote:

Can they take it away again after I've posted?

I might have had confusion over who "they" are. Because you were worried about what eBay/PayPal might do to you, I thought they were the "they". No, the buyer can't take it back directly. But, equally, it would be wrong to think that money sent to a PayPal account was as certain as, say, if the buyer had sent it directly to your bank account. PayPal are able to take money back on the buyer's behalf, if the buyer makes a complaint, or if the buyer used a credit card fraudulently.

You need to have read the following.

PayPal Buyer Complaint Policy
PayPal Seller Protection Policy

I don't know what items you're selling, but I wouldn't want you to think you could never lose money. If a buyer with little feedback were to win an item for £300, then ask for two more of the same, you might want to consider the buyer's motives.

TDIfurby

Cheers buddy

They're pretty cheap items - £60 a pop I got out of the two people who approached me for the items. And it was two people only wanting one of my items, not someone after three of them, although I wouldn't of minded, had they paid. lol

The irony is tonight I had another of my items finishing on ebay and it only made £30 + p&p, which is roughly break even / slight profit for me. Swings and roundabouts this ebay lark! hehe!