eBay


I have recently sold some audio equipment on eBay and noticed that eBay charges 13.25% on the sale of the item sold, but they also charge that same % on the sales tax that they collect! 🤔 is this legal? This just seems strange to me. 🤷🏻‍♂️

thedoc2004

The OP's point about eBay being unethical in the way they charge their fees is understandable but I look at it a little differently. 1) The fee structure is transparent; it is in their user agreement, 2) As pointed out above it circumvents any games a seller might play with pricing and shipping, 3) If eBay didn't charge a percentage on shipping and sales tax they would just raise their fee on the price of the item. Instead of 13.25% perhaps they would charge 15%.

I've sold quite a bit of stuff on eBay over the years and even though I'm irritated at some of their policies, I continue to use them. One of the most important benefits they provide is that they have negotiated very attractive shipping rates. If you book you own shipping you will see that it is much more expensive than going through eBay.

You may have a complaint about charging fees on shipping and taxes but IMO the fee that eBay charges compared to the service they provide is still a bargain. I'm old enough to remember the days before eBay when selling a piece of stereo gear was a big hassle. You took your component to your local stereo store (if you had one) and stood there powerless while they offered you 20% of its value if they would take it at all. Your only options were to put it in the closet or take it to Goodwill. So you took a deep breath and mumbled "OK." Paying around 15% or so to achieve an honest auction value for an item is a much better alternative in my experience.

eBay becomes super greedy with their charging tactics 

overall eBay charge 15-16 percent fees and tax every item I sold 

the sad part people don’t understand how  eBay charges both ways seller and buyer 

seller pay fees and tax buyer pay only tax 

Another big beef, eBay sides with buyer regardless how you list. Example; amplifier sold everything working, package arrived visually in good shape. Through jarring various lights weren’t working buyer wanted his money back, my options were believe buyer and pay an out-of-town repair, or refund all fees. Refusing eBay then refunds all charges to buyer let’s them keep the amp and wants to bill me for everything !!  Of course I told eBay to eat S…  I successfully sell elsewhere, and use eBay through other accounts when necessary, lesson read the fine print, ensure your articles.

Ps ;  As a seller use a checking bank account just for eBay (as did I) without an overdraft so that you can close it instantly should things go bad because they do have the right to get in there anytime they want, again read fine print. 

Cheers 

eBay didn’t charge a fee on shipping and the last time I bought something, they didn’t charge me a fee on the tax.

in the past, you would see a widget for sale on the cheap but the shipping was 10x more than what it actually cost to ship.