Changes to eBay’s terms and conditions came into force on February 4 (Image: Getty)
An experienced seller has shared a warning to all sellers on the online platform, following a shift in terms and conditions that took effect earlier this week (February 4).
“Big, big changes are coming and I don’t think they’re very good – certainly not for the sellers,” began Biz Nest, a user and eBay private seller, in a video on Monday. “From February 4, you will not get paid for your items until two days after the customer has received them,” he warned.
Indeed, all sellers were first alerted to the change back in December 2024, via an informative email which stated: “We are making changes to the way we process payments on eBay. Going forward, we’ll make your funds available for payout within 48 hours after we’ve confirmed delivery of the item. Until then, you’ll see a ‘hold’ on your funds. This process helps keep our marketplace safe.”
Biz Nest went on to explain that previously, he would receive payments a day after they had been made by the buyers. “Now we have to wait, so my advice to you is to do everything via a quicker track service – I’ll be using Royal Mail’s 48-hour service for all my items.”
The latest changes to eBay’s payment and service fees are set to increase costs for both buyers and sellers, as detailed by Biz Nest. The online marketplace is introducing an additional charge of 70p plus 4% on every order, which is intended to be used by the company to enhance customer service.
Biz Nest shared his strategy, saying: “Personally I’m going to keep all my prices the same, but changing all the delivery prices and see how it effects sales.” He also advised other sellers, noting: “If I see a downturn in sales then I’ll look at my profit margin and maybe reduce my prices slightly. But it’s something for you all to bear in mind.”
The reaction to the update has been varied, with one user commenting: “Really doesn’t bother me, I don’t have cash flow issues. I also don’t bother withdrawing funds from account as its effect, would be nice for it to be automatic.”
Another suggested others should embrace the change: “Good, start paying taxes and be a business account – listing fee, business monthly fee, final sale fee and postage fee… welcome to eBay.” Whilst a third praised the move: “This is great news for proper eBay sellers.”
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However, not everyone appeared to be pleased, as one individual claimed: “There will be loads of scams withholding money by complaints to eBay before release.” A second person slammed the platform: “All the changes and moving of ‘goal posts’ which if you want to continue you have to accept, is not what I signed up for.
“How many will receive an email maybe a few days before ‘funds are released’ saying we need ‘xyz’ to verify your account and keep your funds on hold for a longer period or indefinitely if you cannot provide? Not forgetting that many just sell to get funds in quick for an unexpected bill or to help with the bills that are escalating in this economy and by holding of funds, this will impede.”
Meanwhile, a third person pondered: “Imagine… a buyer receiving an item lets say in a week… that is 7 plus 2… 9 days… (discounting weekends) and that buyer after using that item for a day or so, or deciding that they have changed their mind or something else, opens a case the day prior to your funds supposedly being released? Which are then put on hold for a further 10 days or so to ‘sort out’?”
“There is no planning control for the seller on their own funds or account…You literally are in the hands of AI (I do believe this is what will be used) and the postal service which is taking longer and longer in the system.”
eBay has been approached for comment.