I've been an ebay member for 10 years and have received over 1200 paypal payments. I have over 2000 positive feedback. I am a powerseller. But all of that didn't matter to Paypal, and apparently ebay, the mother company of Paypal, as my funds were completely frozen because I sold too many iPhone, PS3, Wii and Xbox 360 systems.
Here is what happened. With a big balance from multiple payments received, Paypal froze my funds, and cancelled my "in process" transfers to my bank account, saying I had to prove I was a legitimate seller...after 1200 PAYMENTS RECEIVED! So, I patiently, albeit in a huff, provided the tracking #'s and then faxed copies of my credit card statements and receipts showing I had indeed purchased, sold and shipped several systems to actual people who bought them. Paypal says it would take weeks to unfreeze my account because they were going to want to see Positive feedback or signature confirmation for EVERY SINGLE Wii and PS3 that I have sold.
The end of the story? I waited and waited and waited, and finally had all the proof I needed to get my funds released. It took about 10 days from start to finish to get my funds released. It felt like I was an innocent, yet accused criminal who finally got a not-guilty verdict and then the prosecuting attorney gave me not so much as a pat on the back or an "I'm sorry"...or even..."we'll get you next time, turkey". It was wrong what they did to me (and I'm sure to many other sellers).
The feelling this entire experience left me with was one of near futility at the power of Ebay and Paypal to engage in this type of unwarranted and unnecessary activity. I've completed every kind of verification that I am aware of to prove I am a legitimate and above board seller, and yet on a whim, it seems, Paypal engaged in this kind of bullying activity. I resolved to write this guide to try to send a message to Paypal that they should reform their ways and come up with a better business practice to verify the people using their payment tools.
Help me send a strong message to Paypal and Ebay by voting "yes" on the helpful meter for this guide. The more "yes" votes, the more attention this guide will get, and maybe together we can get something done. The unfair business practices Ebay and Paypal are forcing on this community need to be corrected.
If you are looking for payment alternatives other than Paypal? The official accepted payment methods are:
PayPal
Credit cards and debit cards
Moneybookers
Paymate
ProPay
Pay upon pickup
Escrow
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