Reply to "Evil Bay"

In the last few hours, I have done a bit of research on this new policy.

It has been suggested that requiring only Paypal payment for an auction is illegal as it is a restriction on trade, both intrastate and interstate.

I think that argument probably is valid.

In the real world, probably 9 out of ten, or more, of my selling auctions have been paid with Paypal. So for most this really isn't causing buyers a problem.

But, and a big but, if a good law firm wants to take on Ebay/Paypal on this issue, I bet they would win. The cost versus return may mean this will never happen.

And as Julian says, the trick of cheap item, BIG shipping charges IS a method of cheating eBay. Wouldn't doubt for a minute they find a way to stop that game.

But for them to require 'free shipping' would really open a can of worms. I once shipped a Pantera space saver tire to Norway. Now how in heaven's name could you create an auction to honestly include a 'free' shipping when you do not know what country you will wind up selling it to??!!

And Julian is also right about there being no real protection. You must rely on YOUR skills, checking feedback, using common sense to cover your ass. And even then, getting screwed once and awhile should just be considered a normal cost of doing business.

Larry