eBay Selling Promotions (Gumtree and other)

MBix on 01/06/2021 - 15:16

Been having a hell of a time of late with eBay's promotions. I know there's a few threads about this, but I thought my situation was a little different. I generally won't use eBay unless I use the "sneaky" list on Gumtree then use the offer that pops up to list in eBay for free but lately regardless of what I use they have charged me Final Value Fee's anyway. Majority of the time they credit them back after a live chat, but it's becoming harder and harder.

Example 1: Had a promotion in my Ebay account "Sell your next 2 items for free" This was listed from 22nd of April to 5th of May. First item sold, was charged a fee. Contacted eBay, the CSR credited it and then told me the reason I didn't get the promotion was because I'm meant to list the item to end on the 5th of May (this definitely wasn't the case, but I accepted what he said anyway) listed a new item and set it to finish on 5th of May out of curiosity…again it charged me a final value fee. However this time around, I contacted eBay on the 6th…the promotion in my account had literally vanished. The CSR had no evidence of it ever being in my account, luckily I had the chat from days prior + I took a screenshot of it to back me up when I was selling, but it has just vanished and no reappearance. There are similar expired deals listed in my account under expired but not that one, and one that has since expired. I don't understand how they're getting away with this, but obviously the key here is always screenshot those things.

Example 2: Imported a listing from Gumtree, 2 free listings per month it says. Item sold, instantly charged the fee. Contacted eBay Support today and was transferred 5 times before finally being told "It's Gumtree's promotion, please contact them" followed by a second CSR telling me it would be credited within 15 days. Last time I used the Gumtree free listings I wasn't charged fees but this time I have been and there is nothing in the T&C's I can see about 15 days unless I'm not reading properly. https://sellercentre.ebay.com.au/promo/c2c-baytree-promo-728…

Am I going crazy, is there something I'm doing wrong or are eBay just hoping people will accept the fees and accept the fact they're promotions don't always work / disappear?

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Comments

  • Muzeeb on 01/06/2021 - 15:20
    +2

    eBay promotions are currently stuffed.

    Your scenarios are similar to every other thread.

    Just keep hounding them for your FVF refunds.

    • MBix on 01/06/2021 - 15:25
      +3

      Yeh definitely similar, I found some more after I posted this. Happy for my thread to be merged, just absolutely frustrated!

  • FireRunner on 01/06/2021 - 15:31
    +3

    Probably the new seller payment system broke the way promotions are applied
    I'm still on the old system (I'm riding this train until the last stop) and the Gumtree import worked last month

    • MBix on 01/06/2021 - 15:36

      One step forward two steps back for sure. Promotions disappearing after expiring is concerning.

  • jimbobaus on 01/06/2021 - 15:34

    Gumtree offer is ending now eBay has sold gumtree.

    I thought it had already ended but sounds like it’s still running.

  • Ocker on 01/06/2021 - 15:40
    -1

    Did the promo say "LIST your items for free", or "SELL your items for free"?

    • MBix on 01/06/2021 - 15:44
      +1

      Can't recall the exact wording of the Gumtree promotion, as I don't have the screenshot on me at the moment. however the promotions that were on eBay that have since expired and disappeared were worded exactly:

      "Pay $0 Insertion and Final Value Fees on the next 2 items you list & sell"

  • BigBucko on 01/06/2021 - 17:11
    +1

    Im going through the same with eBay and Gumtree…

    From past experiences im taking screen shots of everything…spoke to customer service…no idea…transferred around and same get credit in 15days…we will see. If not back on phone.

    Asked if promo still going…told no…mmm

    Click on link on Gumtree and sends you here

    https://sellercentre.ebay.com.au/promo/c2c-baytree-promo-728…

    • MBix on 01/06/2021 - 17:20

      Yeh their CSR's really don't know anything. I don't blame them because the information clearly isn't being handed down to them but it's frustrating. My rep said "If this was an eBay Promotion you would not even need contact us as the fee would never be taken in the first place" ohhhhh righteo haha

  • spedohero on 01/06/2021 - 18:23

    I have the same issue. They told me wait for 15 days for the final to be credited. Call center in India. Did anyone get the selling fee credited back yet?

    • Muzeeb on 02/06/2021 - 17:58

      I've received 6 back so far. Always credited to my bank account within 48 hours. I was using chat feature on the app.

      • spedohero on 02/06/2021 - 18:46
        +1

        Wow. Ok they told me the new work flow is 15 days for gumtree to credit back to my ebay account.

        • Muzeeb on 02/06/2021 - 18:49

          I didn't have the gumtree promotion. Mine have been $1 FVF promo's.

  • BigBucko on 01/06/2021 - 18:38

    I did few months back, but all before new payment system. Said 15 days been 7 days…see how go in a week. Told me they didn't want to double credit through eBay and Gumtree lol. Gumtree don't charge but couldn't be bothered arguing at time. Ill wait the 7 days and see where at.

  • shockrave on 01/06/2021 - 19:25

    I've been having issues as well of late (since about 4 weeks ago, it was working even in the early days of managed payments) and have been escalating the issues for more than a month. I've been told it's an issue on gumtree's end and they're trying to fix it.

    They had some sell for $1 promo which also failed and live chat could give me money back on those. But not the gumtree ones.

    Anyone has any ideas of how to escalate this to resolve and get credit back?

  • spedohero on 01/06/2021 - 19:51

    Did anyone try to contact gumtree instead?

  • smarti77 on 08/06/2021 - 13:10

    I'm also a victim of the Gumtree / ebay 'promo'.
    I listed a camera on gumtree on 5/5/21. When I finished the listing it showed me the offer to add the listing to ebay with no listing fee and no final value fees. I double checked the terms in full and then listed in on ebay using the link provided and following all directions.
    The camera sold quickly (for $2600).
    The is the first fime I have sold anything on ebay since being forced to accept 'managed payments'…
    Ebay took about three days to send me the money despite the buyer paying immediately by paypal.
    Ebay took $352.05 in fees out of the $2600 purchase price…

    I contacted them immediately and several times since seeking a refund on the fees and highlighting that the terms strongly indicate that the fees would not even be charged.
    I've been a loyal buyer and seller through ebay for many years. This experience makes me want to never use them again.

    I'm still waiting for the fees to be refunded (more than a full month later) with no clear answer from ebay support as to when it will happen… Every contact just feels like delaying tactics now.

    Any advice gratefully received.

  • Phulaphect on 11/06/2021 - 17:53

    I've been told 15 days as well but couldn't find it anywhere in the T's and C's. I was told the fees would be automatically reversed and put in my bank account. The eBay chat automatically emails you a transcript of the conversation which may come in handy.

    • Phulaphect on 30/06/2021 - 02:58

      Update: no payment so contacted them and got the same bull as Mbix two comments down. They told me they'd get back to me in 2-3 days and nothing

      • Phulaphect on 14/07/2021 - 19:10

        Update: I had my fees refunded by eBay into my bank account today with and apology email. What a ride

  • bumbumzo on 14/06/2021 - 00:37

    I contacted both eBay and Gumtree. It has been 2 months for me. :( Did you managed to get the final value fee credited back? If yes, any advise?

  • MBix on 16/06/2021 - 13:20

    15 days later I contacted them, just been given the absolute run around again, told me they'd escalate it and get back to me in 2-5 days. I submitted a case with Consumer Protection here in Western Australia anyways to get the ball rolling.

    • spedohero on 16/06/2021 - 13:37

      I think they are using the same template to reply everyone. The last time I contacted them was three days ago. eBay told me the escalation is to gumtree so they are waiting for their reply. But the eBay fee is hold by eBay so it does not make any sense.

      • MBix on 16/06/2021 - 13:42

        Due to technical issue credit was not raised and now escalated to technical team and you will have the credit and for the manger I have escalated it to the manager and gave you the reference number for it.

        Above is an exact quote from the rep I spoke to after I was transferred 4 times. I made sure they knew how angry I was while still being polite and asking to speak with a manager.

        Not sure if it is a case for consumer protection etc, but I submitted it anyway.

        • spedohero on 16/06/2021 - 13:44

          Did you call me or using online chat?

          • MBix on 16/06/2021 - 13:45

            @spedohero: I didn't call you ;)

            But yeh used online chat for speaking to eBay

            • spedohero on 16/06/2021 - 13:45

              @MBix: haha, ok, I will ask them for an update now.

        • tezza on 16/06/2021 - 14:41

          Just was on chat this morning about the same thing and got pretty much the same response so I’ll see how it goes over the coming days

  • MBix on 19/06/2021 - 17:54

    First of all, please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in response. Thank you for the previous response and let me further help you on this.

    I agree that there were not any terms and conditions mentioned on the promotion. However, this is a promotion that is initiated by the Gum Tree website and not eBay.

    So, all in all he issue is created from the Gum Tree end. However, we are trying to resolve this for you. Also, let me share that we have already escalated similar issue and though we have take some time we have sorted this issue for every individual.

    Your case is also escalated and it will be resolved. I am sorry but I cannot committ a turn around time for this but for sure this will be resolved and the credit will be issued. Appreciate your patience in this regards.

    I appreciate the opportunity to have helped you with this information. Thank you for contacting eBay Support .

    Kind regards,

    Aditya K,
    Manager,
    eBay Customer Support.

    More bullshit from them today. I've lodged a case with Consumer Protection here in Western Australia, will hopefully hear something more next week

    • smarti77 on 19/06/2021 - 23:27
      +1

      I've lodged a case with Consumer Protection here in Western Australia

      I would encourage everyone involved to lodge complaints with similar bodies in your state (or ACCC). I would hope this would eventually create pressure on ebay to make this right.

      • MBix on 19/06/2021 - 23:30
        +1

        Yep, I'm going to mention to them that there are many others in this situation, not to mention everyone else who just accepts eBay's mistake.

  • Tech45 on 22/06/2021 - 13:45

    Another one here, owed a total of $300 in fees from ebay, been over a month since I initially raised it to them. I've submitted an ACCC complaint, I hope more people will too, it only took about 5 mins to submit.

    Link:
    https://www.accc.gov.au/contact-us/contact-the-accc/report-a…

    • MBix on 22/06/2021 - 14:10

      Can they actually do much though without a plethora of complaints? Last time I contacted the ACCC they asked me to go to my relevant authority in my state. I’ve submitted again anyway with them and Consumer Protection WA. In fact I just had a missed call from a number that belongs to eBay after a quick google search. No message left, no follow up email.

      • Tech45 on 22/06/2021 - 14:54

        I think they do need a decent amount of complaints to act on it. Maybe I'll submit to the local authority too then. Thanks.

        Hope they've got a resolution for you.

        • MBix on 22/06/2021 - 15:23

          Yeh I think the more complaints better definitely but your local authority (in my experience) will contact the place in question and recommend an outcome, unfortunately they can’t enforce said outcome but it generally makes companies do the right thing. Should eBay continue to refuse that outcome then I believe the matter then has to be referred to a small claims tribunal or something similar. It’s a bit of leg work but at the same time I think a vast majority of these tribunals have gone online since COVID so a bit less leg work than normal with a possible teleconference mediation.

          Decent process for only a small amount of money but eBay are clearly doing this to a lot of people and that doesn’t sit well with me at all

          • Tech45 on 22/06/2021 - 15:42

            @MBix: Thanks for the info, I've just raised a complaint to the local authority as well.

            Yep exactly, lots of people would've only listed on ebay because of the promo.

            Previously before the ebay managed payments was setup, seller were required to pay the seller fees at the end of the month. So things like this were fixed quickly to avoid delays in them receiving payments. Now that the fees are being deducted before the remaining funds are transferred to the seller, eBay has little incentive to get this fixed quickly.

            I really do hope eBay gets some equal competition soon in the auctions/online listings space.

    • MiscOzB on 23/06/2021 - 12:46

      Owed several hundred $ now too, have contacted them 3 times and still nothing. First time was on the 28th of May, was told I'd be credited within/after 15 days. Most recent last Friday.

    • Tech45 on 24/06/2021 - 15:26

      I've just received an email this morning, saying they've processed the refund now.

  • spedohero on 22/06/2021 - 14:51

    I contacted ebay again. Again, they asked me to wait….

  • MiscOzB on 23/06/2021 - 13:29

    Looks like the first person on OzBargain to have reported getting their refund https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/10634246/redir

  • smarti77 on 24/06/2021 - 10:32

    I finally received a credit to my seller account. Took about 7 weeks and many attempts through support chat (not sure if support helped much at all though).

  • spedohero on 24/06/2021 - 10:45

    I received my refund too, but the amount was 5cents lesser…. lol, i wonder why.

    • smarti77 on 24/06/2021 - 10:46

      Mine was 30 cents less…

      • spedohero on 24/06/2021 - 10:46

        Processing fee for refunding eBay fee %? lol.

        I wonder if it is safe to use the gumtree promo again.

        • smarti77 on 24/06/2021 - 10:53

          I wonder if it is safe to use the gumtree promo again.

          This is the big question. I don't need this stress again.

  • MBix on 24/06/2021 - 11:47

    Still nothing over my way, but glad people are getting their refunds, puts me much more at ease

  • fLaMePrO on 25/06/2021 - 17:01

    Oh damn I wish I had looked for this thread earlier. Been tearing my hair out!! Been on chat 5-6 times and they always give some bullshit response, so sick of it.

    So it seems to be about a 2 month turnaround at the moment? I sold something in April so hopefully I'll get it back soon :/

    We need a selling platform that doesn't suck. I hate all options at the moment, none of them are good for sellers.

    • MBix on 25/06/2021 - 18:04
      +2

      Funnily enough I got banned from Gumtree too after complaining to them about this process. I've had the account since 2011, posted a gaming chair for sale, ad was up for 3 days then suddenly disappeared. I thought eBay customer service was bad. Gumtree live chat just threw me a "we can remove ads for whatever reason and we have found your ad not to be suitable for our website as such you will no longer be able to post ads, this is final thanks" chat ended haha wowee

      • spedohero on 25/06/2021 - 19:41

        What, Gumtree banned you when you brought up the issue about the wrongly charged eBay fee?

        • MBix on 25/06/2021 - 19:56

          They've not said it was directly linked, but it certainly was the same day I brought up the issue. And they gave me no right of recourse or say what I violated etc. Just flat nope too bad cya later

          • spedohero on 25/06/2021 - 20:03

            @MBix: Can you still create new account or have they ban your ip permanently?

            • MBix on 25/06/2021 - 20:11

              @spedohero: I honestly don't know how they've banned me, I've created a two new accounts accounts now but had the ad removed each time and banned. I can still buy just not sell

              • Used a new device
              • Made sure my IP was different

              Both times the ad was the same though and same photos so maybe that had something to do with it, but they're all over it quickly. It's super weird, it's a bloody chair I am selling!

              I'm more so annoyed about the fact my 10 year old account was banned from selling though, personally I trust sellers that have been members for quite awhile over ones that have signed up mere days before to sell. Though can't really trust anyone. Either way, both Gumtree and eBay can jump. I only use eBay when there are promos because I prefer posting items over meeting people haha, I guess Facebook Marketplace is about to win!

      • popsiee on 25/06/2021 - 19:46

        If you make Ebay more profits without Gumtree they will do that move.
        Power of monopolies .

  • MBix on 28/06/2021 - 13:07
    +1

    I am glad to inform you that credit of AU $128.51 has been credited successfully for the item number and can be verified from your recent transaction history. Unfortunately, we have experienced a few technical difficulties with this promotion which has taken this additional time to process the credits manually.

    Well exactly 4 weeks after the fee was taken from me they've finally confirmed it's being refunded. Multiple emails, multiple live chats. Late last week I sent through an email to [email protected] with the complaint and the case numbers from Consumer Protection WA and ACCC so whether or not that aided in something being done I don't know.

    • tezza on 28/06/2021 - 13:47

      Im still in the "escalated" queue.

      • MBix on 29/06/2021 - 17:59

        Money is back in my account finally today. Won't be using eBay again unless there is a promotion listed under my actual account at which point I'll take a screenshot of it, a photo of it with me holding up that dates newspaper and a hand drawing of it.

  • Synerg1e on 29/06/2021 - 20:01
    +1

    Man I miss eBay zero FVF fees back in the days.
    Sold over 150 items and never paid a single cent in eBay fees. Now it's just not worth selling on eBay, especially when they take a 10% cut (probably more now, I don't know) on top of PayPal fees (2.6%)

  • bluedufflecoat on 06/07/2021 - 10:04

    I got a C2C payout today. Not sure how they arrived at the amount.

    • tezza on 06/07/2021 - 10:08

      Got mine this morning too, and same with you, I dont know how the amount was worked out.
      For a item I sold, I got charged $13.97 and I got $13.67 back

  • spedohero on 12/07/2021 - 14:43
    +2

    So, I sold another item in eBay through Gumtree promotion. It seems like a Special Promotion credit has automatically applied, however a $0.30 cents per order fee is still charged and non refundable when I checked with the eBay CSR.

    • tezza on 12/07/2021 - 14:51

      That explains why I was short changed the 30c fee. Haven't seen that before

    • MBix on 16/07/2021 - 17:31

      I just sold another thing through the promotion. Charged the fee :( It was a relisted item so maybe that stuffed around with it. Arghhhhhhhhh

      • spedohero on 16/07/2021 - 17:43

        Mine was a new listing.

  • MBix on 27/07/2021 - 22:48
    -1

    Anddddd had a promo on eBay for send your first package free with Sendle. Just got charged $24 anyway. Sweet!

  • Carrera1963 on 24/08/2021 - 10:49

    Same issue with the Gumtree "free final value fees" not applying - raised it via chat, they said I'll get a refund within 15 days.

    • Carrera1963 on 08/09/2021 - 11:08

      I haven't received my refund after 15 days, but my annual eBay Plus $48 has been refunded instead.. go figure!

  • MBix on 08/09/2021 - 13:58
    -1

    Another banner on eBay for 50% off Sendle fees this week, do I dareeeeeeeee :D

  • spedohero on 08/09/2021 - 16:10

    If you are asking for refund on the fees not supposed to be charged its better to ask for a case number so you can follow up. I got all mine refunded eventually though some more than 15 days.

    I also found that if you are using the gumtree ebay promo use computer browser to upload your sale listing not using mobile browser. It will end up eBay charging the fee. I am not sure about the app.

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