Recording summary · January 2017
Why I got banned from selling on Ebay - How not to run a business!
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Overview
Daniel engaged in selling goods on eBay over several years, progressing from charity shop and flea market finds to bulk watches and pens from Hong Kong, and later to Japanese goods.
After attempting unsuccessfully to sell Japanese magazines, Daniel found success reselling knife sharpening stones sourced from Amazon Japan on the UK eBay store for twice the purchase price.
Following around 30 orders in a single day and an inventory shortage on Amazon Japan, Daniel faced delayed shipments and could not fulfill orders or provide immediate refunds.
Approximately 20 to 25 buyers opened cases with eBay, prompting negative feedback, eBay-issued refunds, and negative seller fee balances.
Daniel canceled the pending Amazon Japan orders, retrieved the funds, and repaid eBay the outstanding seller fees.
An eBay representative informed Daniel over the phone of a permanent selling ban due to recent negative history.
Daniel prepared a new seller account, PayPal account, and bank account, but ultimately decided to abandon selling on eBay.
Themes
Early eBay selling efforts involving flea market purchases and bulk items such as pens and defective plastic watches from Hong Kong.
Research into Japanese sellers, an unsuccessful venture with Japanese magazines, and profitable reselling of knife sharpening stones from Amazon Japan to the UK.
Supply chain disruption from Amazon Japan stockouts leading to customer dispute cases, eBay refunds, and account deficits.
Settlement of fees with eBay, communication with eBay customer support, account ban, and the eventual abandonment of reselling.
Developments
Daniel received approximately 30 knife sharpener orders in one day.
Around 20 to 25 buyers opened dispute cases against Daniel on eBay.
eBay issued buyer refunds and registered negative balances for Daniel's seller fees.
Daniel canceled pending orders on Amazon Japan, retrieved the money, and reimbursed eBay for outstanding fees.
An eBay telephone representative informed Daniel of a permanent selling ban.
Daniel established a new bank account, PayPal account, and seller account, but elected not to resume selling.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether sourcing knife sharpeners from Amazon Japan to resell on the UK eBay store remains a viable business model.