New eBay UK payment and buyer protection policies spark mixed reactions

eBay UK has just flipped the script on private sellers, and not everyone is thrilled about it. As of February 6, 2025, new payment policies mean sellers will no longer have instant access to their money once an item is sold. Instead, eBay will only release funds after confirming that the order has been successfully delivered, with different timelines depending on how the transaction is handled.

In a nutshell, eBay UK is revamping how and when private sellers get paid. Gone are the days of funds appearing in your account shortly after a buyer’s payment is confirmed. Instead, starting February 2025, your sales proceeds will typically land in your eBay balance after the item has been successfully delivered.

For those using tracked delivery services, funds will be available two days after eBay receives confirmation of successful delivery. If a buyer opts for local collection, the money gets released within 24 hours of entering the six-digit confirmation code or scanning the QR code. Items going through eBay’s authenticity guarantee will also have payments released 24 hours after authentication. Those selling through the Global Shipping Programme won’t have to wait too long either, as funds will be available once the item reaches the UK Shipping Centre. But if you’re shipping without tracking, brace yourself for a long wait — your funds will only be accessible 14 days from the order date.

This has some sellers fuming, with worries about relying on buyer honesty and the potential for lost or delayed funds. As one seller put it, “The problem is orders don’t always get marked as delivered so it’ll be 14 days or whatever until you see the money.” Another echoed the sentiment, “And then you have to rely on your buyer being honest…”

Pending funds can still be used to purchase postage labels or issue refunds, but the new system means sellers will need to wait a bit longer to access their cash.

The shift has rattled longtime sellers, some of whom have been on the platform for well over a decade and never had payment issues. Many are frustrated that they now have to rely on Royal Mail’s sometimes questionable tracking system, which doesn’t always update properly, leading to unnecessary delays. Others are concerned about the trust element — if tracking fails to register a delivery, even when the buyer has the item, the seller could be left without their payment.

Notably, there was some confusion in forums on whether these changes apply to new private sellers or to all private sellers, something a company employee has cleared, noting that it affects all private sellers, new and existing.

As if that wasn’t enough, eBay has also tweaked its buyer protection policies. Now, sellers can be automatically forced to issue refunds if a buyer claims an item wasn’t received and the tracking information isn’t sufficient. This policy change has many fuming because it places even more power in buyers’ hands, increasing the potential for fraudulent claims. Some sellers argue that this makes it easier for dishonest buyers to claim non-delivery and walk away with both the item and a refund, while sellers are left scrambling to dispute the case.

Adding to the frustration is the introduction of the Buyer Protection Fee, which is already being rolled out in electronics and will eventually include all eligible categories. This fee is included in the item price buyers see, so there are no surprises at checkout.

eBay says this fee will give buyers more confidence and security. The company suggests that using tracked delivery services and encouraging buyers to confirm receipt will help prevent issues. But for those who have been on the platform for years, the move feels more like a way for eBay to hold onto funds longer, potentially earning interest on balances before paying sellers out.

eBay’s new payment policies are a mixed bag. While they aim to create a safer, more transparent marketplace, they’ve also introduced delays and frustrations for private sellers. Whether these changes will drive sellers away or ultimately improve the platform remains to be seen.

In the meantime, the debate rages on, and a Change.org petition is already gathering steam. One thing’s for sure: eBay UK’s private sellers are a vocal bunch, and they’re not afraid to speak their minds.