posted on October 17, 2000 10:08:08 AM new
[i]It is my distinct impression that eBay Sellers CAN operate in the exact same way, so I do not know why people protest.
Any eBay Seller can state as their TOS, "I only accept credit card payments through eBay's Billpoint." OR, to simply eliminate ANY fraudulent cc use, simply state in your auction that payment is via Billpoint e-check, only. [/i]
In my opinion, that is in no way comparable to requiring bidders to have a credit card on file before bidding.
First, I don't care what form of payment buyers use. I find the credit card on file restriction that they have at Yahoo attractive because it in no way restricts the type of payment that could be used for an auction. But it does help insure that all bidders are serious.
Second, as everyone knows, putting something in your terms in no way assures that it will be followed, or even read. This is particularly true with pranksters. If anything, such things in your TOS without any way of enforcing it prior to the close of the auction probably make it more likely that you will get stung.
Before Yahoo required a credit card on file for all bidders, it was a seller's option to choose this. I would like to see eBay do the same thing. For ALL sellers.
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All rights reserved. All wrongs reversed.
posted on October 17, 2000 11:47:44 AM new
The word MUST - is an option for the vendor, it appears. It certainly does NOT apply to the advertiser. In other words, ebay and the like are taking advantage of the fact that they are a DOUBLE BREASTED BUSINESS. Those who don't know what that means - here is an example: When you call a termite company for inspection so you can sell your home... they write up all the defects, etc. and THEN, offer an estimate for repairs... How did this happen?? They came to give you a report on the condition of sale, right?? Well not sure of all states but in CA, they have the right to bid on the job.
As for auctions-- they BEGAN as a vendor for our ADVERTISEMENTS of our goods. They have now metomorphised (sp) into our benefactor of HOW to sell our goods. I have always believed there was a legal issue here.
California flea mkts ALREADY require resale# which is an insult for those who are emptying their garage, or selling Grammas's stuff, but we have to live with it - since this is one of the greediest states in USA. Some get around it as a "one time" seller.
However, if I go to a Flea Mkt vendor to sell goods, they have NO RIGHT to insist that only people with CC may enter my booth, therefore protecting me from any fraud. However, if they add a feature that THEY offer CC services it would be as I see it, a DOUBLE BREASTED/VESTED interest in my business. Of course, I can choose not to do business with them, but suppose the next Flea Mkt is 50 miles away???
I am all in favor for taking a "byte" out of crime -- and dislike fraud in any form, but when our individual choices are infringed, ---it is a legal issue!
As for Resale # c'mon--- that would have to include garage sales, newspaper ads for goods and eventually, any private sale for anything. Those who are on this board who run a fulltime shop type business, yes-- they already have the resale# and for sure, -- they PASS THIS COST on to the customer - no doubt about it.
The minute you apply for a resale # you are on record with your state AND-- they NEVER believe that you only sold under 100.00 in state (even if you did) so you are open to audit at all times.. The only way out of this is to NOT sell in your state at all. IOW, "not available in CA"
Isn't this a fine mess..........one big PAPER TRAIL
