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Business Seller News - Autumn 2012

Protecting sellers by making it easier to report a buyer

We appreciate that unreasonable or abusive behaviour by buyers is unwelcome and want your support to identify and take action when it occurs.

That’s why, from October, we’re making it easier to report unreasonable buyer behaviour, so eBay can take the appropriate action.

Based on your report and additional information that eBay has about the buyer, we’ll investigate if there’s a pattern of unreasonable behaviour. If so,
we’ll take appropriate actions, including buying restrictions or even suspension of a buyer’s account.

By reporting problems with buyers, you’re helping to protect your seller account and create a fairer trading environment on eBay.co.uk. We’ll also notify you of any protective actions that affect your account in a monthly seller protection email.

Details

When to report a buyer

From October, you’ll be able to report a buyer you’ve had transactions with for the following reasons:

  • The buyer made unreasonable demands.
  • The buyer left inappropriate Feedback.
  • The buyer abused the eBay Buyer Protection process.
  • The buyer misused returns.
  • The buyer hasn't paid.
  • Other problems.

How to report a buyer

  1. You can easily report a buyer at a number of clearly signposted points, including where you leave Feedback for the buyer. You’ll be able to report a buyer up to 90 days after a transaction.
  2. Select the transaction you want to report as well as your reason for reporting the buyer.
  3. Next, you’ll have the option of writing a report, including as many details as you like. For example, you might want to include screenshots or copies of emails between you and the buyer.
  4. Submit your report.
  5. When your report has been submitted, we’ll notify you by email that it is being processed.
You can report a buyer where you leave Feedback
Select the transaction to report and a reason
Submit your report
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How eBay responds to a report

When we receive your report, it will usually be processed within 1 week.

  1. Your report will be evaluated along with any reports about that buyer from other sellers and any additional information about the buyer.
  2. Depending on what information we’ve available, a decision about what action is appropriate will be made.
  3. We’ll take action as soon as possible, depending on our decision. These actions include educating the buyer to help improve his or her behaviour or issuing a warning, as well as more serious consequences, such as restricting or suspending the buyer’s account.
  4. If a report leads to action against a buyer, Feedback and detailed seller ratings may also be removed from your account. These and other protective actions will be summarised in a monthly email.

Other safeguards to increase the protection of sellers

Find out about the other safeguards protecting eBay sellers:

Frequently asked questions

 

How will I know what actions eBay has taken as a result of a report?

 

What happens if a buyer protection case has been opened?

 

Is there a limit on the number of reports I can make?

 

Can I report the same buyer for multiple reasons in relation to the same transaction?

 

Do I have to give a reason for reporting a buyer?

 

Will sellers have an area on the site to manage their reports on buyers?

 

Can I report a buyer via third-party listing tools?

 

Is there a time limit on when I can report a buyer?

Find help

Report a buyer
Inappropriate Feedback policy
When eBay may remove Feedback
Blocking bidders and buyers