Another ebay post

[Vinca]

I decided to put a few things on ebay in the auction format and a person emailed and asked if I would accept a money order. My first instinct was "sure, why not" and then I remembered ebay's wonderful payment policy that steers everyone to (their) PayPal. After reading the policy, it seemed to me it meant I can't advertise that I accept money orders. It didn't say anything about not accepting them when offered by a bidder. So I told the person it was fine. Has anyone else had any experience with this issue?

[democraticinsurgent]

1. tough call, and possibly risky

I allowed people to send me checks and MO's for a time after the new payment method policy went into effect, but now I tell people they can't. I suspect eBay will use the "mystery shopper" technique to try to trap sellers into violating policies. This email may be an innocent customer inquiry or it could be a trap.

Personally I wouldn't take the risk over payment method because as much as I hate what eBay has done the last few years, i still need the income.

[Vinca]

2. I tried to cover my behind when I replied to the person and said

I had read ebay's policy and it was confusing. Maybe that would save my skin if it's a spy.

[democraticinsurgent]

3. you are probably right

nonetheless, i figure that any buyer on eBay knows, or will learn in a hurry, that checks and money orders are not acceptable payment methods. So am naturally wary of anyone who asks for a bunch of reasons.