val2525
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Post by val2525 on Sept 7, 2015 16:48:21 GMT
Not. We all know this. We all know eBay discloses seller AND buyer info when requested by either party in the transaction. This is not news, ABC. I guess they ran out of political stories for the week. From ABC: abcnews.go.com/Technology/ebay-disclosed-sellers-personal-information-bidders-change-practice/story?id=33524937From Ina/eCommerceBytes: www.ecommercebytes.com/C/blog/blog.pl?/pl/2015/9/1441596729.htmlPersonally, I think they're both wrong. I have no problem with my info being provided to a buyer after the sale. After all, I can get their info too, so no big deal. As for info on the emails, that info is required by the FTC. eBay has no control on it other than to completely remove the email blast feature. Which, if enough stupid clueless sellers whine about it, eBay may very well do. Sorry. No sympathy. If you're selling reguarly on eBay with items you bought or obtained solely for resale, you're a business. Act like one. Get a PO box or mail service address, and a Google voicemail or cheap cell phone if you don't want personal info made public.
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Post by zoesam on Sept 7, 2015 17:10:55 GMT
I can't believe that's "news".
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Shirley U Geste
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Post by Shirley U Geste on Sept 7, 2015 17:15:17 GMT
FTLOG people sure like to get their knickers in a twist over the stupidest things.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Sept 7, 2015 17:36:13 GMT
I posted in the eBay Linked In group that I think eBay should NOT cave into ABC. I'd like to see more transparency, not less. Most of the sellers in the group have posted basically the same thought.
But Ina's article is the one that bothers me. The address on the email blasts is required by Federal law. If you'd read the emails you send out when you use the email service, you'd see that on the very first one. It's been posted many, many times on the eBay forums to use a PO box/mail address and voicemail number if you don't want your home info public. That is one whiny seller who wrote that. If her sales are supporting her family, she's a business. She needs to start thinking like one.
Plus, something I didn't think to mention, if you register for a biz license as required by some cities, OR if you have a physical shop, that info is public record when you register for the required licenses.
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Shirley U Geste
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Post by Shirley U Geste on Sept 7, 2015 18:06:59 GMT
I have to laugh the responses bitching about their 'private' info.
When you are selling your name, address and phone number are NOT private. They need to be out there for customer security.
I bet you dollars to donuts that the ones bitching the most are not paying taxes on their sales and are afraid that will be found out.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
Posts: 30,830
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Post by val2525 on Sept 7, 2015 18:12:31 GMT
Wouldn't surprise me.
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Post by titus730 on Sept 7, 2015 18:31:27 GMT
The Kardashians and Duggars have been laying low so nothing to report on Good Morning America. Let's have a morning news show where we devote 20 minutes to news and the remainder of the two hours to gossip and fluff. Another instance of the dumbing down of the USA.
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Post by Pantlandia on Sept 7, 2015 18:35:21 GMT
I hate Ina's site. Most of the time it's a big to-do about nothing. And the lemmings (if we are cheerleaders, they are lemmings) come out of the woodwork to use that as a chance to bash eBay. I would venture to guess that less than 1% of the people who hate eBay have legitimate gripes, the other 99% couldn't run a business if their life depended on it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2015 20:50:42 GMT
This is just flat out ridiculous. Are we just learning to use the internet or are we seasoned buyers and sellers....who in their right mind thinks their information is private during a transaction. I could not resist posting on Ina's site.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
Posts: 30,830
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Post by val2525 on Sept 7, 2015 23:05:19 GMT
I hate Ina's site. Most of the time it's a big to-do about nothing. And the lemmings (if we are cheerleaders, they are lemmings) come out of the woodwork to use that as a chance to bash eBay. I would venture to guess that less than 1% of the people who hate eBay have legitimate gripes, the other 99% couldn't run a business if their life depended on it. Not to mention it's usually the same negative nellies beotching about eBay on every single article.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Sept 8, 2015 1:12:34 GMT
Yeah, it's the same old hacks pissing and moaning in the comments, and they say the same thing over and over - kind of like the newspaper comments which are also the same bunch of knuckleheads who never shut up and post over and over - life must be dull living in mom's basement.
Having said that, I like Ina's blog because it helps me keep up, some of the stuff I wouldn't know about if it weren't written up. I don't always agree with it, and I agree some of it is a tempest in a teapot, but they report everything (and they do need stay 'above the fold' so some histrionics are expected) so it's another source of news for me.
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Post by SA on Sept 8, 2015 2:56:19 GMT
Oh geez!
Is this reporter just realizing that this is.......GASP......possible? There are sellers that are just now realizing this is possible?
And a package has to have a return address in order to be delivered (if the post office is paying attention anyways). Your address is on the return label so it's not like it's top secret information. Don't want it out there? Pay for a PO box.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Sept 8, 2015 3:24:56 GMT
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Post by jellybeanscloset412 on Sept 8, 2015 14:16:45 GMT
Amazon leaked the story! LOL
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Post by unknown on Sept 8, 2015 14:42:23 GMT
I have no problem if I'm in a transaction with someone. If they've just bid on something? Nope, no reason for it.
negative nellie lemming
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2015 15:20:24 GMT
I read this a little differently. Of course buyers/sellers should & do have access to each other's info - this should not be news & anyone who doesn't realize this, well....
But I read it as the problem they are pointing out is that any bidder at any time (regardless of whether the auction is completed or they actually win) can request all of your info.
I have mixed feelings about this. Several years ago I had a bidder make a single bid on several items, request info, then cancel all their bids. Several people in my state came forward on the boards and complained about this. At the time bidder's names were not hidden & you could see that they had done this to a ton of id's in my state. It was obvious they were looking for someone or gathering names in a specific area.
I think this was intrusive, not what the policy was intended for, & it did make me uncomfortable.
*edited for clarity
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Post by RetroMonde on Sept 8, 2015 16:55:55 GMT
Yeah, it said "bidder" not buyer. Of course the reporter might not have known there was a difference. Bidders DON'T need our personal info. If someone wants my address, pay up sucker.
If we're selling online or in a B&M, our "personal" info is available to anyone that knows how to search. Privacy is a quaint concept of days gone past. As to the addys in email blasts, it's totally because of the EU laws.
I enjoy reading EC and look forward to it in my email. The commenters can be predictable and negative about eBay but I value their comments for an often different perspective than my own. Many make valid tho negative points that hadn't occurred to me. And other venues are covered so it's valuable news for me.
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Post by zoesam on Sept 9, 2015 1:15:52 GMT
I have no problem if I'm in a transaction with someone. If they've just bid on something? Nope, no reason for it. negative nellie lemming totally agree with you there. I don't believe BIDDERS should have the ability to gain our info. But it does send you their info when they ask, so it's a bit of a check & balance. There's no reason to change anything abt the way it's done with buyers, but I'd like to see it go away with bidders.
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Post by chapeaunoir on Sept 9, 2015 3:25:42 GMT
But I read it as the problem they are pointing out is that any bidder at any time (regardless of whether the auction is completed or they actually win) can request all of your info.
I think that's the bit that eBay said it's changing.
Ugh - that reader who stated that he likes to contact sellers for off-ebay transactions - does that mean he pesters people by PHONE?
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Post by mupcycledcouture on Sept 9, 2015 4:30:19 GMT
I agree 100% that someone I am in a transaction with needs to have my contact with. But this issue does appear to be if someone is BIDDING on an item, not just purchased.
I would rather they not unless they are a serious buyer, but I also agree that this is not news and if I was that concerned I would get a PO box.
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Post by unknown on Sept 9, 2015 12:19:45 GMT
It didn't used to be that way. It 'used to be' you could only get info if you had a transaction with someone (and that's not a bid) and it's within 2 weeks or a month of the date of transaction. Too bad they're so sneaky with changes cause there's no way to look back on when things changed. There used to be a guy on the net who did comparisons of AUPs and TOSs and posted the changes with dates so you could quickly see what really changed and when. I would bet even ebay doesn't have that anywhere.
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Post by unknown on Sept 9, 2015 12:29:35 GMT
And not everyone who sells on ebay is a 'business'.
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Post by RetroMonde on Sept 9, 2015 15:57:06 GMT
Yeah, it I was a casual seller of lingerie or other "personal-type" items I'd prefer that someone not get the info until I was in an actual transaction with them. But if that was me, I'd maybe want a PO box. And it just just occurred to me that I'm in that situation... me & my Sis just opened a lingerie store on Bonanza or ?? and should think about getting a small PO box for ourselves after we test the waters. Hmm.
Sandra
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2015 0:09:51 GMT
Whether you purchase an item or not you can find out a business' information on their website. Why should eBay be any different? Do we honestly want them to make exceptions because it could be a housewife/husband/mate or something? That would be more condescending, instead treat us like businesses and if you are concerned do what you need to do (i.e. a PO Box, PMB, Mail forwarder, cell phone, private message service, etc.) to keep your personal information out of your business. The two need to be separate.
If we want to be taken seriously we need to act accordingly and pick our battles. Gripe about fees, placement, sales, etc. but not about your business phone number or address you chose to use being released Since 2007 it has been required that information be included with email ads. You can opt out of the emails and take the loss of business instead of getting a simple PO Box, but if you are here to make money thats not exactly the best choice.
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Post by unknown on Sept 10, 2015 15:41:46 GMT
Whether you purchase an item or not you can find out a business' information on their website. Why should eBay be any different? Do we honestly want them to make exceptions because it could be a housewife/husband/mate or something? That would be more condescending, instead treat us like businesses and if you are concerned do what you need to do (i.e. a PO Box, PMB, Mail forwarder, cell phone, private message service, etc.) to keep your personal information out of your business. The two need to be separate. If we want to be taken seriously we need to act accordingly and pick our battles. Gripe about fees, placement, sales, etc. but not about your business phone number or address you chose to use being released Since 2007 it has been required that information be included with email ads. You can opt out of the emails and take the loss of business instead of getting a simple PO Box, but if you are here to make money thats not exactly the best choice.
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Post by unknown on Sept 10, 2015 15:46:49 GMT
Whether you purchase an item or not you can find out a business' information on their website. Why should eBay be any different? Do we honestly want them to make exceptions because it could be a housewife/husband/mate or something? That would be more condescending, instead treat us like businesses and if you are concerned do what you need to do (i.e. a PO Box, PMB, Mail forwarder, cell phone, private message service, etc.) to keep your personal information out of your business. The two need to be separate. Yes, business needs to be separate than a private individual. I am a private individual. I am not a business. Saying that I should get a PO box, mail forwarder, cell phone, service, etc, to keep my private information private is rediculous. That's a business write off for YOU, business owners, not for a private individual. Say I made $300 this year - no taxes, nuttin. But you want me to spend a good chunk of that for cell phone, PO Boxes, etc, when ebay thinks what some mostly bogus user ID buys is more confidential than where a single woman who lives alone lives?? Fark no! NOT EVERYONE IS A BUSINESS. I AM NOT A BUSINESS. "we' means more than just 'everyone who is just like me'.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2015 18:26:41 GMT
I respect your opinion. Once you sell something for profit it is a business no matter how small and you are supposed to not only claim the income but follow the rules. Since 2007 it is required on email (which is what the complaint is in the article), but like I said you can opt out of email advertising and now you protect your privacy. Opt out and its now private again, your exposure to bidders is also lessened. Its a personal choice though. If I had to use a home address I might opt out as well. You do not have to get a PO box, but you can't have your information kept private AND expect to advertise. There is no exception to the rules because someone isn't a corporation. KWIM.
Even on personal transactions, like using eBay as an online garage sale, consider this: When you have a garage sale in person, the people have your address and they come and shop. When you host a garage sale online, the people don't get your address until they bid so fair is fair. You get their address also, so it is for when you are involved in a transaction. There is no "except for me" clause in the laws regarding advertising through email.
I just don't agree that this is an eBay problem, I think the people upset by it want the business perk of advertising and not the pay the price for it. Yes, the PO Box, an office rent, etc. costs money. Why should a small business like mine have to pay it so I can be legal, and and even smaller business get to assume they should be the exception? And worse yet, pull out the woman and single card as a reason. No offense, I get it because I was a single woman who ran a business for a long time (off eBay and this one on eBay). Now I'm not single, but it makes no difference, its a business and I expect no helping hand for being female.
I'm sure many disagree and that's ok, but in my eyes we are all equal and I shouldn't expect special treatment for being; single, female, any special religion, sexual preference, race, small time seller, big volume seller, etc. Its not a compliment, I would consider it an insult if it were offered (and it has been) through minority business organizations. I refuse the helping hand since I do not consider my sex or my ethnicity to be a disability. I may be strange, but I am fine with who I am and play by the rules whatever they may be LOL.
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val2525
Chaos Manager
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Post by val2525 on Sept 11, 2015 5:14:38 GMT
The eBay member who wrote the letter to Ina stated that:
I frequently send out announcements when I set a sale or promotion. I decided to look at my complete announcement that went out and I scrolled all the way to the bottom. To my shock, my complete address was listed beneath eBay's address!
Why in the world does eBay need to print my complete address? The city and state would suffice if need be. So, people who follow me and may have never bought anything from me, now have my personal home address! I'm sure many other sellers work from home too.
She's definitely a business. She needs to suck it up and learn the rules. And in this case, the rules from the FTC - not eBay - require that sender info be included in promotional emails.
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val2525
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Post by val2525 on Sept 11, 2015 5:17:47 GMT
IMO, if one is a single female living alone, one should look at using a PO Box or mailing address even if one is not a business nor self-employed. Why give that info out to anyone? And yes, I'm single, I live alone, and I have used a separate mailing address in the past and will do so again.
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Post by SA on Sept 11, 2015 11:29:50 GMT
Say I made $300 this year - no taxes, nuttin. I thought we had to file taxes for all money? Schedule C Even if it were only $300?
I get that you don't want the information out there and that you're "not a business", you're an individual seller. I think there is so much information already out there on the internet. And someone pointed out the whole yard sale, etc aspect.
I guess it just doesn't bother me.
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