The Proxy Debate

[doL]

I've read countless pages, dated and relatively new, on the debate of using proxies. There are a lot of users that both state that it could/can be dangerous and other users swear by it. I suppose the intent of thread is to get a new look into what people think of using proxies for the purpose of multiple stealth accounts.

I guess some quick background. I'm quite new to the forum (as you can see). Just bought Stealth yesterday and stopped when I read that proxies are not recommended. I stopped and came here to research. I have one account that is currently in critical danger due to the 200/20k threshold (which I was unaware of until reading this forum). I've been using a "bulletproof" proxy, virgin, dedicated, not cheap, but not expensive. I haven't had any issues, but that doesn't mean that I never will. I understand that a good amount of proxy providers are known to eBae/PP and could put the account at risk.

TLDR: Pros and Cons of using private/dedicated proxies? What kind of repercussions take place if they believe you are using a proxy (I think I read somewhere that they request more information prior to setting up the account, cc number etc)?

Thanks in advance.

[JamesNorth101]

Correctly chosen VPN works well and it know to not have issue so why not just stick with that?

[doL]

I've thought about using VPNs and still consider them my secondary option outside of proxies, but with what I sell, I'm constantly having to switch from my desktop to the VPN, in order to access specific hardware here in my office. Kind of a pain in the arse, but if it's considered the safest, I'll probably end up making the sacrifice of ease for safety.

[wtfebay]

I use a VPN and have access to a plethora of IP addresses that I choose myself and i have had no issues. Most IP addresses that I choose have had no other users on them.

[empirestate]

If your method works don't change it.

[doL]

Hrm, something I just thought of... When purchasing shipping labels through eBay, are you able to print through VPN?

[jeffweico]

I have used VPN's and VPS's but with Dedicated IP addresses.

Proxies - as in the ones that people sell access to that are open, do not work, at least not in my experience. First, they need to be Socks 5, then you are gambling on whether or not they have been used before for mischief on eBay/PayPal/Amazon. I much prefer Dedicated IP's from the RIGHT providers.

I don't know if you can print postage from eBay on a VPN as I use ShipStation for all of the automation it provides.

[doL]

Originally Posted by jeffweico

I don't know if you can print postage from eBay on a VPN as I use ShipStation for all of the automation it provides.

I've never used an outside shipping source before, so please excuse my ignorance, but do you use a single ShipStation account for all of your EB/PP accounts? I guess I'm not sure how it's integrated into their systems, which would probably tell me more of how to operate. Thanks for the info, I'll need to check this out.

[doL]

lol this was the reply from my proxy provider when asked about how bulletproof their ips were for the use of multiple ebay/pp accounts:

'i recommend to create a new virtual machine using a virtualization software like vmware for every new account you are going to create, also to change the vm time to math the proxy timezone, use proxifier to avoid any real ip leaks and use firefox as your browser.
after creating the account you will have to keep the cookies'

They seem to know a bit... :P

[ebayerOG]

its going to be vital to keep a log of IPs if you plan on managing multiple accounts off the same proxy provider

like others, I personally would never mess with anything but dedicated

[jeffweico]

Originally Posted by doL

lol this was the reply from my proxy provider when asked about how bulletproof their ips were for the use of multiple ebay/pp accounts:

'i recommend to create a new virtual machine using a virtualization software like vmware for every new account you are going to create, also to change the vm time to math the proxy timezone, use proxifier to avoid any real ip leaks and use firefox as your browser.
after creating the account you will have to keep the cookies'

They seem to know a bit... :P

I stand by my thoughts on Dedicated IP's. Cookies can be deleted and you are talking about jumping through WAY TOO MANY technical hoops to get this to work correctly. VPN's cost about $7 or $8 per month and VPS's go for $10 - $15 for a DECENT provider. I would rather pay that than forget step #142 and lose an account because I screwed up and was too cheap to pay for the VPS/VPN.

[123]

VMware is good to use in general, it just makes thing more convenient. Would much more recommend a VPN or VPS over a proxy for long term success. Especially if you combine VMware with VPN then can be running 10 computers at once with 10 different ips etc

[rsot]

Don't forget the power of dongles and cellphone tethering as well OP...

[doL]

I guess I prefer proxies because it's what I've worked with in the past/present. I don't know much about VPN/VPS to feel comfortable. My concerns with adding an additional step in shipping labels, having to log into a different system that isn't my own, etc. I ordered a dedicated VPN to do some testing.

Your advice is appreciated. I'm sure in the long run I'll end up switching once I know more of what I'm doing. So, your advice has not been given in vein.

[wtfebay]

I log into my VPN client, do ebay/paypal/print and done. It changes your IP information...why would you lose functionability like being able to print?

[123]

Originally Posted by wtfebay

I log into my VPN client, do ebay/paypal/print and done. It changes your IP information...why would you lose functionability like being able to print?

Yeah I didn't understand that part either, I print while on VPN as well

[doL]

Originally Posted by wtfebay

I log into my VPN client, do ebay/paypal/print and done. It changes your IP information...why would you lose functionability like being able to print?

Ok, this is good. I wasn't aware that you can still use the print functionalities while on VPN. I'm a complete newbie as it pertains to VPNs. I've only used them at work on occasion.

Good to know I can still use my label printer without issues.