What to do for getting merchant account

[Recherché]

I want to go with a merchant account on eBay. But don't they have a rule you have to have 100 positive feedback scores to apply for merchant account? If you go stealth like I will, how can you get around that?

[proudpapa4]

I don't remember about the 100 positive feedback but I do believe they will require you to show merchant account documentation.

[veggiegymrat]

hmmm, I just read this on wikipedia regarding ebay:

eBay announced that starting in March 2008, eBay had added to this requirement that all sellers with fewer than 100 feedbacks must offer PayPal and no merchant account may be used as an alternative.

[GreenBean]

^^^self-defeating. Accepting money on an unverified account then refunding brings the account under scrutiny. paypal will limit the account. Why bother? Make the account workable form the start. Think outside the BIG square.Seriously anyone has to do this to stay on ebay/paypal.

[TigerLord]

What people do is put in a ⊗⊗⊗⊗ gmail address for their paypal address so it appears they accept it and put in their listing something like WAIT FOR OUR INVOICE TO PAY! and then send an invoice using your merchant's cart manager...

[getaroundebay]

I liked do that #4, but you cannot list now without the email address being a valid paypal email....

[TigerLord]

Well I guess you could put in some unverified paypal address then? if someone pays right away anyway, then simply refund them and ask to to repay through the invoice.

[leahpet]

Originally Posted by TigerLord

Well I guess you could put in some unverified paypal address then? if someone pays right away anyway, then simply refund them and ask to to repay through the invoice.

It's been a while since anyone posted on this thread but, I was wondering if this works...? If you say you accept PP to trick eBay but then refund people's money if they pay with PP and send them an invoice from your merchant account, won't they just rat you out and get you shut down almost immediately? I just need to sell a few things without using PP and then I will use some of that money to buy a pre '07 account and use my merchant account.

PP is holding several thousand dollars in my account and probably won't release it for 6 months so, it will be a cold day in hell before I give them another dime. They have ruined my family's Christmas this year even though all of my customers got their items and are happy!!!

Basically I'm up a creek. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[leahpet]

Originally Posted by GreenBean

^^^self-defeating. Accepting money on an unverified account then refunding brings the account under scrutiny. paypal will limit the account. Why bother? Make the account workable form the start. Think outside the BIG square.Seriously anyone has to do this to stay on ebay/paypal.

I think GreanBean is saying that it is not a workable solution.

After I figure out a way to make a few sales without PP, Google Checkout, Amazon, or anyone else holding my money I'll definitely buy the eBay Stealth ebook too!