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how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

I used to work on ebay around 10 years ago, before MP. The main issue was not getting cases open against you and not holding money on ppl.

Opening acc was piece of cake aslong as you didnt do any linking.. You could realistically run over 50accnts and would lose a few every month which wasnt a problem..

How hard is it to run ebay in 2026 and especially if you need multiple accnts (assume 5 lost per month)? and how different is it with MP? Id like feedback from someone who knows old system prior to MP and can compare to the current one..

Much appreciate

Thanks

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

Harder then ever ,10 years ago there was practically no security on the internet , best time ever for every kind of activity

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

It's doable still for sure.... like you said, avoid getting cases opened and if there is a case, solve it asap, ship asap and such.

But the problem is also the new AI that they deployed that could cause havoc for no good reason.

I recommend you try it again honestly specially you also have the knowledge from pre adyen.

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

They've curbed a lot of the issues that sellers used to face with buyers.

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

it is harder but not in the sense that you can not open accounts at all , you just can not open many accounts anymore within a reasonable period of time

so opening and developing 50 accounts today would take you 2-3 years in the best case scenario

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

Obviously it is more difficult than before as all round security online has improved, but it is still possible to run 50 accounts per month, you just need to be extra careful and not do exactly the same thing on every account, device fingerprinting is getting more complex from security companies that's why registering with real details still causes bans.

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

Keep your selling performance above average most importantly (fast shipping, no issues), don't sell rubbish products, have the ability to pass security checks and you will be fine.

Definitely more steps these days, but it's still possible.

I run multiple accounts myself with no issue..

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

nowadays it is hard to start , this is what changed in the recent years. the actual process of running accounts is about the same as before if the account is established and not at risk of random suspensions

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

True that, looks that way - the start is definitely way more difficult to overcome for the stealth account setup.

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

I would disagree, a genuine new user to ebay will have no issues getting on ebay and selling, they will of course pass the verification steps with selfie if required and their own bank accounts attached.

The issue is with stealth accounts, this is not impossible just requires a few extra quality steps.

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

there are lots of suspensions in the first 6 months of accounts opening and that is orders of magnitude stricter comparing to what was before 2020

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

Not necessarily, my friend in Germany had his legit account insta banned after listing one item (nvidia graphics card couple hundred bucks) without explanation, never used ebay before that, all legit details etc., they really are strict on how you start selling and what you sell.

They also consistently monitor your account with AI algorithms, any slight change in seller activity will most likely result in a red banner verification check.. Used to be more relaxed back in the days.

So definitely more steps these days.

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

A lot can depend on the first listing...nvidia graphics card would be trouble

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

Yep.. Point being even regular users must build trust during the probationary period. Very important to build a strong foundation to display trust..

Re: how hard is it to run ebay in 2026?
 

Like paying for return shipping?
Buyer always have the upperhand,if they cant win on Ebay,they go to their cc issuer.