Is it worth the risk?

froyofan · #1 12-20-2011

I have an aged (2.5 yrs) eBay that I haven't really been using steadily until recently. I want to sell a lot of goods but I have a 100 item / 5k limit and once I reach it I'm optimistic that they'll up my limit since my account is in good standing.
Well except for that 21 day PayPal hold, but I called and they told me they'd fully reinstate my account in 3 weeks if I have a good DSR.

The thing is that I really need the money so even if they increase my limit to $6500/mo that's still not enough. So I was looking into buying a TRS account & paypal or an aged one with no limits to use as I build my main to TRS status.

I would be extremely careful using a VPN for everything. With all the security measures I'm taking is the risk still big enough that it's not worth it?

GreenBean · #2 12-20-2011

What?

Are you planing to throw your account away?

A VPN is rarely required for the USA, rarely. There are other options.

I sincerely hope you are not thinking of using this account with those imported goodies from China.

http://www.aspkin.com/forums/shippin...-china-us.html

From your sketchy details, I'll not be any more encouraging to suggest your plan will succeed.
Sorry, better I tell you from the start rather than say you'll be fine.

rsot · #3 12-20-2011

Welcome to the forums. Avoid the VPN - use proper IPs or dial-up. All the best. Listen to GB - she is wise.

suomis.ima · #4 12-20-2011

Why you guys are saying to stay away from VPN? I'm confused, because I've just created one stealth LT account by my own and have bought canadian one from this forum. I was planning to use VPN on both, but now..I'm confused, because it is not a first time, when I hear to stay away from VPN. What's is wrong with it?

P.S. All accounts will be controlled from Lithuania.

jeffweico · #5 12-20-2011

If you are selling counterfeits, then eBay will shut you down as soon as they get complaints (and they WILL). Stealth will not change that.

However, assuming your products are legitimate, you DO have a good chance of keeping your accounts IF you fully understand stealth. Your question regarding the VPN leads me to believe that you don't. And that will lead to lost accounts no matter if you buy them or make them yourself.

Get the eBay stealth guide. Seriously, it covers all of the details (there are too many to go over in a forum post) and then ask any questions about anything you don't understand. I DO NOT OWN THE FORUM AND I DO NOT BENEFIT IF YOU PURCHASE THIS! It helped me greatly, which is why I recommend it.

One of the best things stealth has done for me was to make me realize just how dicey it is to rely on eBay for your income. At any time, even though you have done NOTHING wrong, eBay OR PayPal can shut you down if you trip their theoretical risk models. Many new users have posted their stories here of how yesterday they were making $75k per year selling on eBay and today, that just dropped to ZERO. The cannot believe it happened to them. They listen to us, but still believe in their heart of hearts that eBay made a mistake and will re-instate them since they TRULY have done nothing wrong.

The sad fact is, it does not matter. No, it is not fair and no, it is not logical. And once eBay or PayPal make such a decision, they RARELY reverse themselves. They have every right to do this, it is all in the user agreement you signed. So, you can speak with an attorney if you want to, but NO, you WILL NOT "own" eBay once "your lawyers" are done with them. YOU do not have lawyers. eBay has LOTS of lawyers. Sorry, but that is reality. Just google "ebay ruined me" or similar phrases and you will see tens of thousands of such sad stories.

Stealth is the answer. By spreading your sales over many accounts (I would say 10 is average) the limits will not be as much of an issue. Best of all, eBay will NOT likely be able to shut down 100% of your business with one keystroke. And that brings a peace of mind that is PRICELESS!

**aspkin** · #6 12-20-2011

There is risk involved when using a VPN. Proxy VPNs are no good and will get your account banned. It's a roll of the dice sometimes. IPs are also reused with multiple clients.

That's why we say stick to traditional internet options if you can.

However VPN is still viable, just be wary of the risks.

suomis.ima · #7 12-20-2011

Very appreciate what you've wrote here. I'm already own stealth guide and already read it once. It seems I need to do that one more time and this time more slowly. I agree that everything what every newbie need to know about "stealth" are covered on it, but (if I good remember) one, very important thing to complete the puzzle is missing. I'm talking about how to safely withdraw/cash out your money from stealth accounts? This question are still killing me, because I'm still don't know the right answer. Shame on me, is that is answered in stealth guide, but if not, please give me (us) the correct direction/answer where it will be covered. I've tried to search for that here, but nothing particular has been found. This topic is most important for me right know, because I still can't see whole picture properly.

jeffweico · #8 12-20-2011

I am not sure of how the financial system functions in Lithuania, but here in the USA we use regular bank accounts to withdraw funds. Bank accounts in the USA are easily obtainable. Some users have used prepaid MasterCard or VISA with a bank account attached to withdraw.

The key is to know which banks will not care if a deposit comes in under a name different than your own.

Maybe another user from Lithuania will chime in?

rsot · #9 12-20-2011

You must research a VPN service that is not widely banned. There are posts around here that indicate potential services if you search it.

suomis.ima · #10 12-20-2011

I've heard somewhere this money withdraw scheme for international users:

1. Day 1, send PP invoice from your real PP account to your stealth one with description, that the invoice is for any service done, such as Website Template Design #234

2. Day 2, Paid that invoice from your stealth PP account

3. Day 3, Withdraw paid amount from your real PP to your credit card

And do like that one time per week for 300GBP

What are your thoughts guys about this? How it looks in PayPal eyes?

oompaloompa · #11 12-20-2011

people do it. Sums of around £300 pw? maybe....you are likely to get hit with limitation at some point but if you have the right evidence and they do not suspect you are passing it around to yourself, then maybe...

holyhell · #12 12-20-2011

Jeffweico is preachin' it loud and clear. Polite and concise, and very informative. And it was nice to see the boss chime in as well. Pay very close attention to their words.

GreenBean · #13 12-20-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by suomis.ima

Why you guys are saying to stay away from VPN? I'm confused, because I've just created one stealth LT account by my own and have bought canadian one from this forum. I was planning to use VPN on both, but now..I'm confused, because it is not a first time, when I hear to stay away from VPN. What's is wrong with it?

P.S. All accounts will be controlled from Lithuania.

Noone here would recommend a user based in the USA to use VPN. Realistically there is no need.

Overseas users attempting to try ebay.com are another matter.

One reading of eBay Stealth would be of little good.