Re: Stealth vs Legitimate Accounts
First off. let me say that we have seen - over time - many posts about the days of stealth being over, or the days of stealth being numbered. It has not happened yet. And it probably won't happen. eBay/PayPal/Amazon can make it more difficult for us, to be sure, but unless they are going to fingerprint everyone and demand that you come into an eBay office - in person - to open an account, there will always be loopholes.
I think the OP is confusing what is "normal" vs what works for stealth. This might be the fault of forum users. We are certainly guilty of making statements like: The account should look normal in every way
And that is only partially true. The fact is, we are not trying to make the accounts look "normal" so much as we are trying to avoid sending up any red flags that would bring scrutiny on our accounts. We are trying to make them look as "low risk" as possible. This is just the way it has to be with stealth accounts.
A new account that has some history and then starts selling items that cost a few dollars is less risky to eBay than an account that is new and tries to sell a $3,500 item on the first day. YES, those accounts DO survive, but eBay/PayPal are much more likely to run a credit check on them, or to verify the information given in more detail than they would with a less-risky account.
You also have to understand that the people who make TV ads for eBay are NOT the same people running their risk management department. The TV ad people are trying to bring as many new users to eBay as possible. The Risk Management people are trying to shield eBay/PayPal from any undue risk.
It is just like the car commercials you see on TV: Lease a brand new Accord today for just $209 a month!
In tiny print at the bottom of the screen, it tells you that this payment is based on a rate of interest available to "well qualified" purchasers and that your actual rate may vary. In other words, that $209 monthly payment is only available to 2% of the population. The 2% that has perfect credit with not a SINGLE late payment AND has been at their job for 10+ years AND that owns their home, etc. Most people will pay $300+ per month for that car. Of course, they are not going to highlight that in their ads.
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