I'm unsure on how they decide holds or exactly what triggers them but for example on 2 of my stealthy accounts, here is how they worked for me. acct #1: listed low price items to start ($1 to $15 items) all auctions, at 15 positive feedback I began to list items ($25 to $75) BIN and on 3rd sale of an item in this range, got hit with a 21-day hold on the least expensive of the 3 items. Just the one hold and never had any other holds. I emailed buyer after entering tracking info and pleaded for good feedback once they received item. As soon as they left feedback, hold was released within approx. 24 hours or less. acct #2 listed similar low priced items to start - all auctions, got to 30 positive feedback and began to list ($25 to $75 items) BIN. Sold 15 items priced at $33 quickly (before christmas) and every single one of them hit with 21-day holds. Only 2 have been released due to feedback, the rest have never given feedback even after begging basically.
These 21-day holds finally release here in a few days. 
So, what triggers holds? I have no idea  My Rant to end 2009
All you ebay buyers - you all suck if you dont leave feedback for sellers. It is your duty to rate your purchase. Ebay/Paypal makes us cater to you 100% and you hold more power than a buyer should. If you dont hesitate to leave negative feedback, be fair and leave positive when transaction is good!
Elvis has now left the building :D
 | 
21 day paypal hold 
tanding ovation:::::::::::::::::: But, in all fairness to the buyers...think of them as 5 year olds who are in a department store pulling everything off the shelves and destroying the isles. If the mama ignores them and just continues on her way and admonishes those that point out the 5 year olds transgressions...she TURNS on them rather than discipline the 5 year old...who can you REALLY blame?
