Personal v Business - the final verdict

[spursboy]

Hi there,

I was an eBay seller with 100% feedback and over 300 stars. We have worked incredibly hard to achieve such a status, always making sure that our customers came away happy and addressing any disputes promptly.

Over the past year, we've encountered some serious issues with eBay and PayPal regarding account suspensions and limitations. We supplied them with all the information that they requested, but after countless phone calls, in which they appeared to not know the cause of the problems (and even commended us for our honesty and eco-friendly business model!), the accounts remain suspended and limited. We decided to use a third PERSONAL account, that being a relative's, and for a good six months, it ran itself. However, we received an e-mail a week ago regarding a limitation, so we sent PayPal all of the requested documentation again... only for them to inform us that the account would be closed down!

My soulsearching has led me to these forums, to the point that I considered purchasing an account, but instead I chose to go down the route of checking out the stealth guide, so I could make my own account(s). I've managed to do all of the prerequisites, but I'm now at a critical juncture, which is where you lovely people (hopefully) come in

1. Is there any discernible differences between a personal and business account for both eBay and PayPal? Upon review of my account, I gave them my business address and registration number, but it was to no avail.

2. For the purposes of avoiding any links, would it be worth registering a new company with Companies House, or am I still able to use my existing business information? Alternatively, would it best for us to stay as a personal seller until further notice?

3. I'm aware that I cannot use any of my previous branding, but can I at least use the listing descriptions, or tweak them even just a tiny bit? Also, I'm assuming that I can't rush to relist my items? One or two a day is fine with me.

I guess my query simply boils down to which type of account best suits us, and what poses the least amount of risk. I'm curious as to how scrutinous PayPal are when it comes to analysing business information. As you can imagine, it's all pretty gut-wrenching at the moment.

Many thanks for your help!

[Kiroshi]

I really hope you get back on track. It can be a very dark time.

[rsot]

Welcome to the forums - all the best as your learn stealth

[JamesNorth101]

1 - There are differences between business and personal accounts on EB and PP. It will depend on how you want to run the account.
2 - The old account and stealth account cannot share any information.
3 - Your description needs to be different.. Pictures need to be brand new

You have to avoid it any sort of linking between the new account and the old account.

[aspkin]

I suggest personal stealth accounts for now, spreading your sales over multiple accounts at the very least to lessen your risk.. the usual stealth stuff.

As for business accounts.. I like them. They're great if you want to take an account to the next level. It just depends on how you want to use your accounts. You'll want to have more than one account that's for sure..

[jjohnson777]

Took me years after PayPal limited me day two of 75 day hospital stay after a stroke for me to recover financially (as matter fact did not return to and than exceeded my pre-stroke income until this year). My income dropped 90% by time got out of hospital. Thankfully once found this site and within few months figured it out my income started it slow recovery. Thankfully my income from my own sites but PayPal is still 90% of my income.