BEFORE YOU READ (Update 20/03/08)
Please be aware, that the below guidelines will apply for every account you open. Now ebay requires a VERIFIED paypal account to be linked to every ebay account if you want to sell, it means that for every ebay account that gets suspended, you will need a new verified paypal account, thus needing to open a new bank account. So, think carefully before you setup your new account, read through ALL of the guidelines on the forum regarding clearing cookies, changing IP address, email address, etc. THEN proceed with my guide :)
Okay mantisinc, hit me with the info...
Hi guys,
I have seen a lot of success stories for opening a new US eBay accounts, but haven't heard any for UK. Well, I thought I would share how I did it, for the rest of the Brits having problems opening their account. Seems there are only a few Brits on here, so thought it would certainly be worth sharing how to go about it.
The first steps have already been discussed, so I won't repeat them. Includes changing IP address, creating new email account, entering address details, etc. Just do a forum search for them.
Then, set up an account with
Prepaid Virtual VISA Cards by EntroPay. Very easy application process, and gives you an instant virtual card. Upload some funds with a genuine debit card; this will NOT be linked to your account, so it can be your genuine details. You can transfer a minimum of £5 to your virtual credit card, which is one of the great things about it. There are also no monthly fees, or anything of the kind. So, within about 5 minutes, you have an online virtual credit card, with funds, that you can use to setup your seller account.
For the landline number, this is even easier, and cheaper. Go to
UK VoIP Internet Phone Service - VoIP PBX Switchboard and Telephony services, setup a free account instantly. Download the x-lite softfone, which will allow you to pick up the calls. You will need to enter your account username and password when installing the software, so any numbers attached to your account will ring on the installed phone. Then, on your account, click on the "Buy UK local number" link. You will then go through a selection process of what area code number you need, and it's beneficial to have the area code the same as the area in your ebay address. The number is about £2.50, so nothing that will harm your wallet. (When buying, it will ask you to verify your details by phone. It's fine, you will receive an automated call from voipfone, and just plug in the details on the phone that they ask you.) Well, that's your number bought.
Now, open up your softphone, and make sure it says you are connected. Now, try ringing your new number, and it will start ringing on your softphone. This means your number works!
Now, when you are setting up your sellers account, give them your new landline number. Your softtphone will ring, then click on the green button to pick it up. Listen to the verification number ebay give you, and jot it down. Then just enter it in your ebay account, and you are done.
This has worked for me, and I'm sure it will work for you guys to.
I'm nearly done with verifying my paypal account, when I have success, I'l share how I did that as well.
I hope this helps other guys out in the UK, certainly worked for me!
EDIT - AS FROM MARCH 2008
It now appears ebay require a bank account to be added to the ebay account in order to just OPEN the dam thing, along with a credit card and phone verification.
With the bank account, you NEED real details. But it's okay, the name of the bank account they ask you to enter can be different to the actual name on your bank account.(as 100% proven via paypal), but the bank account number, branch location and sort code must be real. It seems ebay let you enter ANY name, unlike paypal where the surname must the same as the name of the paypal account holder. They do not put deposits into your account like paypal, but just want the bank details. A pain, but it seems to be their new requirement. Pretty painless process adding the bank account though.
**Important information regarding bank Halifax** (20/03/08)
As notified by yeff, it appears that the Halifax web savers accounts WILL NOT WORK. Once the two deposits are initiated, paypal will not accept the bank account information. Why? I'm not sure. If I get more info, I'l update here. So something to bear in mind when choosing what account to go for.
What bank would I choose? Well I'd choose Abbey. You can open up a secondary account under your main account, to save having to go to another bank and open up an entirely new account. The secondary account process is very easy, because they already have all your details. Simply pop into a branch and ask to open up a secondary account. Maybe other banks offer this, I'm not sure, but I know that Abbey 100% do.
But wait, there is more...
You also need to link a verified paypal account in order to start selling. And yes, this DOES mean that for every ebay account that gets suspended, you will need to create a new paypal account. So there's a warning in case you get some heart pain when the error message comes up.
Update 19/03/08 - Some information about being friendly at the bank
Some people seem to be concerned about opening up multiple bank accounts, which now, you will have to do for every ebay account/paypal account you get through. With all the accounts I open, I simply tell them **nearly** the truth. All I say is that I need to open up a new paypal account to help sort out my sources of income online, and for every new paypal account a separate bank account is needed. They ususally sympathise with the amount of trouble you are having trying to manage your income, and are more than happy to help you out!
