We, the 'Sellers', of eBay demand equal protections as [rightfully] given to 'Buyers', by eBay.

While we acknowledge, and fully understand, it is necessary for Buyers to be protected from unscrupulous 'Sellers' using the medium (eBay); it is essential, in fairness, that Sellers be afforded protections from abusive Buyers.

As the actual customers of eBay (Sellers who pay for the service), we insist that eBay cease its policy of forcing Sellers to adhere to the 'Case' criteria of time limits on how long we must wait for Buyers to pay for items they have won at auction, and/or purchased through a 'Buy It now' format.

Sellers, like a store in a shopping mall or plaza, should be permitted to set out own payment policies of our own choosing. For example: Immediate payment, or certain amount of days. Not all Sellers on eBay are large businesses. This is a fact that eBay appears to dismiss. As Buyers should receive goods in which they have paid for, in a timely fashion; Sellers should receive payment in a fashion of our own choosing; and posted, in fairness, so Buyers understand each individual Seller's policy. Many Buyers, in today's eBay, treat situations as 'layaway'. If a Seller should choose to offer such a service, they should be able to. However, if a Seller should choose to be paid immediately, that should also be their right. As any other option(s) in-between.

Delayed and non-payments only drive up prices. Delayed and non-payments are not only unfair to the Sellers, but also, extremely unfair to other Buyers who have placed bids, or may have wanted the item(s); and who may have paid immediately.

While we understand eBay/PayPal have a well constructed and protected monopoly, it is simply insulting and ‘bad business’ to so flagrantly limit non-business (non-credit card accepting) Sellers to that medium and method of payment. Sellers should have the option to accept whatever payment type they chose; even at their own risk. Checks, money transfers, money-orders etc.

Other matters which eBay should take under immediate consideration: As with the shopping mall lease example; Sellers lease the 'space' from eBay. No landlord enters a private business leasing space and dictates how lawful and ethical business must be conducted. Nor do they engineer payment policy. Return policies. The landlord only insists that the lease is paid on time. Nothing illegal is occurring. The business is open the same hours as the mall/plaza itself; and that the store front is kept to a standard. eBay frequently exceeds this. eBay must cease dictating/engineering individual policy, and afford Sellers equal protections.

It would be remiss not to cite: There is a fast growing and increasing amount of other mediums which Sellers can utilize for selling their items and goods. The number of reputable eBay competitors grows by the day. For example, but not limited to: antique, coin, furniture, art auction sites, to name just a few. These are 'specialty/niche sites' which demand lower premiums and fees, as well as, now, are garnering higher prices realized.As well as the ease in which ‘brick and mortar’ auction houses are soliciting business and making it easier for Sellers to ship goods in order for them to be auctioned, if they so choose.

If eBay fails to remain competitive, and continues this year-after-year almost abusive relationship with its paying customers (Sellers); eBay/PayPal may find itself beginning to go the way of Blockbuster Video and other corporations which found themselves no longer competitive, or relevant in today's market.

We strongly encourage eBay to address its policies and construct an equally protected environment for both Sellers and Buyers.