By Matt Hines, 7 July 2004 08:30
NEWS A pair of eBay members have initiated a class-action-suit against the online auctioneer over a problem with the company's latest billing system.
The two eBay members filed a claim against the company on Friday, alleging that eBay failed to address problems with a billing tool that overcharged individuals selling items on its site. In the suit brought in California Superior Court, eBay members Robert Cerreta and Nancy Spaulding contend that the online auction host double-billed their user accounts after launching a new payment processing system in February.
According to the complaint, Cerreta and Spaulding, who hail from Florida and Ohio respectively, were charged twice the amount they actually owed eBay for handling auctions of goods they sold using the site. The eBay users assert that the funds were then inappropriately drawn from bank accounts and credit cards they had registered with the company. In addition, the two customers said that eBay threatened to suspend their user accounts over the disputed charges.
eBay representatives did not immediately return calls regarding the lawsuit, but company executives have already apologised publicly for the billing issue. In mid-June, eBay General Manager Jeff Jordan told attendees at its user conference that the company had discovered the double-billing issue, fixed the problem and was in the process of addressing credit issues that resulted from the gaffe. Jordan acknowledged in a speech that eBay had let its customers down and promised that the company would be more careful in launching one of its next technological improvements, a new search tool.
The billing problem was first aired in the company's own online user forums. eBay's billing team eventually posted to the discussion area, pledging to fix the issue and help its customers address any mistakes.
Matt Hines writes for News.com
Comments
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1. anonymous
Don't feel bad! I have been overcharged too, had paid my bill and then get a notice my account was suspended. I had to pay right then because I had things listed to sell and had no choice because I had bids and could not leave my customers out in the cold! I wrote ebay 2 different times and all they would say is don't worry, that I didn't owe that much. I also have a friend that sells on ebay. She got suspended because they said she didn't pay her bill. She has sent checks and they come back as processed. She is still waiting for ebay to add it to her account with no luck and she even faxed copies of the check! What is the problem? Can't something be dont about this? Today my account is showing enough that I have listed 400 books in 13 days and I have only listed approx 25!
2. anonymous
This is the reason I don't sell much anymore on Ebay, with all the money they take in, you would think they would be more careful. Many other former Power Sellers I talk to say the same thing. We put them where they are and now they could care less about the original sellers, most of which are honest sellers. Now there are a bunch of scammers selling info, (really useless info). They are getting what they deserve.
3. anonymous
I've been overcharged, too and when I read their spokesperson apologies online, I want to crack up! It has been nearly 2 wks. and they have yet to respond to my customer service email. I think it's time the truth comes out about eBay!
4. william poirier
A large class action law suit for ebay overcharging would force them to have a service department with a phone number.
I was overcharged and am getting collection letters. I just may have to start my own class action suit