Got Charged for an 'eBay Plus Trial' and eBay Won't Give a Refund

Kandkodos on 22/06/2019 - 09:24
Last edited 22/06/2019 - 09:25

I got a text at 6am this morning to 'start my eBay plus trial' from eBay as part of their mega weekend deal.

I followed the link to the website that says to start my free trial thinking 'Great! I already had a free trial last year but looks like they're offering it again'.

After going through the process it turns out I'd been charged the $49 for a year's membership on PayPal despite all the previous mentions of starting my 'trial'.

After contacting eBay chat about it they said they will not give a refund.

Is there any course of action I can take to get my money back? Or just cop it and ignore eBay Plus trial mentions in the future.

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Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 22/06/2019 - 09:26
    +10

    You've used the free trial before. The T and C will specify that the offer is invalid if you've used the trial before.

    (Not saying it isn't at least a little bit deceptive)

    • Kandkodos on 22/06/2019 - 09:42
      -2

      Thought that might be the case :(

  • jjjaar on 22/06/2019 - 09:40

    Wait, it’s not entirely clear. Did you follow steps online and actively agree to the trial (thinking it was free) or did they just say “click this link” and it activated it without a chance for you to agree to the T+Cs of the trial?

    Very different scenarios.

    • Kandkodos on 22/06/2019 - 09:44

      On the website landing page it said to 'start your trial'. There wasn't any confirmation page for agreeing to the T+Cs of the trial though and I just selected PayPal as a payment method and clicked continue to which it said my membership's started.

      From tshow's comment since I had a trial already it assumed I wanted to start an actual membership and I clicked on continue assuming it was a trial.

      From that it looks like I just have to suck it up and maybe get some use out of it this weekend.

      • Panini on 22/06/2019 - 12:15
        +2

        Same thing happened to me today. I forgot that I already had the free trial. But it should say on their website to continue your Ebay Plus, not "start free trial"

      • DoctorCalculon on 22/06/2019 - 19:13
        +1

        The exact same thing happened to me. FFS! There was no acceptance of the T&Cs, and no indication whatsoever in my case that I would be charged for the membership right away.
        Still waiting for a response from the eBay CSR…

        • Panini on 22/06/2019 - 20:49
          +1

          I tried to contact them through chat and phone but they said they're not gonna refund once you've paid. It's just dodgy how they send that text message early in the morning to start a free trial.

  • WreckTangle on 22/06/2019 - 10:20

    I got the free trial a while back and have now been charged. To be honest being an eBay plus member isn’t terrible, i’m going to keep it. I honestly don’t understand why so many people are desparate to avoid being charged - it’s saved me way more than $49

    • Kandkodos on 22/06/2019 - 10:24

      What do you usually use it for?

  • WreckTangle on 22/06/2019 - 10:32
    +1

    Not the shipping incentive cos those are a bit of a misnomer, but sometimes they have discount codes for plus members. Eg they had one recently that was like 10 off for everyone, but 15 percent for plus members. I bought an iPhone and saved shedloads.

  • askme69 on 22/06/2019 - 10:53

    Take it further.

    Sick of companies doing the dodge.

    Signed up for a free NETFLIX trail, everything they have ever sent (100+ emails) have all gone to my main inbox. The email to tell me the trial was expiring the next day went to (Junk/Promotions). The email to ell me my membership had been renewed from the trial went to my main inbox.

    The only email i didn't get (in main inbox) was the one telling me the trial was ending. I cancelled straight away.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/06/2019 - 13:01

      Kayo are the same, if you forget to cancel they charge and no way will refund, they don't even send emails before expiry.

  • Ughhh on 22/06/2019 - 10:59
    +4

    I had a similar thing showing. But upon clicking "start free trail" link, the page said "welcome back to eBay plus" and didn't mention about 30 free days, so I didn't proceed. I've had the free trail previously on this account.

  • RandomNinja on 22/06/2019 - 12:16

    Dept of Fair Trading or equivalent should get them to refund you

  • yippy on 22/06/2019 - 12:22
    +2

    eBay Plus Terms and Conditions

    3.4.There is a maximum of one free 30-day trial of eBay Plus per eBay member. You may not use or create another eBay account in order to take advantage of the free 30-day trial more than once.

  • PAOK11 on 22/06/2019 - 13:08

    There's no such thing as a free trial.

  • Nutrino on 22/06/2019 - 14:55
    +1

    This is outrageous, everyone deserves to trial it twice or more times….

  • asafasr on 22/06/2019 - 15:01
    -1
    Merged from Ebay plus scam

    anyone else fall for the ebay plus free trial? I signed up for free trial this year thinking its another 1 month free trial like last year but they charge you for the whole year.

    anyways its a $48.99 mistake. Never using ebay or paypal again after being a loyal customer for over a decade.

  • asafasr on 22/06/2019 - 15:12
    -2

    So if i plan to not use ebay or paypal ever again, what are the consequences of asking my bank to charge back the fee?

  • [Deactivated] on 22/06/2019 - 17:51
    +13

    My view on this topic is that eBay can't have it both ways.

    If they know that you've previously had a free trial they can't send you an email or offer for a free trial with a disclaimer that if you've had one before that they'll charge you. They know you've had one before so why send the communication.

    I just logged into my eBay account and i've previously had a free trial. I can see offers about "start your free trial" even they know that i've previously had one. Presuming that if I did sign up and they charged me - If this was to occur I think it's incredibly misleading and I cannot see how even with a disclaimer or T&C that it is reasonable.

    • DoctorCalculon on 22/06/2019 - 19:15
      +3

      Agreed.

      • Simoneee on 22/06/2019 - 21:15
        +1

        Same thing happened to me. I don't even recall activating a free trial back in 2018 coz I didn't purchase anything at all.

        • DoctorCalculon on 23/06/2019 - 00:28
          +1

          The agent I spoke to was understanding of my concerns, especially when I mentioned the text that I had received on the Saturday morning clearly stated "Start your Free 30 Day eBay Plus Trial now".
          However, the team leader / supervisor is refusing to grant the refund with cancellation of eBay Plus on the basis that an eBay Plus subscription is non refundable. Cancelling the service is moot at this point, since the benefits remain for the 12 months since sign up.

          I am going to look into cancelling, and then chargeback through my credit card provider. I am not sure if that is possible as I went through PayPal.

  • raowriter on 23/06/2019 - 07:54
    +3

    Ethically, they should provide a caution to anyone who does sign up for a second free trial, advising them they have already had a free trial and so are not entitled to another, and then asking if they want to continue by signing up for a year, rather than simply putting a charge through and then refusing to reverse it. But sadly, that’s typical eBay, great until something goes wrong then they don’t want to know you. I’d definitely contact Fair Trading in NSW as this is where eBay’s Australian office is located.

    • DoctorCalculon on 23/06/2019 - 10:32

      I’d definitely contact Fair Trading in NSW as this is where eBay’s Australian office is located.

      Thanks for this tip. I wrote them a very strong email that I would be lodging a complaint with the ACCC regarding their deceptive practice.

  • AnDyStYLe on 23/06/2019 - 09:20
    +2

    Yes the way eBay conducted this ‘offer’ is pretty deceiving, but surprised so many OzB’s got caught out on this!

    To play devil’s advocate, for those that already had used up their free trial but still got the offer notification (like me), as you progress through to the “start my free trial” link the next page or so that it takes you to tell you the price and payment option, and clearly shows that it’ll charge you.

    For all OzB seasoned veterans or “Professionals” you would have noticed this and not proceed further. Most if not all trials I’ve signed up to tell you specifically that there will be $0.00 charged or state what the charge will be when the trial is finished.

    Based on much of the feedback above where people got caught out, seems like eBay are not refunding to try recoup the funds they lost when they had the glitch back at Easter with the free 90 days trial with users successfully taking it up as a second trial, later charging them when they realised and then obligated to refund whilst acknowledging their error lol

    • DoctorCalculon on 23/06/2019 - 10:43
      +1

      “start my free trial” link the next page or so that it takes you to tell you the price and payment option, and clearly shows that it’ll charge you.

      I don't know how I missed those details in the second page. I was under the impression I was starting a 30-day trial. Like most trials, companies request payment information up-front.

      tell you the price and payment option, and clearly shows that it’ll charge you

      If you have a screenshot of this, it would be really helpful as my memory is a bit hazy.

      I looks like I can still sign up for another trial even though I already have eBay Plus. For a multi-billion dollar company, you can at least get this simple detail right?
      Why call it Start Free Trial when you are not entitled to a second trial or you are already subscribed?

      • AnDyStYLe on 23/06/2019 - 10:56
        +3

        Sure…

        Screenshot

        • Simoneee on 23/06/2019 - 12:18

          Many people like myself thought it would authorize the payment of $49 after the Free Trial. (If it wasn't cancelled)

          • DoctorCalculon on 23/06/2019 - 15:03
            +1

            @Simoneee: Same here. I was mentally conditioned into thinking it was a second trial of eBay Plus after receiving the following SMS on Saturday morning:

            ZZZZZZ, over 50 exclusive eBay Plus Weekend mega deals launch from 10am. Start your Free 30 Day eBay Plus Trial now. www.ebay.com.au. SMS STOP to 0427055200

  • HeWhoKnows on 23/06/2019 - 13:01
    -4

    Dear OP

    You have already had your trial as you openly admitt.

    So just cough up the fee and stop trying to free-ride

  • ozbjunkie on 23/06/2019 - 14:11

    I received a pop up while signed in to the eBay app. This led me to believe that I could also have a second free trial. It has been a year or so since my last trial. Multiple free trials are not unheard of (or discounted promo periods like Google music or Spotify).

    Anyway, I was very nice to the support staff and they said don't buy anything with ebayplus, and they will refund me.

    Either you weren't polite enough, or you got unlucky with your support staff. Just try again.

    • DoctorCalculon on 23/06/2019 - 15:10

      Anyway, I was very nice to the support staff and they said don't buy anything with ebayplus, and they will refund me.

      I call BS on this. I have tried three support members by now. They have all come back with the response: the system won't allow them process a refund for eBay Plus.
      Yes, I have not purchased anything that leverages eBay Plus membership benefits.

      • ozbjunkie on 23/06/2019 - 21:41

        If so. I'll pull a charge back, or at least attempt to. Offer was misleading, don't offer me a trial and call it a trial and then have fine print saying btw you may not be eligible for a trial.

        • DoctorCalculon on 23/06/2019 - 22:40

          Did you go through PayPal or CC details?
          If PayPal, then I think we have to lodge a dispute with PayPal rather than charge back.

          • ozbjunkie on 23/06/2019 - 23:19

            @DoctorCalculon: PayPal I think. Either way.

            • DoctorCalculon on 23/06/2019 - 23:47
              +1

              @ozbjunkie: If PayPal mediation fails, then I will look into chargeback (based on the evidence I have collected so far).
              For once I am grateful that eBay no longer owns PayPal. :P

              Also, if you make use of your eBay Plus membership (PLUSWKND, PCOLES15, etc.), then your chances of getting a full refund diminishes.

    • Simoneee on 23/06/2019 - 18:55

      Tried two different people on live chat. No luck for me i guess

      Edit: Its like talking to a brick wall always mentioning the T&Cs

  • ronnknee on 23/06/2019 - 17:46

    I've had the same issue as you. It is deceptive of eBay to invite users to a free trial even when they know the users are not eligible. A previous trial is irrelevant. The most you can do is to lodge a report to ACCC here.

    Include transcripts of your conversations and a screenshot of the SMS to support your case.

    ACN: 086 288 888
    ABN: 22 086 288 888

  • Daffy Duck on 24/06/2019 - 15:19

    I am another one that has had the same issue as you. It was extremely deceptive of eBay to offer a months free eBayplus and not have a warning in the sign up for the trial that previous recipients were not eligible. I tried to get a refund and they were adamant that it will not happen and did no show and customer care at all. Basically stiff shit you signed up

  • Mqrko on 24/06/2019 - 16:41
    +2

    Also got slugged this annual fee.

    I totally forgot I registered for the free trial few months ago and as many others, I registered without thinking.
    Even though I bought something from it, and to be fair I made a big saving, I just think it is not the right way from Ebay to advertise it this way.

    The free trial advertisement was shown to everybody, no exceptions.
    If you already registered before, you will see it and it is there to persuade you to register.
    After registering, you will still see it.

    Just think we should report it to ACCC so they won't do it again in the future.
    It's $49 for you which is nothing but in the big scale of things, it's a lot of money they made through this "false advertisement" ?

    • DoctorCalculon on 25/06/2019 - 23:29
      +3

      The free trial advertisement was shown to everybody, no exceptions.

      The biggest gotcha for eBay is how will they explain the personalised SMS that was sent to numerous eBay customers (regardless of whether they had their first trial or not) offering them a 30-day trial of eBay Plus on Saturday, 22 June.

      It's $49 for you which is nothing but in the big scale of things

      Nope. Not letting it go. eBay needs to be held accountable.

  • Daffy Duck on 26/06/2019 - 15:24

    I have started a Facebook page for more exposure https://www.facebook.com/groups/2387670511516169/

    Join and comment - spread the word there as well

  • bitcoinorbust on 01/07/2019 - 20:44

    Happened to me but I got out of it because ebay takes some hours to actually charge the fee through paypal. If you delete the automatic payment authorisation in paypal before ebay charge you then they will auto cancel the membership when the payment fails.

    • DoctorCalculon on 03/07/2019 - 00:37

      In my case, I received a push notification via the PayPal app that my credit card was charged literally a couple of minutes after joining the fake eBay Plus trial.
      Nonetheless, you are correct. I should have revoked the automatic payment agreement for eBay immediately.

      In any case, I have initiated a chargeback via my bank. We will see how it goes.

      I had spoken to an eBay Plus supervisor. Once again, he was understanding, and tried to refund the subscription. At the end, his answer was he tried but the system won't allow him to process any refund.
      Apparently you can cancel the service but all that does is cancels the subscription from being automatically renewed. There is NO termination of subscription!!!

  • Daffy Duck on 04/07/2019 - 20:22

    Someone punched eBays card. just got email saying I have been credited eBazyplus fees. A win for the consumer against big business and deceptive practices

    • DoctorCalculon on 04/07/2019 - 21:31

      Does that mean you no longer have eBay Plus membership? Who provided this refund - eBay || PayPal || Credit Card Provider (Bank)?

      A win for the consumer against big business and deceptive practices

      Mate, more like a win for one customer only. :D
      I am still waiting for my money back for a totally useless service.

      • Daffy Duck on 05/07/2019 - 05:24

        PaypaL refunded my money .. surely I am not the only one that has been refunded

        We reviewed the information regarding the below case and have accepted it.

        We credited the full disputed transaction amount of $48.99 AUD to your PayPal balance or payment method you used to complete this transaction. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the funds are refunded to your card. Otherwise, the amount is refunded to your PayPal account. Please note it can take up to 30 days for the refund to appear on your card statement.

        This claim is now closed and you don't need to take any further action.
        Case details
        Case ID: PP-D-33999348
        Transaction amount: $48.99 AUD
        Dispute amount: $48.99 AUD
        Your transaction ID: 4JV13651DV803201M
        Transaction date: 22 June 2019
        Thanks for your patience and we hope you're satisfied with the outcome of this claim.

        Sincerely,

        PayPal

        • DoctorCalculon on 05/07/2019 - 06:24

          Since PayPal refunded the eBay Plus fees, do you still have eBay Plus membership?

          • Daffy Duck on 05/07/2019 - 11:41

            @DoctorCalculon: Strangely enough it says still valid until June 2020 - sure that will change soon. To be honest had not gone into eBay since the con on principle

  • Daffy Duck on 06/07/2019 - 06:23

    Have this statement from eBay this morning… declined ???? was through paypal !!!! wont even accept it was a con

    Unfortunately, the payment for your eBay Plus subscription was declined. Please contact your bank for more information regarding the cause of the decline.

    As we didn’t receive the payment, we have cancelled your eBay Plus membership. If you want to continue to be a member of eBay Plus, you can sign up again.

    • DoctorCalculon on 06/07/2019 - 15:55

      Daffy Duck After lodging your dispute with PayPal on 22 June 2019, did you immediately turn it into a claim? I was told to do that by PayPal now.

    • Synerg1e on 26/07/2019 - 13:40

      So what happened?

      I just got charged $49. Fk eBay

      Edit: spoke to eBay Live Chat, got a full $49 refund. they looked into my purchase history and I saw that I only made 1 purchase and that was on the day I signed up for the free trial

  • mitcheo on 07/07/2019 - 01:50

    They scammed me with this also

  • pork chop on 28/07/2019 - 14:54

    I also raised a Paypal dispute and got the refund a week later. Cheers.

  • subywagon on 04/10/2019 - 20:43

    What did you guys state in your paypal dispute in order to get a refund? I just put I didn't authorise the payment. Hopefully that's enough…

    • Synerg1e on 05/10/2019 - 14:23
      +1

      Nah, I did the same and PayPal declined it.

      What I did:
      spoke to eBay Live Chat, got a full $49 refund. they looked into my purchase history and I saw that I only made 1 purchase and that was on the day I signed up for the free trial.

      • subywagon on 06/10/2019 - 01:34
        -3

        Ah ok. I made 3 purchases and returned them all through eBay Plus. The chat lady checked my history and refused a refund… Paypal refused me too. So last resort is to try and get the bank to do a reversal.

        And if that fails I'm going to order endlessly until the end of the year and just return every single order.

        • DoctorCalculon on 06/10/2019 - 23:59

          subywagon, you are being extremely childish.

          You can claim eBay had tricked you into signing up for a paid service under the guise of a three-month free trial. However, you cannot then ask for a refund if you actively use the eBay Plus subscription for which you are seeking the refund. You cannot have it both ways.

      • OzBoganYeah on 11/11/2019 - 06:13

        Hi since I can't PM you, I hope it's alright if I reply here. I'm in the exact same boat: I was charged despite cancelling and my PayPal claim was declined.

        Just wondering, which department of eBay did you talk via live chat? I always get transferred to the eBay plus team who are very unsympathetic and very by-the-textbook. And importantly, what did you say in live chat? I also only made 1 purchase on the day I signed up.

        • Synerg1e on 13/11/2019 - 18:12

          check DMs mate, will copy and paste everything

          • slash on 07/01/2020 - 14:54

            @Synerg1e: Mate. Do you mind sending me through a copy as well. Cheers.

      • rsh29 on 14/01/2020 - 11:07

        @Synerg1e I'm in the same situation, could you please send a copy of what you said to them. Thanks

  • rokufan on 06/11/2019 - 13:16

    I got a refund after filing a complaint with NSW's Office of Fair Trading. I actually included a link to this page as proof of eBay's deceptive, or sloppy, promotion and how many people were caught out by it.

  • kkli99 on 14/05/2024 - 16:43

    That post started at 2019 and I’m surprised ebay has done nothing about the issue. I just got that same ebay plus trap recently and got $49 deducted from PayPal. Try to talk to their CS and never get any solution.

    So I raised a complaint to Fair Trading and also to PayPal. PayPal refunded me at no delay.

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