Rebecca Garland
Rebecca Garland
Business and Education Expert

Many people have made buying and selling on eBay.com a profitable business model. But not everything works perfectly all of the time. With so many sellers trying to compete for buyers and so many buyers trying to find the best price on the items they are looking for, some issues may arise. So, it is essential to find the best way to contact eBay customer service.

eBay.com is a website with millions of users. Not all of those users are satisfied, and when something goes wrong, they want to be sure they can contact eBay customer support quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, looking at the sheer volume of eBay complaints online on sites like PissedConsumer, GlassDoor, and the BBB, contacting the company isn’t as simple as many customers would like.

Whether you’re buying or selling, the company has eBay customer service support for potential issues.

eBay Questions and Answers

Number of eBay reviews – 47.7K

eBay rating* – 2.0⭐⭐

Claimed losses – $378M

Successful calls – 7%/430K

Resolved issues – 594

Key Insight

  • There are several options to contact eBay customer service if you face issues. You may use eBay live chat, phone numbers of the resolution center, social networks, and community. 
  • The eBay telephone number for customer service is not readily available on the company’s website. However, there are opportunities to reach the eBay resolution center to address general customer service issues, hacked accounts, or to report fraud.
  • If you need to start an eBay live chat, you should do it via your account and the “Help and Contact” button at the bottom of the page. 

How Does eBay Work?

When eBay.com was first introduced, it was strictly an online auction. Very soon, however, the business model expanded, and eBay.com became not just an auction site, but also a prolific platform for buying and selling.

Sellers bring new or previously used merchandise ranging from figurines to RVs and vehicles and set a price or set up an auction. Buyers use the eBay search feature to look for the specific item they want and either bid or pay for the item like any other retail site. The seller then ships the item to the buyer.

There are quite a few moving parts in a transaction, and that is why so many customers look for eBay support. Unfortunately, like any website that brings buyers and sellers together, some are unethical. Many eBay complaints include issues with the buying and selling process. But many other negative eBay reviews have concerns about the platform or account issues and wonder how to contact eBay by phone. Still, others have questions about simply how to handle eBay returns. They also want to know what eBay phone number for returns is.

eBay's customer service fields complaints about purchased items that never arrive and payment issues. The most prominent articles in the eBay help section are about payment issues and hacked accounts. These are common issues customers complain about when they contact eBay.

ebay help sectionSource: eBay Help and Contact

What Are eBay Pros and Cons?

Overall, PissedConsumer users find more disadvantages in eBay than advantages. The most common issues concern difficulties contacting eBay customer service and getting refunds, faulty delivery, and fraudulent sellers. 

Some reviewers say that there are too many cons to enumerate. Still, the pros, such as affordable prices, great variety of choices, and convenience, are persuasive enough for consumers to shop on eBay.com.

Pros

  • Good prices
  • Variety of products
  • Convenient to use

Cons

  • Poor customer service
  • Not reliable shipping
  • Refund issues
  • Fake sellers

How to Contact eBay Customer Support by Phone?

The eBay customer service phone number is not readily available on the company’s website. If you dig through the help section in search of the eBay telephone number, you’ll eventually find options to get help from an automated assistant or contact an agent. Other options include a returning process and reporting an item that hasn’t arrived. 

Contact eBay assistantSource: eBay Help and Contact

While the company offers to call you, many eBay reviews express frustration with trying to contact the company on their own terms. Customers want to call eBay directly and are trying to find how to contact eBay by phone. While it might not be heavily publicized on the website, there is an eBay customer service phone number available for customers to use. You can reach the eBay resolution center by calling (866) 961-9253 for general customer service, (866) 348-9519 for hacked accounts, or (866) 643-1607 to report fraud.

Reaching eBay.com customer service by phone can be tricky, as one customer discovered. In his review (#2928911), the frustrated customer explained that his credit card was used fraudulently. Yet despite calling the various eBay phone numbers, the poster has not been able to reach a live representative, even a month later.

I have called several numbers found on the internet and NONE has been a good contact number. There is NEVER a LIVE agent available to speak with me.

How to Contact eBay Customer Service via Email

Some consumers prefer written communication and sending emails instead of looking for a phone number for eBay customer service. However, eBay's customer service does not list a general email address on the company’s website. If you dig a bit through the automated help chat feature, you can find an eBay email for specific purposes. A fraudulent eBay email, for example, can be sent to spoof@ebay.com and the company will record the message.

You can also get in touch with customer service through the eBay live chat feature if you are logged in to your account. To use this option, you need to click the “Help and Contact” button at the bottom of the page, select the topic that is most relevant to your issue, and follow the link. At the bottom of the page, you'll see a section labeled “Need more help?” Simply click the “Chat with us” button and follow the instructions provided. Alternatively, you can access eBay live chat with the representative through the “How can we help you today?” page.

For a more general complaint, however, the automatic help chat feature redirects you to the eBay customer service number and gives you the option to have the company call you. If you choose the relevant issue from the eBay support menu, you may see an option to email the company for specific issues. Otherwise, you will find the most eBay help by chatting with an agent, having the company call you, or calling the company directly.

One eBay.com user explained his issues with limited communication options in a video review. In his eBay complaint, the user explained that he had decades of positive feedback on the website, but had his account banned for life after a customer complained to the company rather than him.

Additionally, when he tried to contact eBay.com about the issue, he finally got some answers after “chatting with 2 customer support reps (who both hung up on me) who both said I am banned and they cannot disclose why due to eBay policy.” Despite positive ratings on all of his orders, the user was cut off from the service and no email was ever sent.

How to Contact eBay Customer Service via Community and Social Networks?

eBay support does have an online presence on social networks. While you always have the option of using the eBay customer service number, you can also contact the company through Twitter or Facebook. To contact eBay help via Twitter, ask questions using the @askebay handle.

There are many eBay complaints and questions available on the company’s Facebook page (@ebay) as well. Through the eBay Facebook page, you have the option to post on the company’s wall or contact the company through messenger. Some customers leave their thoughts and complaints in eBay reviews by tagging the company or commenting under their posts.

eBay comments on FacebookSource: facebook.com

How to Contact eBay Resolution Center?

The eBay resolution center may be your best option to sort out issues specifically between buyers and sellers. Inside the eBay resolution center, you’ll find resources specifically for buyers and sellers regarding transactions. In the resolution center, eBay customer support provides information and acts as a sort of mediation service when issues do arise.

eBay resolution center Source: resolutioncenter.ebay.com

If you have an issue with a return and cannot find eBay phone number for returns, you can use the company’s resolution center. If you have an eBay complaint, you might start by finding the specific purchase in your account through the eBay.com resolution service. The links provided will take you to your bought and sold items where you can see unpaid invoices or items shipped.

When you drill down into specific transactions, you are presented with options for how to contact or call eBay. In some cases, you may find options for an eBay email. You may be able to cancel transactions or send additional messages to sellers as well.

The options inside the eBay.com resolution center will be specific to the type of transaction you’re concerned about. In many cases, you may get more targeted support working through the resolution center than by calling a generic eBay telephone number.

eBay, Inc has become a powerful force in buying and selling online. Customers can find just about anything they might be searching for through eBay.com, which makes an eBay gift card a great present for most. The site has grown from a simple auction to a massive selling platform for just about every industry in the world. While some customers run into trouble with eBay's customer service, for many others, the platform may be the only place they can find what they are looking for.

*The company ratings on the PissedConsumer website are calculated using a mathematical algorithm that evaluates the information in the company’s profile. The algorithm parameters are: users’ rating, the number of resolved issues, the number of company responses and more. The PissedConsumer algorithm is also subject to change in the future.

 

Legal disclaimers:

  1. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide any legal, medical, accounting, investment or any other professional advice as individual cases may vary and should be discussed with a corresponding expert and/or an attorney.
  2. All or some image copyright belongs to the original owner(s). No copyright infringement intended.

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anna marie lea #4566
I bought a t shirt from Irene yellow delivered 4th May it’s fr my husband in a care home. It was way to small nothing like a 5xl. Wouldn’t even have fitted a 12 in ladies now she wants a good review I can’t it wouldn’t even fit
Raymond Ehman may 24 #4583
I have a problem with Toms classic I purchased a rag joint that was not as the photo it was too big I contacted them all ii got was excuses, they wanted me to cut it down take it apart it was clearly the wrong part well i returned the wrong part and they charged me 19.00 dollars to send it back, I only spent 9.50 to send it to me I think this is dishonest since they knowingly sent me the wrong part because it doesn't match there photo
Ming Sun #4591
It's like a game, doesn't have a customer service phone number so why EBAY has been downing on the Wall Street. Online Customer Service is working out?
Brian Smart #4609
Hello,I purchased a pair of Levi Jeans earler this month. They arrived in a timely manner & looked great. I left positive feedback. Then, I tried them on. They were pictured (and advertised) as 38x34.I’ve been wearing this exact size of Levis for 20+ years. Did not remotely fit. Upon measuring, they’re 35.5x36. The seller told me he doesn’t accept returns or have any responsibilities beyond deliveryI have a problem w/that. He deals heavily in Levi’s and vintage denim. Hard to believe he had no clue by looking at them! Of course I had to purchase a new pair of Levi’s (38x34 off the rack at Sid Mashburn’s in Dallas)..perfect fit! He offered to let me trade-up “off the books”and I declined to deal outside of Ebay.Please review our comminiques in message folder. Seems cheating is in his nature.Brian Smart (Briasmar9)2310 N. Henderson Ave.Suite 309Dallas, Tx 75206
Elizabeth Fernandez #4616
I am trying to get a return label and I can't seem to get one to print
Toumika Amilcar #4673
I’ve place a ring light kit and the tripod and I only received the tripod
Vivien #4675
I am absolutely furious you have removed this item IT MOST CERTAINLY IS AUTHENTIC and I strongly object to you calling me a liar and a fraud!!!. I use eBay on a regular basis and I have never been treated in this way before. I want it back on your sales post and if you have objections to any item you should be discussing your opinion with the seller and explaining what is required not just removing the item with no explanation and accusing them of acting illegally.As you have my email details please have the decency to explain the required recommendations to post this item for sale that proves authenticity.Thank you
PETER TWINE #4708
I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CONTACT EBAY CUSTOMER SERVICE TO GET MY ISSUES RESOLVED ; TO GET A RETURN LABEL ALL IT KEEP ON SAYING IS WE CANT PROCESS TECHNICAL ISSUE, ANOTHER TIME IT SAYS ITS NOT YOU ITS US WE ARE HAVING TECHNICAL ISSUE HOWEVER I HAVE A DEADLINE TO SHIP ITEMS BACK .THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. SIGNED PISSED CONSUMER
Dody Sanders #4723
Im have a issue with this seller okay688 over 2 pearl neclaces i purchased for gifts for my sisters, i ordered and paid for 2. 25 inch strands of black pearl necklaces. I recived 2 , 11 inch strands. They asked me to take a picture of them side by side with them measured. I did that and sent them the pitcher,, was texted back thoes are 25 inches incliding the clasp. In the picture the clasp for both strands are clearly show in the tape measure photo ,, sell says thoes are 25inches and for me to have a nice day!! Both together are not 25 inches long if they were lined from end to end !!! If you'll tell me how ill send the pitcher to you so you can clearly see there not 25 inch strands.
Umaru Turay #4733
I have purchased a camera that supposed to be delivered on the 25th May 2022 and later delayed for June 1 2022 but has not arrived . The annoying part of it all is that eBay is not reachable and no effort is made for me to know what is going on.
Jeffrey S Lefor #4746
eBay has owed me $284 since Nov 2021. They will not pay or allow me to enter any of my four bank accounts into the system for payment. They blocked my account after a duplicated entry issue I had as a first time seller. They have no customer support. As if nobody works for this trillion dollar company. I’m ready to take them to small claims court. You cant do this to people!
Bobby Ellis #4762
I’ve bought a lot from eBay without any problems. Now can’t get anywhere to resolve my issues with refund from seller. Can’t get anywhere on eBay web to talk to live person. Seller says can’t refund order because already been shipped on May 18, 2022. But still no info. Showing where it’s in transit. If shipped on may 18 should have transit info. If can’t get eBay to step in, I’ll cancel my eBay account.
Jerod bolch #4786
Very poor customer service once again I brought a drone which didn’t even last two days now I have to wait months to get the money back won’t be every using eBay again have already put a complaint into consumer affairs as it is you are willingly unknowingly selling faulty products to make profit
Georgina Carrera #4843
Hello I have made several attempts to contact ebay to get my refund on stuff I ordered and never received.
Jack drago #4870
Order 200820325724. Item I d 392891922805. Ordered item have never arrived. Was told they would arrive 3/8/22 to 5/2/22. Emailed the seller. Replied saying they can do nothing. I am asking eBay to refund my card $8.22. I have emailed eBay about this before with no response. I am very disappointed in dealing with eBay, very frustrating trying to get help. I give eBay a 0 in customer service.
Edward Bradley #4922
Well I totally disagree with the "Ebay is unreachable via phone" statements! Called the 866-961-9253 number and got connected in a couple of minutes! Got their agent KELLY, she rectified ALL of my problems and concerns in a matter of minutes!! To the tune of $100 returned!! So if you're patient you'll get through!!!
Victor Flute #4951
The problem is that ebay have had me change my password (FINE) now they ask me to log in with a two part process so after putting in my name and password they text me a message. GREAT EXCEPT they are sending the message to an old number.I sorted this out with an agent a week ago gained admission and checked that my personal details had the correct mobile number SO WHY ARE THEY using the one that I corrected with the help of an ebay agent.This infuriating as I can not buy sell or check up on an item I ordered as I can not get into the site.Yours Fed up Norwich
DARRLL PRICE #5027
Yes my name is Darrell price I'm writing you today because I have not received my item I ordered some office chairs rollers for hardwood floors it says that they did was delivered Friday 1303 hour I have not seen the rollers I have not got them somebody must have picked them up off my steps cuz the h l did not knock on my door to let me know that they left them so can you please give me a refund I went somewhere else and bought some other real Ruby cuz I ain't got them
Shelly 7 #5075
eBay I'm very disappointed I haven't got my refund this is the most crazy thing I had to experience I'm just asking for my refund I will never order from this seller again
Christine Watson #5101
I have tried contacting e-bay by all their methods described on line. I do not know my password and everytime I try to reset it and e-bay text me (obvious charge implications for me) after listening to the short-term password two or three times it has been impossible to make out the given letters. Using the telephone numbers for E-bay you just get referred back to the website. when trying to link to the seller direct again the same problem comes up with no password. the problem is we ordered something last Wednesday (paying extra for it to be delivered on Friday) and it still has not arrived hence why I'm trying to contact e-bay. Any other helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.