Bid rejected because Paypal not linked to my account

[klaxon]

I've just had a last minute bid rejected because 'You either don't have a PayPal account or your PayPal account is not linked to your eBay account. We encourage you to register with PayPal - it is the fast, easy and safe way to pay.' The seller only accepts PayPal, but I do NOT link my accounts because I need to have flexibility, depending on the kind of thing I buy. It was too late then to sort things out. It looks as though I am going to have to link my accounts, but then remember to un-link them if I want to pay some other way? Another example of ebay taking more control over how we can use the site.
Just a warning for all really (and a chance to get it off my chest) - it certainly wasn't clear that a linked PayPal account is needed to bid.

Cheers!

[kwakers]

I have a Yank Seller who has me blocked from Bidding at all, but I suspect I am in the same Boat as you klaxon. The other part of your story may be like mine in that I cannot even message that Seller to discuss his E Bay account settings. If you could try contacting that E Bay Seller who you could not buy from klaxon, Please let me know if E Bay tells you he "Is not accepting messages at this time". If so, we can blame E Bay for both our problems which seem very similar. I like to use Gift Cards through Pay Pal to purchase Toys, so we do not link any active bank account or card to our E Bay account either. Our E Bay account was "hacked" 7 years ago at NO COST to us, so I remain quite happy in our choices on payments we have made. I have bought quite a few Lesneys from the particular Seller who I am blocked from now without ever any problems at all. I also suspect new E Bay "settings" concerning 'Pay-pal only' payments are now to blame in both our cases klaxon.
I have learned to try and put in an early low bid on models that interest me, especially on international sales. That way, last minute bids are not rejected, any problems with bidding can be possibly solved ahead of the auction's close where bids REALLY COUNT. Cheers! Kwakers

[klaxon]

Hi Kwakers. I was able to contact the seller who didn't really appreciate the issue I think, and would have been happy for me to bid, though not sure if he gets the chance of 'okaying' a bid in retrospect.
Good idea of puting in a marker bid early just to make sure, particularly for those we really want to have a good bid at. We'll see how that goes.

[Tinman]

This is not something new. I’ve had PayPal as the only accepted payment for years.

[klaxon]

Re. "This is not something new. I’ve had PayPal as the only accepted payment for years."
I've been buying for years from dozens of sellers without having to link my account before (though I am assuming that's the issue as ebay hint).

[Tinman]

Linking the accounts does not limit other payment options.  It's only when sellers opt for immediate payment on "buy it now" items or if sellers refuse to take any other form of payment that you must pay via paypal.  That said, I personally don't want the hassle of dealing with other payment methods.  There is a simple way around your problem, open a second account for your last minute purchases of hobby items.

[Fox]

Linking the accounts does not limit other payment options

That's what I wanted to tell. Linked account doesn't mean it's exclusive. It's a certifying way. And make easier payments.

[58oldsfan]

For many years I used Paypal with just a credit card. Then a couple years back Paypal decided I must have my bank account linked. I didn't wish to link my bank account, the work around was to get a Paypal sponsored credit card. I used it once only, then made my original card my preferred payment. I just recently discovered that Paypal cancelled the sponsored card I assume for lack of use. I'm not really sure when the card was cancelled, as I never used it. So, now I'm back to where I was originally, with no bank account linked, but using a credit card to pay. I suppose if I ever decide to sell on ebay, I will simply open a separate bank account to Paypal, and keep a minimal amount in it. No way will I ever link my regular account to Paypal.

[Fox]

For many years I used Paypal with just a credit card. Then a couple years back Paypal decided I must have my bank account linked. I didn't wish to link my bank account, the work around was to get a Paypal sponsored credit card. I used it once only, then made my original card my preferred payment. I just recently discovered that Paypal cancelled the sponsored card I assume for lack of use. I'm not really sure when the card was cancelled, as I never used it. So, now I'm back to where I was originally, with no bank account linked, but using a credit card to pay. I suppose if I ever decide to sell on ebay, I will simply open a separate bank account to Paypal, and keep a minimal amount in it. No way will I ever link my regular account to Paypal.

Maybe it can very regarding to countries. They did the same. But using parameters I still could use my credit card.

[AJR]

Sometimes it's the sellers that make thing difficult. I want to buy some paint at £1 per pot but postage is £4.
The seller states that combo postage is available for multiple purchases.
So, I put 10 pots in my basket but postage shows as £40.
Message seller to ask what postage will be and up comes the message "Seller does not accept messages or do deals on postage".
So, they lose a sale.