Thanks Smee, that makes sense, but I had heard that in taking money out of that account to verify you, they are in fact gaining a direct debit authority on that occasion. Just want to check if it goes beyond that because Debit authorities are bloody hard to get rid of.
BTW, even though it's only 'seller feedback' they require, what you are missing is that there is no way to list on ebay for him unless he uses paypal. So he's stuck with having to join. Whether buyers use b/deposit during that period, isn't relevant. You're right there, but he has to offer Paypal to get access to sell doesn't he?
Shyer, He and his wife have a house and garage full of lovely items, some very valuable.
Things like antique tools, antique fittings for cabinets, doors etc, old lamps and light fittings, and an array of other things like the old copper sprayers, antique fireplace items etc. We're rural, there are garages and sheds all over the place breeding more and more things in the dark and they're full of treasures that no longer get listed on ebay in any number since 2008.
Some of his antique tools I've researched and they're worth quite a bit of money, so I've told him to hang on to them till he gets enough feedback to earn trust. Things like antique planing tools that a carpenter friend of mine says are worth heaps and much sort after due to their superior quality. Some of his things don't belong on Ebay that's for sure. He'll get more money for rare items with specialist marketplaces like traditional auction houses.
In fact, I've told him to start small for now, with inexpensive items that he doesn't mind taking a loss on, and which will fit into satchels so he has no disputes over postage in this first round. For a new seller, this is all very complicated.
He has some toys, but they're things those old trains from the 50's etc, and all the stuff that went with them, not junk. His Wife has a big linen closet of collected linen some of which dates back to her grandmother. I've shown her a few linen sites and the prices they charge for antique linen on a retail price. Incredible. So that too, might be better being sold in a specialised market, but some could go on ebay.
With no previous feedback, they can't do much else but list items they don't mind taking a loss on for now.