@blackranda2 wrote:
A neighbor who was helping the very ill husband of the seller said she thought the store had been closed and was surprised that it wasn't. So once the member who purchased the items knew this she called eBay to tell them the seller had died. She asked them if they could do anything. Even a little thing like putting a note on her store front. But no help at all.
This is why I said some time ago in this discussion that we sellers need to take steps (in advance) to protect our next-of-kin from having to fight battles with eBay and possibly lose all the value of a store owner's hard work over years of building a reputation on eBay. We shouldn't expect eBay to manage the situation -- they likely have thousands of such scenarios happening every year, and they don't have a dedicated staff to deal with them all.
As I said earlier, I think it's critical for every seller (especially a longtime and/or store owner) to leave instructions with a trusted relative or friend on exactly what to do with the eBay business in the event of the death or serious illness of the owner.
Not only should the "proxy" know passwords, but if they aren't an eBay seller themselves should be given written step-by-step instructions on how to:
(a) first, put the store "on vacation" for the longest possible time period while immediate concerns get sorted out;
(b) be able to either take over and manage, or else sell the deceased owner's eBay business (this would usually be through an agent) during the time it's on vacation. The vacation setting will prevent any serious black marks on the eBay business in the meantime for things like unresolved INR claims.
(c) if the proxy isn't able to do any of this, they should have written instructions on how to end all listings and close down the store (if applicable). The account itself can be left open but inactive in case a family member might later decide to sell the business or re-open it under the same ID (which in itself is part of the reputation and goodwill of the original seller).
If your eBay business is a source of significant income, your wishes can be included in a Will if you prefer, i.e. a statement that so-and-so is to be given the instructions on how to deal with it upon your death and/or bequeathed the business itself. This is no different from any other major asset. The instructions themselves can be kept in a sealed envelope filed along with your Will at your lawyer's office and amended from time to time as needed. Alternatively, if you have someone who is fully trusted and also understands eBay selling, a specific Power of Attorney could be provided in advance, or that person named as one of the Executors of your Will. It's probably best to provide the password(s) themselves to your chosen proxy in advance, because passwords do tend to get changed frequently. If your eBay business is actually incorporated, it's a good idea to get legal advice in this regard anyway.
These are very important considerations for any serious eBay seller. Even an unexpected major illness or accident could mean the end of your eBay business if you don't have a backup plan in place. Don't count on eBay itself to act as estate managers.
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