In message , at 17:16:09 on 
Sat, 30 Aug 2008, Spacker  remarked:
>Then answer the question -- would any other escrow service keep the
>money if the buyer was happy with the item but thought the postage was
>too high?

I don't know any escrow system (or other payment system) which would 
have a business model where it could "keep" the money. It must either 
end up with the seller or back at the buyer.
-- 
Roland Perry

Roland Perry  wrote:
 

>In message , at 21:52:58 on 
>Sun, 31 Aug 2008, Spacker  remarked:
>
>>>>>>Getting the money is dependent on the buyer leaving positive feedback,
>>>>>
>>>>>Getting the money at all, or getting it in less than 21 days?
>>>>
>>>>Getting it at all. You get it after 21 days if the buyer doesn't leave
>>>>any feedback. You get it sooner than that if the buyer leaves positive
>>>>feedback. There is no mention at all of what happens when the buyer
>>>>leaves neutral or negative feedback.
>>>
>>>And you are sure that in the absence of them raising any kind of dispute
>>>that neutral/negative feedback leaves the money in limbo for ever?
>>
>>What else would happen to it? I doubt they would give it back to the
>>buyer unless they opened a dispute,
>
>True.
>
>>but the seller can't have it because there was no positive feedback.
>
>You don't know that. What does the actual T&C say about suspended 
>payments and the 21-day delay?
>
>>>>>nor how they could get away with that.
>>>>
>>>>Because they are more or less a monopoly, and will be a total monopoly
>>>>before the end of the year when cheques, etc are outlawed. If you want
>>>>to sell on ebay you must agree to all their terms. Isn't that what you
>>>>keep saying?
>>>
>>>I do, but not terms that say "we'll freeze your money for ever".
>>
>>Then you won't be able to sell on ebay.
>
>What I mean is that I don't think they have such a T&C.

One of their terms of use is that they can change their terms of use
at any time. It's unlikely they would phrase it that way for the
sheep, they would make out that it has some benefit for both buyers
and sellers. I also think it will be kept as a surprise for the
unwary, much like with Paypal's refusal to refund out of their own
pocket when the seller has spent your money. At least until they've
got rid of all the other payment options.