I have been selling items through eBay recently. Each sale carries a transaction fee, a set percent of the amount of the sale. I noticed that eBay calculates this fee after they have added on the amount of sales tax and shipping, neither of which are amounts that the seller receives/benefits from.

I think this action on the part of eBay is unfair and have written to the Massachusetts Attorney General about this practice. The AG replied that their office does not handle individual complaints, but will investigate if more people make similar complaints.

If you, or someone you know, have had dealings with eBay and agree that this practice is unfair, please consider contacting the AG's office at: www.mass.gov/ago. 

Jim Whitcomb

Northfield