I run a small auto repair shop and listed it on a couple of business-for-sale platforms last year. Thought I had read the fine print on fees, but after the listing expired I got hit with a "renewal processing charge" and a "professional buyer inquiry fee" that I never agreed to. Total was almost $400. Has anyone else dealt with this? I want to know if these charges are normal or if I should push back.
Listing Fees
Getting slapped with surprise charges from listing platforms
Read your listing agreement. Most of those platforms bury auto-renew clauses in the terms. If you didn't cancel before the expiration window, they consider it consent.
That happened to me with a website marketplace, nott a business listing site. I called my credit card company and disputed the charge. Got it reversed because there was no signed authorization for that specific fee.
Platforms like these make a lot of revenue from people who don't notice the renewal. It's a known tactic.
Did you get a receipt or invoice that itemizes the charges? If not, ask for one in writing. Sometimes just requesting dpcumentation makes them drop it.
You should check whether the platform is a member of any industry association. Some have arbitration programs that are cheaper than court.
$400 is small enough for small claims in most states. Filing fee is usually under $100. Sometimes the threat alone gets a refund.
Small claims is a hassle though. If you do that, make sure you have screenshots of the signup flow showing there was no clear disclosure of the fee.
Are you sure the "professional buyer inquiry fee" wasn't part of a tier you selected? Some platforms charge per qualified lead.
CopperKestrel has a point. I once paid for a "premium" listing without realizing it included a per-inquiry charge. That one was my fault for not unchecking a box.
Push back. Send a written dispute citing the specific clause you think they violated. Be polite but firm. Most of these companies don't want chargebacks.
Also check if your state has a consumer protection law that covers small business. Some do, some dont.
Honestly, the time you'll spend fighting $400 might be better spent moving on. But that's just me. If you have the energy, dispute it.
One thing to watch: if you dispute and lose, they might close your account and you lose access to buyer messages. Make sure you've downloaded everything first.
What platform was it? Might help others avoid the same issue.
I wouldn't name the platform publicly unless you're ready for their legal teeam to contact you. Just saying.
A lot of these platforms rely on people not reading the terms. The fees are legal but scummy. Dispute it, leave a review, and move on.