Money helpdesk: Registration hitch means seller can't advertise items on eBay NEW television advertising for eBay suggests it makes it easy for people to sell unwanted items and also to buy second-hand and discounted items online. However, one of our readers became frustrated when he was able to buy items but could never get past the registration process to start selling. Q: I am trying to sell some items on eBay but have become frustrated by my inability to complete the registration process. As part of the verification, the site asks you to submit a phone number. However, every time I try to submit my phone number the website tells me I have tried too many times and I have to wait 24 hours. I have rung eBay customer service at least ten times over the last two weeks and have been told repeatedly that the problem has been sorted out. However, when I try again 24 hours later I get the same message. I have also tried to use their automated help system without success. Over the last two weeks various customer service people have suggested various different solutions but none of them has worked. I have repeatedly been told the problem has been sorted out but I am no nearer to knowing what the problem is. Curiously, I have managed to buy things on eBay but am becoming incredibly anxious about not being able to sell. I have a lot of stuff I need to sell quickly because my mother died earlier this year and I will soon be moving out of the family home. MW, Midlothian A: An eBay spokesperson said: "We have been working with this seller to rectify the problem he is experiencing and have been since it was first brought to our attention. Should eBay buyers or sellers need to get in touch, they can reach in numerous ways - via the eBay Help Centre, email, phone, chat and Twitter (@askebay). l If you have a consumer issue that you would like tackling, contact Claire Smith on 0131 620 8511 or e-mail csmith@scotsman.com.