Purchase of supplies through ebay

[Rachel Rud]

Hello,

We have a lab who purchased supplies for a grant through ebay using a Pcard.  I am wondering how people feel about purchases on sponsored grants through ebay?  I am not very comfortable with it as its hard to know who the vendor is and if they are reputable.  Also, when I look at the receipt it looks like they purchased it from an person who used to have employment as a Post Doc in this lab. 

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Rachel

[Nicole Pilman]

Hi Rachel!

Purchasing Services can clarify if purchasing items through ebay is allowable and whether a PCard can be used. You can call the Financial Helpline at 612-624-1617 or send an email to contr...@umn.edu to open a ticket.

Thanks,
Nicole

[march016]

Hi Rachel,

Were you able to confirm the post doc was the one who sold the item on eBay?  Is the post doc still working in the department? I think eBay can be an ok source depending on the vendor and assuming they didn’t bid for the item. I am more concerned about the relationship of the vendor (post doc) to the PI at this point. Thanks. 

[schu...@umn.edu]

Hi All, I recently learned that you can setup a tax exempt account through ebay, my department is currently in the process of doing this. 

https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/paying-items/paying-tax-ebay-purchases?id=4771