Hi John

That really is bad news, but looking at the number of transactions you make I would guess that you are on a 3 monthly review, so it shouldn't take too long to get back on track.

Before your account was restricted you would have needed 5% from at least 8 different buyers to fall below standard.

Obviously when you run out of stock unexpectedly it would feel so unfair, especially when you tried to please the buyer who doesn't even seem unhappy, but I guess now the thing is to learn from this and work out how to continue to provide good customer service without getting any more defects.

Avoid at all costs cancelling a transaction for the reason that you are out of stock.

Understandably eBay and buyers don't like this. Buyers are likely to shop offline next time if it all becomes too hard or complicated.

You could take a gamble and just say nothing until the stock arrives, but that could attract negs and neutrals which will equally harm your account.

Maybe offer alternatives or bonus items or partial refunds if they are prepared to wait.

Hope this all blows over quickly for you.

I would suggest that if you get through the next month absolutely defect free then give Customer Service another call and see if there is any chance they will at least lift the restrictions.