Basic Rules for Selling on eBay

By Jason James

Complete details on current ebay policies can be found on eBay's Web site, so we won't go into all of them here. However, there are some you should know about before you begin selling on eBay

Duplicate listings occur when a seller posts more than 10 listings for identical items. The best way to list identical items is through eBay's Storefront, Fixed-Price or Multiple Item listings formats. Although there are reasons to list identical items at the same time, enabling a single seller to list too many identical items at one time hurts the buying experience.

If a seller lists in more than one category, the categories must be relevant. Any additional identical listings will be ended by eBay. There are a few exceptions: Sellers who list general admission tickets in the Tickets category may list up to 20 identical listings, and sellers of vehicle light bulbs may list up to 25 listings simultaneously.

No kids allowed: eBay requires that all users be at least 18 years of age.

Unpaid items: Winning bidders or buyers who fail to follow through with the transaction face consequences. Nonpaying bidders receive two warnings from eBay before they are suspended. When a bidder doesn't pay, the seller may request a credit from eBay for their Final Value Fee by filing an Unpaid Item alert.

Nonperforming seller: Significantly misrepresenting an item by not meeting the terms and item description in the listing, or failing to deliver an item for which you accepted payment, is a violation of eBay policies and may also be considered criminal fraud.

Outages: When the eBay system experiences service outages, there is a structure in place to compensate users with credits on listing fees and/or listing extensions, based on the type and length of the outage.

Profanity: The use of language that is racist, hateful, sexual or obscene in nature in a public area is prohibited.

Prohibited and restricted items: As an eBay user, you are ultimately responsible for making sure that the items you sell on eBay are legal according to all applicable jurisdictions and permitted by eBay policies.

Soliciting off-site sales: You may not circumvent eBay fees by using contact information obtained from eBay or any eBay service to complete a sale outside of eBay.

Threats: eBay policies prohibit making threats of physical harm to another user.

If you violate an eBay policy by either your action or the content of your listings, you will typically receive an informational alert explaining the violation and detailing any further action to be taken on your part. When deemed appropriate, eBay will end the listing, and your listing fee will be refunded.

For serious or repeated violations of eBay rules, a user may be indefinitely suspended. Though indefinitely suspended users may be reinstated by eBay at its discretion, eBay also has the right to determine at any time that the suspension is permanent.

What You Can't Sell on eBay
Prohibited
The following items may not be listed on eBay:

Alcohol
Animals and wildlife products
Catalog and url sales
Counterfeit currency and stamps
Counterfeit items
Credit cards
Drugs and drug paraphernalia
Embargoed goods and items made in prohibited countries
Firearms
Fireworks
Government IDs and licenses
Human parts and remains
Links to other web sites (except as outlined in eBay's policies)
Lock-picking devices
Lottery tickets
Mailing lists and personal information
Plants and seeds
Postage meters
Prescription drugs and devices
Recalled items
Satellite and cable TV descramblers
Stocks and other securities
Stolen property
Surveillance equipment
Tobacco
Travel (except as outlined in eBay's policies)

Questionable
These items may be listed under certain conditions. Do further research before listing items of this nature to be sure yours is allowed. To learn more, click on "Security Center" at the bottom of any eBay page, then click on "Market Place Rules and Policies." Questionable items include:

Artifacts
Autographed items
Batteries
Catalytic converters and test pipes
Compilation and information media
Contracts and travel-related tickets
Electronics equipment
Event tickets
Food
Freon and other refrigerants
Hazardous materials
Imported and emission-noncompliant vehicles
International trading in any category that violates current laws
Materials targeted to mature (adult) audiences
Medical devices
Offensive material
Pesticides
Police-related items
Pre-sale listings (items that are not in the control or possession of the seller at the time of the listing)
Slot machines
Used air bags
Used clothing
Warranties
Weapons and knives
Wine

Potentially Infringing
These items may be in violation of certain copyrights, trademarks or other rights. eBay prohibits some of these items, regardless of any particular item's legality, because they almost always violate copyright and trademark laws. As with questionable items, do your homework before posting your item. Potentially infringing items are:

Academic software
Beta software
Bootleg recordings
Downloadable media
Use of a person's likeness, name or signature
Games software
Items for which you disclaim knowledge of or responsibility for the authenticity or legality
Items or listings that misuse another product's brand name
Items that may violate a contract you have with another party
Mod chips
Movie prints
OEM software
Promotional items
Recordable media
Replica and counterfeit items
Software or hardware that would enable a user to circumvent copy-protection features on video games, software programs, CDs, CD-ROMs or DVDs
Tickets (travel)
Unauthorized copies

Jason James is a 10 year Internet marketing veteran and an eBay Power Seller of 4 years. His website "The Auction Resource Network" reveals his inside secrets, tips, and sources that help him pocket over $10,000 per month on eBay.
Claim your FREE 14 Day "Learn How to Sell on eBay" e-Course Here: http://www.auctionresourcenetwork.com

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