eBay’s Rules Explained

Ever wondered what exactly the listing rules are on eBay? I found this useful summary the other day!

Links Policy Overview

The eBay item page can only be used to describe, promote and facilitate the sale of the listed item. Save any references of your non-eBay web site, off-eBay sales or other businesses for your About Me Page. Here are the do’s and don’ts of using links in a listing:

Links you can use in a listing:

• One link to a page that further describes the item being sold.
• One link to your email address that opens an email client.
• Links to photos of the item for sale.
• Links to your eBay listings.
• Links to your About Me Page.
• Links that provide credits to third parties.

Note: Logo images for any of these links may be no greater than 88×33 pixels.

Links you can’t use, include:

• Links to web pages that offer to trade, sell, or purchase goods and services outside of eBay.
• Links to web sites or pages offering merchandise.
• Links to sites that solicit eBay User IDs or Passwords.
• Links that encourage buyers to place their eBay bids through a site other than eBay.
• Linking to your eBay gallery from the Item Listing Pages.You may also link to a page where information relating to your eBay items is grouped in a picture gallery or similar format so long as the page otherwise complies with these policies.

Multiple/Duplicate Listings

There is a limit to the number of identical, or duplicate, listings allowed on eBay. Multi-Listing occurs when a seller posts more than 10 listings for identical items. Three great strategies to move a depth of product without violating the multiple listings policy are provided below:

Wholesale Lots

In addition to the maximum of 10 listings for identical items, sellers may list up to 10 additional listings of a product type as bundled lots. There is a Wholesale and Job Lots category that hosts a number of specific sub categories such as Clothing, DVDs and Sporting Goods where you’ll be able to list bundled lots. This also gives sellers the opportunity to reach new customers, including those interested in purchasing a large quantity of product.

Buy It Now Listings

The Buy It Now format allows you to use a single listing to sell multiple quantities of individual items. Each item can be purchased immediately using the Buy it Now feature.

Shops Inventory Format

The multiple listing policy does not apply to eBay Shop Inventory listings. Many members choose this format to post complementary items such as accessories and add-ons within their Shop and merchandise these items in other listing formats on eBay.

Choice vs. Customization

Offering bidders a choice of product by size, colour, scent, style, etc., is not allowed within a single listing. For example, a listing offering a choice of sizes to bidders is not permitted. The solution is to list separate listings for each size.
However, a product, such as a ring, may be customised after the listing closes. Please note if there is an additional cost for customization, the cost must be included in the final bid price.

Payment Surcharges

Sellers may not charge an additional fee for the use of ordinary forms of payment, including acceptance of checks, money orders, electronic transfers or credit cards. Such costs should be built into the price of the item. This policy reduces the potential for confusion about the true item cost.
A surcharge may be added for the following:

Postage & Packaging

Sellers may charge a reasonable P&P fee to the final price of their item provided that this fee is disclosed in the listing. P&P fees can cover the reasonable cost for mailing, packaging and handling the item. P&P fees cannot be listed as a percentage of the final sale price.

Escrow

Sellers may pass along the costs associated with using a third party escrow service if the buyer chooses to use an escrow service.

Currency Exchange

Sellers may choose to accept payment in a different currency than the currency listed on eBay. If the buyer chooses to take advantage of this optional payment method, the seller may pass along any costs associated with the currency exchange, provided that the costs are disclosed and agreed to in advance.

Keyword Spamming

Excessive use of key words for the purpose of attracting or diverting buyers to a listing will be considered Keyword Spamming and is not permitted. The most common key word spamming involves brand names, listed to draw buyers who conduct a search.
For example, it would not be permissible to state: “Please view my other eBay listings for vintage Barbies, GI Joe, and Hot Wheels.” However, it would be acceptable to say, ““Check out my other listings for vintage collectables!”
eBay Seller Services – Common Listing Mistakes