User ID policy | In this article |  | |
Policy overview
Your user ID is the unique name that you use to identify yourself on eBay, like SuperSeller or Nothing_but_Posters. When you register, you should choose a user ID that you like and will remember. Use your imagination, but keep in mind that there are a few rules you need to follow. Remember that user IDs:
Can't be obscene or profane Can't contain your email address or web address, or the word eBay Must be at least 2 characters long Can't contain a third party's trademark or brand
There are also a few formatting guidelines you need to follow. For more specific information and examples of what is and is not allowed, please take a look at the information below.
Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:
Limits on account privileges Forfeit of eBay fees on canceled listings Loss of PowerSeller status
If you see a user ID on the site that you think violates this policy, report it.
If you're having trouble signing in to eBay or can't remember your user ID or password, get help.
What are the guidelines?
Allowed |
User IDs can contain:
Letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and some symbols An element of an email address or web address (URL) that identifies you or your brand. For example, if your website is www.mikes_bikes.com, your user ID can be mikes_bikes.
|
Not allowed |
User IDs can't contain:
The @, &, ', (, ), <, or > character. Note: eBay Store names can contain some symbols, such as &. Spaces or tabs. Note: eBay Store names can contain spaces. Elements that imply an email address or web address (for example, xyz.com), including but not limited to .com, .net, .org, .edu or any variation of such (for example, _com or -com). Consecutive underscores __. An underscore _, hyphen -, or period . at the beginning of a user ID (for example, -pezcollector). The word eBay (only eBay employees can use the word eBay in their user IDs). The letter e followed by numbers. Obscene or profane words that violate eBay's guidelines. See eBay's rules on profanity. The same user ID as another seller or similar to an eBay Store name. A term that is similar to, or might be confused with, a third party's trademark or brand (for example, CocaColaSeller).
|
You can only change your user ID once in a 30-day period. This is to prevent confusion for other eBay members as well as potential fraud. Keep in mind that your user ID is a valuable asset on eBay, like your Feedback score. Buyers and sellers will recognize you by your user ID, so it's a good idea to choose one that you'll want to use for the long term. Information for members whose current user ID is—or represents—an email address or web address (URL): eBay is constantly working to provide a safer and easier trading experience for our members. As a result, we have decided no longer to allow user IDs that are based on an email address, a web address (URL), or look like either. If you have a current eBay user ID registered after November 2001 (when eBay's user ID policy was instituted) that is also an email address, a web address, or is a look-alike for either, you must change your user ID to comply with this policy. eBay may take a range of actions with regard to user IDs not in compliance, including suspension of the associated account. Why does eBay have this policy? We want all our members to choose a user ID they like, but we don't allow members to choose a user ID that might be offensive to others, might violate a copyright or trademark, or might mislead or confuse other members. |  |
Contact us Have a question? We can help.
Get help from other eBay members. Visit the Answer Center to post a question. |
Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
