From collectibles to cars, buy and sell all kinds of items on eBay
  Home > Help TopicsRules and Policies > Rules for Sellers > Rules for Listing > Want Ads and Trades
Help
Want Ads and Trades

With the exception of listings in a non-binding bid category (e.g. Real Estate), listings describing a desire to buy or trade items are not permitted. However, Want Ads are permitted in eBay’s Want It Now area.

Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

  • Listing cancellation

  • Limits on account privileges

  • Account suspension

  • Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings

  • Loss of PowerSeller status

Some Examples
  • A listing specifying “Will trade blue shirt for red one” is not permitted because it is a trade or barter.

  • A listing with “Looking for tickets to the Olympics” is not permitted as a listing but would be permitted in the eBay Want It Now area.

Why does eBay have this policy?

The purpose of the listing page is to describe the item for sale and not to trade for or look for other items. Listings that are advertisements for buying or trading items provide a poor buying experience and make it harder for all members to sell items. To address members’ desire to post want ads, eBay created the “Want it Now” area, where these types of postings are permitted and encouraged.

Contact Customer Support

Report listing violations or problems with another eBay member.


About eBay | Announcements | Security Center | eBay Toolbar | Policies | Government Relations | Site Map | Help
Copyright © 1995-2008 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
eBay official time