eBay permits the listing of valid coupons on its site, with some limitations. Please see ’Additional Information’ to learn more about what limits are placed on the sale of coupons. eBay is committed to working with the coupon industry to help ensure that eBay is not a venue for fraudulent coupon-related transactions and to providing its users with a safe place to trade.
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
The following limits are placed on the sale of coupons on eBay:
Expired Coupons: The sale of recently expired coupons is not permitted on eBay, as such coupons serve no valid purpose and could be used in a fraudulent manner. Collectible coupons that clearly cannot be redeemed may be permitted.
Electronic "scanned" coupons: All coupons sold through eBay must be physically delivered to the buyer, and may not be delivered by electronic means for home printing. Further, to reduce the potential for coupon abuse, eBay asks that sellers refrain from placing clear, unaltered scans of coupons in their listings that could be copied, printed and redeemed in stores. The sale of scanned or photocopied coupons may violate federal copyright laws, and sellers of such unlawful items could face prosecution under federal law. eBay will not tolerate such transactions through its site.
Bulk coupon sales: Bulk coupon listings are defined as listings that contain more than 20 coupons for the same item, or more than 100 total coupons. If it is unclear how many coupons are offered, the listing will be considered in violation. Coupon inserts (packets of coupons typically found in newspapers) are limited to a maximum of 5 per listing, unless the seller indicates in the listing that the quantity of coupons for sale is under 100 total coupons.
Coupons for "free" products: Coupons for free products, with no purchase required, are limited to two per listing. Internet home printed coupons are also limited to 2 per listing.
Why does eBay have this policy?
eBay is often asked whether manufacturers' coupons, such as coupons from newspapers, booklets, mailings or magazine circulars, can be sold on its site. Generally, many coupons are issued without any valid restrictions on transfer or sale, and can be listed on eBay.
However, some coupons contain terms that explicitly forbid their transfer or sale. eBay urges sellers to read the terms on all coupons carefully before listing, and to respect the intentions of the coupon issuer by refraining from selling coupons contrary to their specific terms. eBay itself will not enforce non-transferability clauses printed on coupons, and has no information on whether the issuers of these coupons may legally enforce limitations printed on the coupons.
Since eBay does not possess the coupons or have knowledge of the coupons' terms or circumstances surrounding the issuance of those coupons, coupon sellers are encouraged to consult with the manufacturers and legal counsel before listing coupons that explicitly forbid transfer or sale on eBay. Sellers may not avoid potential issues with coupon issuers by claiming to price the value of the labor involved in clipping the coupons, rather than the coupons themselves. Under eBay rules, the coupons themselves will be treated as the item of value being sold. Buyers should also note that retailers might decline to accept coupons that have been obtained in a manner that violates the printed terms on the coupon.
eBay supports the efforts of manufacturers and retailers around the world to reduce fraud in the coupon industry, including coupon counterfeiting and redemption fraud.
