Rules for sellers

eBay's policies help to create a safer, fair and enjoyable trading experience for all eBay members. As a seller, you are responsible for reviewing and understanding eBay's selling policies, as well as all applicable laws and regulations outlined in the user agreement.

We recommend that you learn about eBay's selling policies before you list an item. This will help you to avoid accidentally breaking rules. Also, eBay's selling policies are updated often to address emerging issues, so it is important to check them regularly for changes.

Make sure you follow these guidelines. If you don't, you may be subject to a range of actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.

Top questions

Why did eBay remove my listing?

How can I report a listing that appears to be violating eBay rules and policies?

What are the rules and policies for listing items on eBay?

Solve a problem

I\'m not sure whether the item I\'m selling is allowed on eBay.

There are some items that, due to legal restrictions and other considerations, aren't allowed or can only be listed under certain conditions. If you're not sure whether your item is allowed, you can learn why some items are prohibited or restricted and view a detailed list of items you can't sell.

eBay removed my listing and I don\'t know why.

First, check your email. When we remove a listing we send the seller an email explaining why. If you don't see this email in your inbox, check your spam folders. Then, find out more about why eBay removes listings.

eBay removed my listing for violating a copyright or trademark (VeRO) and I don\'t know why.

eBay works with copyright and trademark holders to remove listings from our site if the rights owner requests it. This can happen even if the item you are trying to sell is genuine. If you have questions about why an item was removed, contact the rights owner that requested the removal. You can find this information in the email we sent you. You can also learn more about our VeRO program.

Help topics

Basics

Rules for everyone

These policies apply to all eBay members.

Prohibited and restricted items

Find out what items can and can't be listed.

Rules for listings

Find out what you should and shouldn't do when you list an item. For example, find out how to write a listing that accurately and completely describes your item.

Rules about intellectual property

We will remove listings that have the potential to violate certain copyrights, trademarks, or other rights. Intellectual property owners can report listings as part of eBay's Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Program.

Accepted payments policy

Learn about the forms of payment that sellers can accept from buyers.

Seller performance standards

We hold our sellers to high standards on eBay. Be sure to learn about them before you start selling.

Shill bidding policy

Bidding on an item with the intent to artificially increase its price or desirability is not allowed. (This includes bids by anyone who knows the seller, such as family, friends, roommates, employees, or online connections.)

Unpaid item abuse policy

Sellers can't request a final value fee credit on a transaction if the buyer paid for the item.

Tax policy

Sellers are legally obligated to pay relevant fees and taxes on their eBay sales.

How to

How to report inappropriate buying and selling

Find out what we can investigate and the actions we'll take.

Promoting your items on other sites

All selling formats are supported for sharing listings. However, please see our shill bidding policy for more information about friends bidding on items.

Creating legally compliant listings

These general guidelines can help you create listings that are legal and don't infringe the intellectual property rights of others.

Selling with improved results

Find out how to create better listings that follow the rules.

Have a question? We can help.

Ask eBay members

Get help from other eBay members. Visit the Answer Center to post a question.

Related help topics

About eBay \| Security Center \| Buyer Tools \| Policies \| Stores \| eBay Wish list \| Site Map \| eBay official time \| Preview new features \| Tell us what you think



Copyright © 1995-2012 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.