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Arbitrary Removal of a listing based on opinion
It seems Ebay operates on a "you are guilty until proven innocent" narrative versus "innocent until proven guilty" position which is the basis for the United States justice system.
Let me explain. I had listed an authentic Clint Eastwood autograph photo that I purchased from a reputable book and collectibles dealer in Hollywood CA in 1986. That establishment is in business today. They specialize in collectibles, whether it was books, autographs, movie artifacts etc. as they are in the heart of Hollywood, CA. In other words they know their stuff. They also gave me a receipt it was an Eastwood autograph.
It seems someone in the Ebay community reported that the signature was counterfeit. That was on December 4th. A week later on December 11, I actually sold the autograph to a dealer in Los Angeles so I removed the listing on the same day. On January 29, 2025 I get an Ebay email that stated my listing was removed as the listing was counterfeit. Mind you the listing was not active for almost two months. Why are they contacting me now?
Even though the item was sold two months ago, I appealed on the principle of the matter. How can anybody assume a signature is genuine or not by looking at a photograph? Mind you his signature was older than 1986. Celebrity signatures can change over time, and whether they are rushed signing it etc. Regardless Ebay deemed me guilty even though I included a receipt of the purchase etc. When I asked Ebay what proof they had, they refused to offer any. They simply said someone in the Ebay community reported it (like they are autograph experts?) Then they told me I had to get a "COA" certificate of authenticity simply based on what someone reported. She also said anyone can report anyone; they don't need to be qualified etc. It is funny she wanted me to get a COA when I told her I sold the item two months ago. LOL Bottom line is, I was deemed guilty, and I had to prove my innocence by obtaining a costly COA.
I have sold a few celebrity autographs as I live in Hollywood and also spent time as an actor, so I am offended by this accusation by Ebay. I have a 100% feedback rating for over 1,000 items. In essence they said anyone in the Ebay community can raise a concern about someone's listing and it will be automatically removed. This is not the democratic way to do business, especially since the buyer is protected by Ebay and I even offered a money back guarantee.
Bottom line is this, sellers on Ebay basically have no rights. Sellers cannot even leave negative buyer feedback.
As I mentioned I have already sold the item but I am concerned by this power Ebay has given to anyone to remove listings without even giving factual evidence why it should be removed. I take pride with the items I sell and I am really offended by an unknown accuser that Ebay refuses to even let me read the evidence provided or their qualifications that make him/her an autograph expert, etc. That is like going to trial as a defendant and the prosecutor simply states I stole a TV, but provides no evidence, and it is now up to me to provide evidence to prove my innocence. LOL
Your thoughts?
