Ebay suspension
Summary: digitalgamevault, an eBay seller with a strong positive feedback record, shares a challenging experience of having their account permanently suspended due to three "step-in" cases by eBay. They acknowledge a lack of awareness about the requirement for pre-approval to sell digital items, which contributed to the suspension after eBay sided with buyers in disputes. Several participants, including ryry-jj and tenoem, explain the strict eBay regulations on selling digital goods and suggest that reversing a permanent suspension is highly unlikely. janet9988 adds that digitalgamevault might not have had the rights to sell the digital items in the first place and provided additional information on eBay's policies. The discussion highlights the necessity of understanding eBay's electronic policies before selling digital products.
Hi everyone, I’m an eBay seller with 99% positive feedback and thousands of successfully completed orders.
Recently, my eBay account was permanently suspended after eBay had to step in on three orders. I sell digital items, so tracking numbers are not available. Because of this, even when I provide clear evidence that the items were delivered, eBay often sides with the buyer.
As a result, my seller metrics dropped, which ultimately led to the permanent suspension of my account.
I was granted an appeal opportunity and submitted over 70 slides of evidence showing successful deliveries. I also took full accountability for the decline in my metrics and explained the challenges of selling digital goods under eBay’s current system. Unfortunately, despite all of this, eBay still upheld the suspension.
I’m wondering if anyone has been through something similar or knows of any possible way to get an account reopened after a permanent suspension. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
janet9988
·1 month ago · EditedYou never owned the rights to sell your digital items.
You did not even list them under the correct category on top of that.
SECTION 2 - GENERAL CONDITIONS
We reserve the right to refuse Service to anyone for any reason at any time.
You understand that your content (not including credit card information), may be transferred unencrypted and involve (a) transmissions over various networks; and (b) changes to conform and adapt to technical requirements of connecting networks or devices. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer over networks.
You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell or exploit any
portion of the Service, use of the Service, or access to the Service or any contact on the website through which the Service is provided, without express written permission by us.
The headings used in this agreement are included for convenience only and will not limit or otherwise affect these Terms.
tenoem
·1 month agoHonestly, and you can look at my feedback number I've been around for a while, I've never in my life heard of one person getting a permanent suspension reversed, just being honest.
When asking Gemini it said you are not allowed to do this except for under certain exceptions, meaning your ban is permanent and you have no recourse:
You are mostly right! You can only sell digital goods on eBay in very strict, restricted situations. For standard sellers, it is largely prohibited. [1, 2]
eBay's regulations on electronically delivered items operate as follows:
1. The General Rule
Standard sellers cannot list digital files, software keys, or game accounts unless specifically pre-approved by eBay. Because digital goods lack physical tracking numbers, this restriction exists to protect both buyers and sellers from fraud. [1, 2, 3]
2. The Only Loophole (Classified Ads)
If you are not an authorized, approved seller, you must list your digital items in the Everything Else > Information Products category using the Classified Ad format. [1, 2]
Payments cannot be made on the eBay platform.
You lose all eBay Buyer and Seller Protection. [1]
3. Authorized Exceptions
eBay does allow direct sales (without the classified ad workaround) for specific digital items, but only if you hold the legal rights/resale permission or fall into specific categories: [1, 2, 3, 4]
Domain names
Tickets (event/travel)
Digital trading cards
NFTs (Must meet strict NFT policy guidelines, like no auctions and a max price of $10,000) [1, 2]
You can read the full, official guidelines in the eBay Electronically Delivered Items Policy. [1]
If you'd like, let me know:
What specific digital good you are trying to sell?
Are you authorized by the creator to resell it?
I can help you determine if it's allowed or if you should look at alternative platforms!
ryry-jj
·1 month agoWere you pre-approved to sell digital items? Those three "step-in" raised 3 red flags, if eBay saw that you did not have pre-approval, they will drop the hammer. You brought that attention on yourself. Usually, it only takes one red flag to shut down non-approved digital sellers...so hopefully you had permission as that helps your case
gamestockshop
·1 month agoI did not know pre approval was a thing until after the suspension. When i first started selling I contacted ebay and informed them I sell digital items asking for a way i can set up my listings to require no tracking numbers. They told me to just list it under the in game merchandise section. Those 3 step ins were supposed to be in my favor when it was primarily buyers lying about not receiving their items but the cases were resolved before I had the chance to respond.
mamacassidy
·1 month agoIt is unfortunate how many times I see someone on these boards say "I was told...".
I just googled "can I sell digital products on ebay" and it immediately pulls up the info stating that "For electronically delivered items, eBay requires sellers to be pre-approved."
I'm sorry this happened to you, but no, there is no way to get an account reopened after a permanent suspension.
ryry-jj
·1 month agoIt's a real thing...need to follow all the rules and policies, eBay is not forgiving when you ignore policy