REASON FOR REMOVED LISTING WAS NOT ACCURATE--WHAT DO I DO?

[tinkrbl48]

  Ebay removed a listing of mine for an everyday, OTC pain reliever.  Reason given was that it is a prescription strength, and it NOT ... just a regular strength sold at grocery stores, drug stores, etc.   There are THOUSANDS of similar auctions for these same types of pain relievers.  I spoke to an Ebay rep and she said it's prescription strength, although it isn't.  WHAT DO WE DO when Ebay removes a listing for a reason that is "mistaken"?   This is ridiculous.

[gosimus]

@tinkrbl48 

< WHAT DO WE DO when Ebay removes a listing for a reason that is "mistaken"? >     

You do the same thing that you do any time eBay removes a listing.  You don't list it again.  Once the bots remove a listing, that puts their enhanced attention on you.  If you continue to re-list a removed item, and eBay continues to remove it, eventually eBay will suspend your ability to sell, perhaps permanently. 

[tinkrbl48]

I understand that .... But the "reason" was not correct.  It was NOT prescription strength.  I'd bought the wrong brand, never opened it, so decided to sell it on Ebay.  I'm all for following the rules, but shouldn't Ebay also abide by their own guidelines?  My auction was NOT  in violation, just like the thousands of other auctions currently active.   

[gosimus]

@tinkrbl48 

And I understand that.  But it's one of those injustices we have to live with.  I've heard this same complaint a few times before.  Some of those other sellers had even contacted Customer Service and had been told that it was okay to re-list their item, and then their listing was removed again.  Customer Service will agree with you because you're right, just like I agree with you, but in this instance they're more of a cheerleader than they are a problem solver.  Customer Service can not program exceptions to the subroutine that's flagging you, and the bots will nail you again.  I regret that I don't have advice more to your liking. 

[tinkrbl48]

One of those injustices we have to live with?  Seriously?   

Ebay can make mistakes that negatively affect Sellers and you think that no one should object because "there's nothing that can be done"?  If Ebay is going to have rules and policies that they expect everyone to adhere to, shouldn't they also have to adhere to what is right?   When Ebay makes mistakes, shouldn't they be anxious to correct them?   They are very accommodating to Buyers, but what will they be buying if the Sellers can't trust Ebay to do the right thing?  I appreciate your honesty in your response, but your willingness to go along with things done improperly is a little surprising.    If Ebay is seriously interested in growth and customer satisfaction on both sides of the transaction, then they should own up to mistakes and make them right.

[tinkrbl48]

Is there ANYONE who works for Ebay would like to comment .... or help?

[house*of*paws]

Hi @tinkrbl48 

Nobody who works for eBay will read your post to offer comments.  These Boards are manned by experienced volunteers only.

The advice you already received was spot on.  I wouldn't have felt the need to respond further if you hadn't fought against the information you received.  Here is what I would have told you if I were the first person to reply to your question:

You will always see banned items listed on eBay ... since 'bots' aren't able to catch them all before before the listings become active.  eBay relies on 'reports' by members ... and your listing apparently was reported. 

As a rule of thumb, NEVER relist an item that eBay has removed ... even if you are certain it was removed by mistake. 

A listing is put on a bot's radar the first time it is removed ... and future listings of the item will be caught by bots quickly.  Even if it appears you have cleared up the problem with a CS rep ... or with a supervisor ... the bot still has the listing on its radar. 

You'll start receiving penalties when you relist, which will become increasingly severe until you’re permanently suspended.  List your item somewhere else.  It isn't worth trying to list it on eBay.

Feel free to insult me as well ... as if describing what happens in any way implies a 'willingness to go along with things done improperly'.   

[tinkrbl48 · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your reply.  As someone who has spent some time as a Customer Service Rep, I guess I just have a much different perspective about what constitutes good CS.   I also don't see where disagreeing with someone about what is a well-run business is insulting, but I will not try to change anyone's opinion.   

My opinion of Ebay has dropped considerably.   I used to see it as a good place to conduct transactions, but this experience, and their dropping Paypal as a confidential tool for those transactions is disappointing.   Will I continue to use Ebay?   Probably, but certainly not with the same enthusiasm  (or trust)  as before.  For a company that does all its business online, they sure have a substandard  IT department.  Wow.   I didn't make the mistake, and I've done my best to try to correct the problem.  Things like this should be seen for what they are.

 However ...  I appreciate your honesty.