Account Suspension

[wristrock]

Some Puritan at eBay decided to suspend my account for a Playboy Magazine cover that DOES NOT violate the adult policy as printed in eBay's policy. Moreover, there are 6 other auctions currently running with the exact same cover photo (March, 1974).  I loaded all 6 other  auctions up on my computer to discuss with Customer Service why I was being discriminated against. That turned out to be a waste of time because I couldn't  understand the English of either of these two script readers I reached. The first one actually hung up on me!  (Side note: If you're going to export American jobs at LEAST hire people that can speak English!)

Even MORE unbelievable, the first day of my suspension I get spammed by eBay with an ad WITH the same picture to buy the exact same magazine from one of those other 6 people running the listing!  Are you kidding me?

There are appeal paths for EVERYTHING else from feedback to defects. However, eBay insists there is NOTHING that can be done about capricious suspensions. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told none were available but they could have one call me in 48 to 72 hours.  Conveniently, AFTER my 3 day suspension is over.

As a 19 year veteran Seller with 100% positive feedback (and Top Rated until they changed all the criteria to discourage wanting to become one), with 100% positive feedback, I want someone to justify the above to me, preferably in English. 

[jda11121]

That's funny because you are still selling. Sorry we are not in the eBay justify business.

[jayjaspersgarage]

Hmmm,  was it listed in the right category?  You sold at least one Playboy listed correctly in Books & Magazines a while back so this is a little odd.  I am starting to wonder if some of the overseas ebay employees apply their own countries ultra-puritanism ethics codes to the U.S. seller of low-level smut just to spite us on occasion?   

Look at the bright side in that it was only three days.

[monica-sells]

It is beyond frustrating.....BUT

That cover is in violation of the ebay nudity policy----

It is one of of about 30 covers that violate the policy.......and it is enforced somewhat sporadically but eventually they all get removed.....

Look CLOSELY at the cover

---This is how the policy reads:

eBay defines nudity as showing any part of male or female genitalia, anus, or female breasts where the areola or nipple is visible. The following are also considered nudity:

• Modeled clothing that is see-through or very tight and shows human genitalia, the anus, or the nipple/areola of female breasts
• If you look close, you can see the areola

[mtgraves7984]

"I want someone to justify the above to me, preferably in English."

@wristrock 

For what it's worth... qualified C/S Reps can be reached starting with a message on the eBay facebook page.

You will receive quick, intelligible email responses in easy-to-read English. Good luck to you.

[house*of*paws]

Hi @wristrock 

eBay is no longer a feasible place to buy and sell adult items once the 'Adult Only' Category was done away with (when Managed Payments took over from PayPal).  I strongly recommend you find another venue to list adult stuff.

[Anyone you speak to in Customer Service about a listing removal will NOT be the same person who removed the listing ... so will not be able to give you a cogent reason for why it was removed.   They just won't know.] 

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi, i took a look at your listings. I was surprised they are still up and running when you have explained that a three day suspension has been leveled. What did they suspend? Ability to list?

(By the way, i noticed a policy violation in your terms of sale—restocking fees are no longer allowed.)

[wristrock]

Sorry for such a late response but this is first time I even noticed this thread existed after 18 yrs as a Seller!

Specifically, to your points: First, I was unable to list for 3 days for having a Playboy cover that partially exposed nipples. I was suspended despite the fact there were 21 other listings showing to exact same cover at the same time. That's the point that set me off... the discriminatory nature of the action.

Next, when did they rescind the restocking fee?  This is the first I've heard of that one. So Sellers are supposed to eat the cost of original shipping, return shipping, wasted packaging and a trip to the post office with gas at $4 a gallon because a Buyer either didn't read the entire listing, were too lazy to measure their wrist for watch purchases despite dimensions being listed down to the millimeter or simply changed their minds? Why would eBay think their Sellers' pockets were as deep as Walmart's in that they'll take anything back, for any reason, no questions asked? With all the benefits afforded to Buyers, it seems they lose sight that without Sellers, they wouldn't have a business.

[donsdetour]

---

@wristrock wrote:

Sorry for such a late response but this is first time I even noticed this thread existed after 18 yrs as a Seller!

Specifically, to your points: First, I was unable to list for 3 days for having a Playboy cover that partially exposed nipples. I was suspended despite the fact there were 21 other listings showing to exact same cover at the same time. That's the point that set me off... the discriminatory nature of the action.

Next, when did they rescind the restocking fee?  This is the first I've heard of that one. So Sellers are supposed to eat the cost of original shipping, return shipping, wasted packaging and a trip to the post office with gas at $4 a gallon because a Buyer either didn't read the entire listing, were too lazy to measure their wrist for watch purchases despite dimensions being listed down to the millimeter or simply changed their minds? Why would eBay think their Sellers' pockets were as deep as Walmart's in that they'll take anything back, for any reason, no questions asked? With all the benefits afforded to Buyers, it seems they lose sight that without Sellers, they wouldn't have a business.

---

Have you noticed eBays money back guarantee that you agree to buy using the site??

That is the why of part of your statement.

As for the adult policy: don't even try and list things these days not worth he risks or time.

As for other had such listed: like a speeder on the highway: they did not yet get caught and YOU did.

Try such arguments in court: they fail....

[wristrock]

Sorry for such a late response but this is first time I even noticed this thread existed after 18 yrs as a Seller!

I totally agree that eBay is no longer a suitable place to offer a 65 yr old publication with one of the highest circulations of any magazine ever published. We never received an explanation of why eBay abandoned the "Adult Only" category. Not sure what it had to do with managed payments or fixing what wasn't broke in scrapping Pay Pal. I just figured some zealot got promoted into a position where they could inflict their moral code on those of us less pious.

If you have a suggestion, other than Craigs List, I would welcome it. Craigs List has proven its not worth getting a cap fired into us to make a few bucks on a magazine.   

[bonjourami]

" it seems they lose sight that without Sellers, they wouldn't have a business."

Ebay doesnt feel that way,their stance is without buyers they wouldnt have a business.Sellers are a dime a dozen here, with over thirty million world wide, and thousands more joining every week. Thats why Ebay gets away with treating their sellers so shabbily.

[wristrock]

Thanks for the suggestion. We'll look into that. However, it's sad to have to substitute one inconvenience (paying 12.56% commission plus $25/mo. store fees with the level of support Sellers receive from Manila) for another inconvenience... joining Zuckerberg's "little ball of hate" forum, getting bombarded with friend requests from people only trying to collect followers like notches on a belt and running the risk of having your personal info sold or exposed to the dark web.

[wristrock]

We learned our lesson and have righted our moral compass. We now cut out little pieces of paper to cover the objectionable areas of the female anatomy. 

"...It is one of of about 30 covers that violate the policy.......and it is enforced somewhat sporadically but eventually they all get removed.....".  I don't share your confidence that these all will eventually get removed with a "sporadic" and seemingly arbitrary enforcement.

[wristrock]

Just who is "WE"?