Book removed even though several others are still up and selling

[retiredguy55]

Is there any way to speak to a real person at eBay?  They removed a book of mine saying it violated their policies, but books with the same content are still up and listed, even in the exact same condition. They have apparently made a mistake, but is there any way to get them to fix it?

[iart]

What book?

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques]

ebay can't remove every violation at the same time, so the fact that your book was removed and others remain means nothing. Tell us the book title and we can probably help you determine whether the book is in violation of an ebay rule. 

[house*of*paws]

Hi @retiredguy55 

I’m guessing it was a book on Hitler / Nazis.  I wouldn’t push your luck by contacting eBay… as you may find more of your listings removed.  

eBay can’t catch all banned items before their listings become active  … so you’ll always see listings that violate policy.  Many listings are removed after being ‘reported’.  

[reallynicestamps]

https://twitter.com/askebay?lang=en



https://www.facebook.com/eBayForBusiness/ — Message button in upper right on landing page.



https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/How-do-I-contact-Customer-Support/m-p/32016431#M1783851

Books with the same content is not the same as the same books.

Your title may have a copyright restriction-  for example, some expensive textbooks are reprinted without the permission of the author and without paying him for his intellectual property.

[caldreamer]

EBAY "bots" always looking for problematic items.  Even though you feel it was flagged in error....I would not relist this item as EBAY may permanently suspend your account.

[retiredguy55 · Accepted solution]

I actually contacted them through the chat process.  They agreed that it was flagged in error and suggested I add a feature to the title (even though I had already mentioned it in the description) to prevent the problem again.  I am able to relist the item.  My first time to have to contact them, and I can't believe it actually worked out!

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques]

@retiredguy55  Glad to hear it.

[pburn]

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@retiredguy55 wrote:

I actually contacted them through the chat process.  They agreed that it was flagged in error and suggested I add a feature to the title (even though I had already mentioned it in the description) to prevent the problem again.  I am able to relist the item.  My first time to have to contact them, and I can't believe it actually worked out!

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Yeah . . . good luck with that.

[house*of*paws]

@retiredguy55 

Your listing went on a bot’s radar as soon as it was pulled.  Speaking to an eBay rep doesn’t change that.

Don’t be surprised if your listing is removed again.  If it is … DO NOT relist the item.  Your account will be at risk if you do.  

[monica-sells]

"...I actually contacted them through the chat process.  They agreed that it was flagged in error and suggested I add a feature to the title (even though I had already mentioned it in the description) to prevent the problem again.  I am able to relist the item.  My first time to have to contact them, and I can't believe it actually worked out!..."

From 1 retired seller to another....I agree with @pburn ....

I highly suggest you save that transcript for future proof......

...just sayin'

[lacemaker3]

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@iart wrote:

What book?

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I suspect it was this listing, for the book Mein Kampf, authored by Adolf Hitler. It looks like the listing was ended about 4 hours after it was listed, and has now been relisted.

This book used to be explicitly listed as prohibited in the policy. It is not explicitly mentioned any more, since eBay simplified their policies, but I doubt that the policy has been changed, and I don't think that being "annotated" will make a difference.

[retiredguy55]

Screengrab!

[retiredguy55]

It does make a difference.  I added “annotated” to the new title as suggested to keep it off the bot’s radar.  Being annotated, there are many, many comments/notations on what is being said and what is false!  The annotations are like little fact checkers throughout the book.  Others are listed and have sold, but this annotated version is the only one they allow.  Same at Amazon, I think.

[pburn]

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@retiredguy55 wrote:

It does make a difference.  I added “annotated” to the new title as suggested to keep it off the bot’s radar.  

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Lovely.

And just exactly how adding the word "annotated" "keep it off the bot's radar?" You know what "bots" are, right? And how they work?

"Bots" look for preprogrammed key words. It's not like a bot sees Mein Kompf and goes, "Hey! Better remove that listing!" and then sees "annotated" and goes, "Oh. Guess that one's okay then."

As I said previously, good luck.