Crochet patterns - paper AND free pdf?

[needlemethat]

Okay, I've been round and round with this in my head ever since ebay stopped letting us sell digital downloads.

Is it possible to sell a printed pattern (quality paper, color, the whole nine yards) and also giving the customer a FREE pdf ?  Most people want a pdf these days, but its NOT allowed.  So if I sell a paper copy and give a free pdf, I wonder if that would be ok?

~Curious

[simply-the-best-for-you]

Ebay did used to allow digital downloads & it was common with needlework patterns.  I don't sell in that category, so I don't recall when it ended.   

I would think as long as you mail them a copy, it would be fine to also allow them download a pdf if they wished.  I guess I'm not positive & I see someone already paged eBay, so we'll see what they say, but since you are mailing the pattern, so tracking is implied there, I don't see why offering an additional method for customer convenience would run you afoul of any eBay policies.  

[richmondhillcubs]

Also consider:

Did you create the pattern?

If you created the pattern, you can choose the medium, the venue rules would need to be followed as others suggested.

If you did not create the pattern, copying the pattern to hard or soft media may very well infringe on copyright/trademark of the owner/creator.

[needlemethat]

There was.  It was back in the 90's.  Then they stopped it.

[needlemethat]

Actually, it was allowed in the 90's.  Then they stopped.

[needlemethat]

They really did!  I used to sell alot of patterns back then.  Maybe thats when folks moved to Etsy and others.  But Etsy's fees have gotten so high now, its crazy.  Er'body wants that pound of flesh, it seems.

[needlemethat]

That is a concern. Many computers dont have a cd drive unless it is ordered that way.  CD's are becoming obsolete.  That is my point, actually.  Digital downloads is the way of the future, and the future it here.

[needlemethat]

I guess that is an option.  If I can find skinny drives in bulk.  

[needlemethat]

Yes, I am a pattern designer with all original designs.  I would never sell another's pattern - I would hate it if someone did that to me, too.