eBay

bughaus · ‎12-30-2022

So we sell auto parts on here, primarily for older VWs (1939-1979). We sell a part that the VW factory used on the engine case when the oil dipstick needed to be in a different place depending on the model the engine was going in. Ebay today decided to remove it claiming it's an emissions defeat device and violates EPA policy. Except - it isn't an emissions defeat device - it's a factory blanking plug that these engines came with stock - plus these engines don't have emissions on them anyway. I first chatted with ebay - that person was no help, just copy and pasting policy. So I had ebay customer service call me. That person was as helpful as they could be (he didn't know what an oil dipstick even was) and filed a complaint for me and also gave me the number to ebay motors. I called ebay motors and they said they couldn't help me and sent me back to the main customer service number. That person was, again no help. I called ebay motors again, got the same guy, who was able to send me to a group that does policy violations. They, however, are having computer issues and said they would call me back. So far that hasn't happened. So I'm not sure where to go from here. I looked up this exact same part and there are 15 other live listings for it. Do I relist with different wording or what? Why is there no number for sellers to get actual help?

rfmtm · ‎12-30-2022

I would not relist until this is cleared up, unless you can positively list in a way not have it related to emissions.

To get a better response, send a Private Message here with the details.

www.facebook.com/eBayForBusiness

or

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bughaus · ‎12-30-2022

I'll give that a shot as they still haven't called back (looks like only the FB page is active). It's weird as the listing never mentioned emissions in any way whatsoever. It certainly doesn't bode well if ebay just has a bot looking for words like "block off" in ebay motors - currently there are 9600 listings that reference some kind of block off (fuel pump, oil filler, so on) that all seem to be fair game to being pulled.

fashunu4eeuh · ‎12-30-2022

Hi, sorry your listing got removed. Below is a link to the policy. Do any of your components match up with anything on the list of forbidden parts? (Sorry, not car savvy.)

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/emissions-control-defeat-devices-poli...

When the pandemic hit, eBay shut down its Customer Service call center. Since then, it seems there has been no comparable replacement. As advised upthread, your best bet is reaching out to the well-trained eBay-employed service reps on Facebook. Don’t waste your time with the phone reps. Most are ill-trained with no authority to actually solve issues. They just read from a script.

Good luck, and hope this is resolved to your benefit.

spark-chaser1 · ‎12-30-2022

Lol... A little off topic, but I have a few aircooled VWs that I restored. I'm familiar with those plugs, so kinda finding it bizarre that those are prohibited.

For all of the other places oil leaks from, valve covers, sump plate, front and rear seals, ya really going to tell me a device that STOPS a leak on those AC engines violates EPA regs? LOL

THIS is am example of one of those things where sellers have to defend themselves from policies that aren't always based on known facts.