eBay

robpol-3729 · ‎10-23-2023

Hi.

Ever since starting my eBay store at the beginning of last month, I have had four items removed for a violation of the counterfeit policy. Last month it was three antique coins and this time it was an ungraded baseball card. Absolutely nothing I sell is counterfeit, and eBay has been extremely unhelpful last time I contacted them. When I asked them to elaborate on how they decided that my items were counterfeit, for them to prove it, they refused to as it would "give advantages to sellers to game the system", and then said that they are "not comfortable with the item being listed".

This is ridiculous. I have no idea why this is happening, don't know if it's a disgruntled buyer who's offer I declined or some buyer who decided to mess with my online business, but it's insane. Especially on a card that I listed for $12, like someone would be foolish enough to assume that I'd be breaking the rules by selling a fake card for that cheap... That card has been listed several other times, those listings are up, I don't see why eBay is discriminating against me for it. If this really is a disgruntled buyer, how is eBay going to just take their word for it and sabotage my business? I have no choice but to not relist those items, but all I want to know is why is this happening?

oldwestcoins · ‎10-23-2023

eBay seems to be on a blitz attempting to identify counterfeits. And obviously, as the OP states, they are making a lot of mistakes. I recently had two items removed. This happened under my main selling ID which I have had for over 23 years with 100% perfect FB. Several million in sales and over $250,000 paid to eBay in fees. The coins removed were actually in sealed holders by one of the largest auction firms in the world. I even provided the auction sales and lot numbers. Their stickers showing the same were on the holders. I also provided the invoices for these two items. There is no way such a large and respected auction house would sell counterfeit items. They employ experts. But, eBay's infinite wisdom determined these items to be fakes. I might add I have been specializing in this area of coins for over 50 years. 48 yr Life member of the ANA, MSNS, PCGS/NGC dealer, blah blah blah. They were $100 coins so it did not pay to have them certified for $50-$100 each. Even after pointing out to eBay that they presently have 3,000 fakes, easy to identify and count listed, the CS rep could have cared less. Just a vent as the OP offered. This has and continues to go off the rails for sellers. It is very frustrating when you have ignorant people making decisions that negatively impact your business and efforts.

caldreamer · ‎10-23-2023

Companies hire trademark infringement corporations that use bots to review all online media (not just EBAY) to look for any supposed copyright infringement or counterfeits. Obviously, they must work on a commission basis and rely on the fact that Sellers cannot hire an attorney to dispute their case. Actually...you are lucky...many Sellers had their accounts and payments due frozen until they paid "fine" imposed by the attorney.

4pawsup* · ‎10-23-2023

@oldwestcoins , Hello, I was just curious you said they were $100 coins. What were they and were they from the US, Thanks

12345jamesstamps · ‎10-23-2023

New rules for trading cards to list got put in place this month. Need to read them.

And that word "antique"...I suggest not using that word for a coin or anything old. Just list a coin...without the title "antique" in it.

If coins have a high value they need to be graded by a professional...not a seller also.

We as sellers, aren't really allowed to grade a coin...'ungraded" is also how it might need to be listed if not by a professional.

robpol-3729 · ‎10-23-2023

I didn't use the word "antique" in my listings, it's just how I am describing them to whomever sees this.

Two of the three coins were graded but the company who graded them were not recognized by eBay, and so I couldn't list them as graded. The coin that was not graded, I listed as ungraded, and still got taken down.

4pawsup* · ‎10-23-2023

What kind of coins were they?

robpol-3729 · ‎10-23-2023

Silver half dollars, graded by CSI and AACGS... Neither recognized by eBay.

4pawsup* · ‎10-23-2023

I think the problem is your a new seller. You have what ebay considers high dollar coins for sale. Once you reach a certain amount of sales you will not have as many issues. I just started 7/26 of this year selling. I have been keeping the coins i sell under $200 for the most part. Just keep selling and you wont have as many issues. Good luck to you.