Frustrated with eBay Policies- The are appearing to allow a counterfeit network work freely on eBay!

[southwestacousticproducts]

After being an eBay seller (and a happy one) for over 12 years, I am astonished that eBay seems to be allowing a multi-million dollar counterfeiting operation and network to operate right under their noses.  This is not my supposition this is a fact.  There are at least 30 shops and probably up to 50 shops selling counterfeit guitars (Gibson Les Paul, Fender, Rickenbacker, Paul Reed Smith, and others)  All shops appear to be legitimate with great ratings, however the ratings for the most part are coming from buyers who resell the counterfeit items to unsuspecting buyers outside of eBay.  I have brought this to the attention of eBay on several occasions and they do not appear to be taking any positive action on this issue.  What is taking place is a violation of eBay's policies, and more importantly, constitutes violations of Federal, State, and Local statutes regarding Interstate commerce and Customs Enforcement.  Essentially eBay appears to be allowing counterfeiters to distribute counterfeit products through their distribution network.   To the legitimate sellers on eBay, this is impacting your business, but more importantly, creating issues of ethics and legitimacy on the products being sold through this platform.  Regarding this allegation, I can only speak of guitars and Acoustic Instruments.  I am a subject matter expert in this area, and I run a successful instrument business.  As well, I do appraisals and evaluations weekly.  EBay needs to address this matter head-on and has not.  Any suggestions on raising the level of this to the appropriate individuals at eBay would be appreciated.  I am a happy seller and eBay has been great to me, however, they are doing a disservice, not only to us, but to themselves, as this practice is against every policy written regarding authenticity, copyright, and trademark laws as well as counterfeiting.  Input would be greatly appreciated. 

[kensgiftshop]

When you report them, they see them as your competitors and think you're trying to get rid of your competition, since you sell the same type of items..

[fab_finds4u]

This works the best. You buy the guitar. Then you make a claim citing it's counterfeit.  eBay will take your word and allow you to return it at the seller's  expense.  It's  the number of disputes  from verified purchasers that will make eBay take notice and remove the seller.

I have a 79 The Paul.  I look for that guitar a lot to keep up with the value because I might sell mine one day. 

Lately I see the same photo used by several different sellers from Japan. That looks very suspicious to me but I suspect they see a guitar for sale in Elderly and they copy the picture and list it on eBay and if it sells they buy it and have it shipped to their customer. 

I wouldn't buy a new guitar here because they can post a pic of an authentic guitar and send you a counterfeit one.

[solidguitar1961]

The Chibson thing has been ongoing on Ebay since 2008

[broto_64]

You have to understand, if ebay takes "action" it will most likely be legitimate small time sellers who will be impacted and have their perfectly good listings removed for reasons of "does not look authentic" and other such issues. The bad guys meanwhile will continue selling here without even a hint of trouble.

Guitars isn't the only counterfeit ring either, hardly...

It's all over, shoes, thumb drives, spark plugs, coins, trading cards, jewelry, clothing, handbags, computers smart phones laptops tablets and accessories, bullion, watches, batteries, you name it, I just named these off the top of my head so please rest assured there are plenty more.

[bryo_3145]

Buy products Made in U.S.A. 

[parrotfestival]

ebay obviously doesn't care about anything, but I'm under the impression that the credit companies are very serious about counterfeit items. I think a chargeback on a counterfeit item might be more effective or at least send more of a message. That being said, it could effect your account status and it would probably take a growing trend of chargebacks to accomplish anything.

[monica-sells]

ah yes....the memories, 1969 revisited (the Les Paul transition year)

my arthritic fingers can still eek out day tripper....LOL

[southwestacousticproducts]

I agree, so, against my better wishes, I am buying a counterfeit item and reporting it.

Thanks, it's a great idea,

[bonjourami]

"I agree, so, against my better wishes, I am buying a counterfeit item and reporting it."

You admit this in a public forum, why would you jeopardize  your account like that? Ebay frowns on vigilante tactics.

[theteamsetguy]

@bryo_3145 ,

They are too expensive.

[ebeths_eclectic_collectibles]

It surprises me that Gibson has not complained or taken action to have the listings removed. I guess if they don’t care eBay doesn’t care either 

[powell-memorabilia]

Curious stance from a seller that lists “fender style” knockoff items. 

[simba6]

Buyers who purchased one and it's a fake can file a not as described case and get a refund.  Those companies would have to become VERO members then eBay will remove the items.

Other than those eBay does not give a hoot to reports from non purchasers.

[wallys_records35624]

I literally stop using the platform because they flagged and punished me for selling 1960s bootleg Beatles records . But these guys can continue to sell blatant counterfeits.. although I own 2 "chibsons" and they are very nice.. of course I made them better because I do guitar work... Anyhow..food for thought... I know I was taking $$ out of the Beatles pocket and all. Not like selling a lookalike guitar for 2 percent of what a legit Gibson actually costs.. anyway I digress .....