Links to external sites in listing

[chileboy]

I started selling again recently after a long hiatus. Some of my sales are old electronics, etc.

I used to put links in my listings to manuals, specifications, etc. For instance, when selling an old modem that supported 99 obscure protocols, or an unusual peripheral, it made sense to say "You can view the complete specifications/manuals/installation instructions here on the manufacturer's/obsolete manuals/etc. website". Clicking the "here" link would simply call up that page. It was a lot easier for me but also the buyer, because there was no doubt about anything.

Now apparently that's not allowed, as I discovered this morning when I got a violation notice.

I can understand there being rules against linking to a site that might drive buyers to another one of my sales sites or whatever, but what's the rational for banning what I'm describing? It seems to make a lot of sense for both buyers and sellers.

[nawlinsron2]

Sadly, common sense is now a prohibited item at ebay.

[chileboy]

Well, not the response I was hoping for but you gave me a laugh anyway! 

[chileboy]

I'd like to ask a follow-up - am I allowed to put in a listing something like www-somesite-com/manuals as long as it isn't a live link?

[d-k_treasures · Accepted solution]

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@chileboy wrote:

I'd like to ask a follow-up - am I allowed to put in a listing something like www-somesite-com/manuals as long as it isn't a live link?

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Nope.

Unless, of course, you are a large toy seller on here - then you can put a direct link right into your listing taking you to your off-site website to buy.

[chileboy]

Wow.  

OK, how about this: "Send me a PM and I'll send you a link to the manual"

[d-k_treasures]

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@chileboy wrote:

Wow.  

OK, how about this: "Send me a PM and I'll send you a link to the manual"

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I don't think I would try that now either, with ebay bots running amok through your messages.