Listing a Contest on Ebay

[baystateserv]

So, eBay prohibits "chance listings" which are heavily regulated. Such listings border on the premise of a lottery which is essentially illegal. However, a contest that is not based on chance, is not so heavily regulated and although eBay lists Contests as prohibited, the description implies that the contest involves chance.

eBay says "Giveaways and contests are strictly regulated, so we don't allow listings that sell a chance to win a prize."

I have a Contest being prepared and currently being  reviewed by lawyers for State/Federal compliance. It is skill based with an entrance fee. No chance involved. 

Is this allowed?

[downunder-61]

My knee jerk reaction is No.

I doubt eBay will see it as anything other than 'gambling/chance'

Others may be along soon who have much more insight in to these sorts of listings.

[dhbookds]

it is skill based with an entrance fee.

I doubt you could charge/collect an entrance fee....  Sales on ebay have to involve tangible items as I understand it........  Just because a contest complies with State/Feds......doesn't mean it passes muster for ebay.........

[mtgraves7984]

I think you're odds aren't very good. 🙄

[kensgiftshop]

@baystateserv 

No

[popblox]

eBay will take it down and put you on the naughty list so fast your head will spin. A buyer asked me to make a listing for a $50 Mystery Box full of toys for a Christmas present - eBay took it down before the buyer could even pay and I was subsequently reprimanded. They didn't care about the details.

[baystateserv]

eBay allows electronic/digital material that are not tangible...

Plus eBay does allow sweeps and stuff by nonprofits so ....

[baystateserv]

Mystery boxes are specifically banned.

[kensgiftshop]

@baystateserv 

What is the policy?

Listings that offer an opportunity to win an item by chance or contest are not allowed. This includes mystery items, giveaways, lotteries, sweepstakes, random drawings, raffles, and contests.

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/chance-listings-policy?id=4311&st=12&...

[buyselljack2016]

I think your " contest" will be "contested".

[a_c_green]

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@baystateserv wrote:

I have a Contest being prepared and currently being  reviewed by lawyers for State/Federal compliance. It is skill based with an entrance fee. No chance involved. 

Is this allowed?

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It doesn't look promising, no. But why not just set up your own website to run your contest? While you may be getting it all vetted for compliance, which is great, eBay is still able to dictate whether they will allow it on their site. 

[inhawaii]

Regardless if it is currently allowed or not, ebay may declare it NOT allowed at any time. Then you'll be outta luck.   I wouldn't spend too much time or money on this.

[popblox]

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@baystateserv wrote:

Mystery boxes are specifically banned.

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I know.

Context matters.

[toysaver]

In some states charging an entrance fee for a contest is illegal.   

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques]

The rules quite literally state contests are not allowed. "Listings that offer an opportunity to win an item by chance OR contest are not allowed. This includes... contests."

You are trying to get around this by claiming this will be structured as a skill event, not a chance event. But ebay prohibits contests, period. It's right there in black and white.

You can vet your contest with lawyers, to ensure that it is legal , but ensuring it is legal does not ensure that it is permissible on this site. A number of things are prohibited here that are legal. (An obvious example: the recent fuss about six Dr Seuss books.....perfectly legal to sell, but prohibited here.)

That's just my best guess. Maybe ebay will say "Sure, fine, go ahead"  But I wouldn't want to invest too much in developing this contest unless you have a back-up plan (running the contest on social media or your own site, for example) or you get at least some indication directly from ebay that they will allow it.