Need advice on counterfeit item removals

[partlogics]

I have brand new, authentic Otterboxes and LifeProof cases (complete with recent proof-of-purchase invoices from one of the US's biggest nationwide distributors. This morning 10 of my listings were removed and a 3-day restriction was placed on my account.

I called and was transferred to the appropriate department who told me NOT to relist these items even though eBay's allegation that these items were counterfeit is baseless. Not only do I have proof via invoices but I spoke with the sales team for my distributor who are willing to communicate with eBay directly to verify the authenticity of the invoices. But eBay seems to be unwilling to accept any proof, no way to submit it.

Basically by trying to get rid of any bad (counterfeit) sellers on eBay, they are also removing listings for people like me with verifiable proof of valid purchase. Instead of hiding my listings and giving me a day or two for proof, they have ruled, "This guy's selling Otterboxes so it must be counterfeit". Even if I manage to somehow get this appealed, I've lost all my watchers, views, purchase history, listing trends. This is a big issue. 

How does this help the community? How is this helping legit sellers continue to sell? How is this weeding out the good from the bad, if you're going to swing a scythe and not care if it hits good sellers or bad?

And this is another piece of golden advice I got..

REP: "why do you have Samsung in the title?"

ME: "......uhh, the title says [Otterbox Case fits/for Samsung Galaxy S8], how else would I tell customers which phone it fits?"

REP: "Well consider not writing that"

ME: "LOL"

The entire conversation was a trainwreck and I have NO idea how to proceed, escalate or get further review on this situation. Does anyone have any advice on what to do next? Or should I just assume that every time I list an item on eBay even if authentic, even if purchased through retailer distribution channels, I can still be removed without any proof?

I am already an authorized seller for Otterbox on AMZN and actually get more per sale so this isn't a HUGE problem other than the fact that every time this happens, it puts ALL my listings in jepordy and I'm afraid of repercussions to my account as a whole. AMZN verified my credentials before allowing me to list Otterboxes there, why doesn't eBay do the same?

To add injury to insult, the rep was unwilling to remove my 3-day suspension. So not only are my legally purchased and authentic listings removed, I am also being penalized for their one-sided findings. This REALLY makes me fearful of listing any new products; if eBay falsely finds any of them "counterfeit", they may escalate my restrictions and turn it into suspensions and deactivations. It doesn't make sense. 

[fashunu4eeuh]

Could this be a VERO takedown? If so, that is handled differently than a claim of counterfeit from another source. Were you selling these at a low price point? I am just wondering how your listings came to their attention. Are you an authorized seller by Otterbox itself, or did you just get approved by AMZN? Sorry for all the questions, just thinking here how best to proceed. 

Not that you would, but do take to heart that you cannot relist these items. Way too risky.

[iart]

This is interesting and I hope others can give you answers. We don't know enough about the situation.

But I'm curious. Was the rep unwilling to remove the 3-day suspension or unable to remove it?

It just seems to me that if you made such a strong case they would at least undo the suspension.

[kensgiftshop]

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@partlogics 

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Otterbox doesn't like their items being sold on Ebay, especially if they are listed as new.

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

@partlogics   Sell these elsewhere.   

Do NOT relist even though the reason for the takedowns may not have been correct  If you do relist then you can be suspended permanently.  

[partlogics]

Well there's no way for me to go back and check (memory isn't that good, juggle too many things at any given time) but I usually list slow moving items and cheaply purchased items cheaper than what I see other people selling them for. Not to mention if I purchase a bulk mixed lot, I focus on getting my cost + profit out of the few items I'm very interested in, and dump the rest for a dollar or less profit, for sales numbers, feedbacks and to reduce slow-moving inventory faster. 

[partlogics]

That rep was unable (or unwilling) to remove the suspension.

[partlogics]

I understand and do not wish to antagonize eBay by relisting the removed products UNTIL I can successfully appeal; I won't list them again but am hoping to find out ways I can present my case further up the line or get it properly appealed

[partlogics]

Does this include LifeProof? Lifeproof cases were also removed. 

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

@partlogics. The problem is that even if you do successfully appeal the BOTs never get reset so your item will be removed again then you will be suspended 

[partlogics]

Interesting. Thank you for that information. So an appeal doesn't even matter when they have another automated process in place to countermand it. 

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

@partlogics. That's correct.   😞 

[msh062]

Otterbox is notorious for using Vero to remove listings.

[portkoop-0]

Well...

Part of the problem begins when I am looking for an OEM item and I use the manufacturer's name in search, and all these otherworld aftermarket duplicate items pop up completely clobbering the first 400 pages of results making it basically impossible to find what I am looking for.

What makes it worse is some sellers have 50 listings in a row of all the same thing with ONE letter different in the title.  Best one yet, a universal spark plug that fits 4000 different automobiles, the seller makes ONE listing for each and every one and puts the make and model of the car (fits) in the title of each.

Those are just some of the scenarios buyers run into, I'm not saying this was the case here, I also have no idea what to do about genuine items that got pulled as counterfeit but I would definitely NOT relist those items because you most likely will get violated again.

Possibly the only advice I can give you is start reading through the policy to gain a firm and solid understanding of what is and what is not allowed.  And if in doubt don't list it, or at the least list just one and let it sit for 4-6 months and if it doesn't get pulled then maybe list a few more...

The biggest problem however is if you as a seller have 100 listings and ebay's bots start violating them one by one, it could easily result in a permanent / indefinite restricted account simply because you're only allowed 3 or 4 violations and the bots restricted your account on the 5th one they found (remember there were another 95 to go)...

Not to scare you but maybe stop selling kitsch?

I mean EVERYBODY has cases and knick knacks and doodads for phones, fidget spinners and watches, we don't need more of the same... Try unique items?