Someone is selling my book without my permission

[cranes*collections]

I'm a self-published author and my book is sold exclusively by me or on Amazon. However, I found a seller that is selling new copies of my book here on eBay for over twice the price that they are supposed to be sold for. I've tried to contact the seller but I just get a message stating that due to a high volume of messages, this seller cannot accept anymore messages at this time. I want to report the listing but I don't know what to report it as. I'd like to speak to someone from eBay directly about this situation but I can't find a way to do so. Any suggestions?

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques]

I take it this is a book, and not an ebook? The ebay seller is probably drop shipping your book....that is, he accepts an order on ebay, and then purchases the book on Amazon and has Amazon (or you, if you are doing your own shipping), ship it directly to his buyer by providing his buyer's address, rather than his own shipping address. So, he charges more so he can make a profit, AND he doesn't have to deal with shipping, or even handle the item at all.

If that is what he is doing, it is an ebay rule violation. 

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques]

See this ebay page for information on what kind of drop shipping is permitted, and what is not:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/posting-items/setting-postage-options/drop-shipping?id=4176

[nobody*s_perfect]

It all depends on how the seller is acquiring the books. If as noted in the other post, he is drop-shipping after purchasing via Amazon, that is a violation of eBay policy, as well as violating Amazon's Prime policy if he's using that for shipping.

But if he has actually purchased copies of the book and is re-selling them, then there is no violation. That's allowed under the "first sale principle" -- after purchasing the item (from you or Amazon), the owner of the item can re-sell it.

[ckimodog]

You could contact the company who helped you publish the book and let them know your situation.  Just a suggestion.  They may be able to help. 

[simply-the-best-for-you]

First sale doctrine, not principle.  But yes, it depends on how they acquired the books.  If they purchased them, they are free to sell them if they wish. 

[aeell_gxq7ndk]

They are doing the same thing to me with 3 of my self publsihed books on Amazon and It is so wrong on every level. #1 I dont receive any of my royality rights, #2 I purposefully have my books prices very reasoable and I dont like seeing someone way over charge for something that I put my own blood sweat and tears into.

Something needs to be done. I quess the only way to find out if they are in violation is to order one of your books and see if you get it shipped to you directly from amazon, or the person. I am going to repor the sellers and you shoudl too.

[mrdutch1001]

Have you tried contacting eBay via their Facebook page and/or the chat line?

[nobody*s_perfect]

The big question is, how are they acquiring these books? Anybody who owns a copy of your book is allowed to resell it.

[aproudparent2010]

Monica,

Are they sending it right from Amazon or do you know? If they actually own the book then they can sell it.

[fab_finds4u]

If they legally acquired your book they can give it away, trash it, burn it, sell it at a yard sale, sell it on eBay, charge double if they want and if they run into you they can ask you to autograph it!

[isaiah53-57]

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@cranes*collections wrote:

I'm a self-published author and my book is sold exclusively by me or on Amazon. However, I found a seller that is selling new copies of my book here on eBay for over twice the price that they are supposed to be sold for.

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I would think it would be allowed for you to mention the Books title? - If so, please post it in the thread.

[isaiah53-57]

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@aeell_gxq7ndk wrote:

They are doing the same thing to me with 3 of my self publsihed books on Amazon and It is so wrong on every level.

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I would think it would be allowed for you to mention the Book titles? - If so, please post them in the thread.

[maxine*j]

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@my-cottage-books-and-antiques wrote:

I take it this is a book, and not an ebook? The ebay seller is probably drop shipping your book....that is, he accepts an order on ebay, and then purchases the book on Amazon and has Amazon (or you, if you are doing your own shipping), ship it directly to his buyer by providing his buyer's address, rather than his own shipping address. So, he charges more so he can make a profit, AND he doesn't have to deal with shipping, or even handle the item at all.

If that is what he is doing, it is an ebay rule violation. 

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And if he using his Prime Account and sending the book as a "gift," he also violating Amazon policy.

=

[goodbrakes]

Nothing wrong with what they are doing if they purchased them first and resell them. You made your money when they purchased the book. Now your mad that they make money. If you're that greedy raise your prices and that will squeeze their profit margin and they may quit selling them.