eBay removed my video game listing for price gouging

[usgamecollector]

This is a rare video game that is no longer made. I had it as $100 which is the going price on ebay, there are lots of other sellers selling it for $130+

. We are aware that this is a video game, but it is obvious that you are taking advantage of the current situation. If you choose to relist this item, please be reasonable with your price. If you do not follow this policy in the future, this may result in the removal of your listings and the suspension of your account.

eBay price gouging policy states: "Items that are considered essential must be offered at a reasonable price"

how is a video game an essential item? Am I no longer allowed to sell rare video games and risk my account being banned for price gouging? My price was fair, and it was the same price as before the virus.

eBay is getting a little ridiculous

[usgamecollector]

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@earlyant-77 wrote:

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No price gouging in auctions, since buyers set the price. Well, of course if it's TP or something, then usually they won't be removed until AFTER the auction ends. That way ebay gets to keep the fees.

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I might have to, but auctions sell for a lot less than buy it now. I wonder if the auction prices gets too high if eBay will remove the listing.

[gramophone-georg]

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@coolections wrote:

@buyselljack2016 

It makes a HUGE difference. Ebay scammers is not something Ebay needs right now. Without knowledge we cannot deny or confirm Ebay did the right thing.

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You just cannot possibly be serious.

[the_fancy_fox]

Somebody needs to call blue in here, I don’t remember how to do it can someone do it please because this is price-fixing on this type of item

[southern*sweet*tea]

brian@ebay 

@Anonymous 

Ebay is now price fixing? Or does CS just need some re-education?

Video games are not necessary for life and health, therefore should not be subject to a maximum price.

[gramophone-georg]

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@the_fancy_fox wrote:

Somebody needs to call blue in here, I don’t remember how to do it can someone do it please because this is price-fixing on this type of item

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Maybe I should just start reporting everything I want to buy that is more than I think I should have to pay for "price gouging". Hey, as far as I am concerned, 78 RPM jazz records and classic Porsche parts ARE necessary items!😀

Seriously... eBay... step on this NOW. Don't be stupid.

[Anonymous]

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@southern*sweet*tea wrote:

brian@ebay 

@Anonymous 

Ebay is now price fixing? Or does CS just need some re-education?

Video games are not necessary for life and health, therefore should not be subject to a maximum price.

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Hi @southern*sweet*tea, concerns related to price gouging are not limited to items related to life and health - any attempt to profit from tragic events is in violation of our listing policies. More information can be found here regarding our disaster and tragedy policy. Many families are struggling to balance sudden changes that not only have them working from home, but also teaching their children and trying to keep them occupied. Though a video game may seem like a luxury compared to other items, I'm sure there are many over-burdened parents who would disagree.

Either way, while I cannot speak about the specifics of the OP's listing removal, I can confirm that collectible items, such as video games that are no longer in production, could reasonably be sold with a high markup from the initial listing price due to the nature of the product. Listing a video game that is still in production at a price that is significantly higher than retail price, but may simply be experiencing high demand and low supply due to recent events, would be seen as an attempt to profit from the suffering and hardship of others, and be actioned appropriately as price gouging. Price gouging is not simply a violation of eBay policy, but something that is against the law in most areas. As such, we will take action where appropriate. If someone has a listing removed and has questions, they are welcome to contact Customer Service to discuss this further.

[Anonymous]

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@usgamecollector wrote:

This is a rare video game that is no longer made. I had it as $100 which is the going price on ebay, there are lots of other sellers selling it for $130+

. We are aware that this is a video game, but it is obvious that you are taking advantage of the current situation. If you choose to relist this item, please be reasonable with your price. If you do not follow this policy in the future, this may result in the removal of your listings and the suspension of your account.

eBay price gouging policy states: "Items that are considered essential must be offered at a reasonable price"

how is a video game an essential item? Am I no longer allowed to sell rare video games and risk my account being banned for price gouging? My price was fair, and it was the same price as before the virus.

eBay is getting a little ridiculous

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Hi @usgamecollector, though I cannot go into specific details here, I can encourage you to review the communication you received from eBay and suggest that you research the item in question further. Based on what has been shared here, I believe there has been a misunderstanding regarding the rarity of the item or there may have been errors made with the item details provided to us.

[gracieallen01]

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@gramophone-georg wrote:

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Maybe I should just start reporting everything I want to buy that is more than I think I should have to pay for "price gouging". Hey, as far as I am concerned, 78 RPM jazz records and classic Porsche parts ARE necessary items!😀

Seriously... eBay... step on this NOW. Don't be stupid.

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One must also consider that there are stores, retail outlets, Internet platforms and others that have a vested interest in being considered the low priced items place to shop.  It is very hard to be considered the low priced spot to go when they also have expensive collectibles or watches or jewelry or, well, anything, that some people can afford, but others can not afford though wish they could.

[gracieallen01]

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@usgamecollector wrote:

This is a rare video game that is no longer made. I had it as $100 which is the going price on ebay, there are lots of other sellers selling it for $130+

. We are aware that this is a video game, but it is obvious that you are taking advantage of the current situation. If you choose to relist this item, please be reasonable with your price. If you do not follow this policy in the future, this may result in the removal of your listings and the suspension of your account.

eBay price gouging policy states: "Items that are considered essential must be offered at a reasonable price"

how is a video game an essential item? Am I no longer allowed to sell rare video games and risk my account being banned for price gouging? My price was fair, and it was the same price as before the virus.

eBay is getting a little ridiculous

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Big Brother should think about keeping things in perspective before they possibly become considered guilty of 'Price Fixing'.

[bar-29368]

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@gracieallen01 wrote:

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@gramophone-georg wrote:

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Maybe I should just start reporting everything I want to buy that is more than I think I should have to pay for "price gouging". Hey, as far as I am concerned, 78 RPM jazz records and classic Porsche parts ARE necessary items!😀

Seriously... eBay... step on this NOW. Don't be stupid.

---

One must also consider that there are stores, retail outlets, Internet platforms and others that have a vested interest in being considered the low priced items place to shop.  It is very hard to be considered the low priced spot to go when they also have expensive collectibles or watches or jewelry or, well, anything, that some people can afford, but others can not afford though wish they could.

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Yet this is the same company which constantly sends % off FVF promos if you list stuff over $500? 

[wooperwares]

@southern*sweet*tea wrote:

brian.t@ebay 

trinton@ebay 

Ebay is now price fixing? Or does CS just need some re-education?

Video games are not necessary for life and health, therefore should not be subject to a maximum price.

Hi @southern*sweet*tea, concerns related to price gouging are not limited to items related to life and health - any attempt to profit from tragic events is in violation of our listing policies. More information can be found here regarding our disaster and tragedy policy. Many families are struggling to balance sudden changes that not only have them working from home, but also teaching their children and trying to keep them occupied. Though a video game may seem like a luxury compared to other items, I'm sure there are many over-burdened parents who would disagree.

Either way, while I cannot speak about the specifics of the OP's listing removal, I can confirm that collectible items, such as video games that are no longer in production, could reasonably be sold with a high markup from the initial listing price due to the nature of the product. Listing a video game that is still in production at a price that is significantly higher than retail price, but may simply be experiencing high demand and low supply due to recent events, would be seen as an attempt to profit from the suffering and hardship of others, and be actioned appropriately as price gouging. Price gouging is not simply a violation of eBay policy, but something that is against the law in most areas. As such, we will take action where appropriate. If someone has a listing removed and has questions, they are welcome to contact Customer Service to discuss this further.

[buyselljack2016]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@southern*sweet*tea wrote:

brian@ebay 

@Anonymous 

Ebay is now price fixing? Or does CS just need some re-education?

Video games are not necessary for life and health, therefore should not be subject to a maximum price.

---

Hi @southern*sweet*tea, concerns related to price gouging are not limited to items related to life and health - any attempt to profit from tragic events is in violation of our listing policies. More information can be found here regarding our disaster and tragedy policy. Many families are struggling to balance sudden changes that not only have them working from home, but also teaching their children and trying to keep them occupied. Though a video game may seem like a luxury compared to other items, I'm sure there are many over-burdened parents who would disagree.

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This sounds like the guy that came into the retail store that I was working at, and explained to the manager that he should have a discount on a hammock, because he needed it for that weekend.

A specific video game is so far from something that a child (or adult) needs that all this does is to have the foul odor of "entitlement" expecting to purchase a "luxury" for less than the selling price.

[the_fancy_fox]

Why do I have the feeling that eBay is running yet another test to see how this goes. They control the price you can list something for?

 I can see the commercial now, “get it on eBay! We guarantee the lowest price anywhere or you get your money back and keep the item for free! Guaranteed!!”

The user agreement can only protect a company so far. Tread carefully ebay.

[buyselljack2016]

there is a forest fire bearing down on us.

You need to get your car out of the danger area, but you have 2 flat tires.

I have 2 mounted tires that fit your vehicle. They are very worn, but are usable. I will sell them to you dirt cheap, or give them to you.

You insist that I sell you a set of top of the line tires below cost, because this is an emergency.

I refuse, so I am accused of/charged with, price gouging, and told by the authorities that I will be jailed for a few days, or run out of town for this.

Sooooooooooooo   out of line.

[Anonymous]

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@wooperwares wrote:

@southern*sweet*tea wrote:

brian.t@ebay 

trinton@ebay 

Ebay is now price fixing? Or does CS just need some re-education?

Video games are not necessary for life and health, therefore should not be subject to a maximum price.

Hi @southern*sweet*tea, concerns related to price gouging are not limited to items related to life and health - any attempt to profit from tragic events is in violation of our listing policies. More information can be found here regarding our disaster and tragedy policy. Many families are struggling to balance sudden changes that not only have them working from home, but also teaching their children and trying to keep them occupied. Though a video game may seem like a luxury compared to other items, I'm sure there are many over-burdened parents who would disagree.

Either way, while I cannot speak about the specifics of the OP's listing removal, I can confirm that collectible items, such as video games that are no longer in production, could reasonably be sold with a high markup from the initial listing price due to the nature of the product. Listing a video game that is still in production at a price that is significantly higher than retail price, but may simply be experiencing high demand and low supply due to recent events, would be seen as an attempt to profit from the suffering and hardship of others, and be actioned appropriately as price gouging. Price gouging is not simply a violation of eBay policy, but something that is against the law in most areas. As such, we will take action where appropriate. If someone has a listing removed and has questions, they are welcome to contact Customer Service to discuss this further.

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Hi @wooperwares, as I stated before, attempting to profit from the tragedy and hardship of others is a violation of eBay policy regardless of whether the item is considered essential. We also have removed related items in the past that were listed after the death of a public figure.  It is unethical to list an item at an inflated price in response to a disaster, tragedy, or pandemic. While my previous response does discuss and elaborate on price gouging concerns, there are other listings policies that would also apply in this situation.