ebay cancelled a listing stating the item was fake, yet it was a real item

[pc_elias]

Several years back, I got some Volkswagen bumper stickers that came from Volkswagen itself (forgot, either from a Volkswagen dealer or at a car show where Volkswagen had a booth).   I decided to sell this group of 3 VW bumper stickers and ebay decided to cancel the listing stating that they were fake!    If I got these from a VW source, I'd say they were real, so why would the listing be cancelled?   I mean, it's something I wanted a couple of dollars for, mostly to cover postage ... hate to throw them away if there's a VW buff that would want them.

I certainly don't want to jeopardize my account with ebay, but it irks me that I have no recourse to prove that these are real (and I only have one set anyway...).   Thoughts anyone?

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi! Well, first, can you establish provenance? You sound unclear as to where exactly you got them. Second, what evidence can you show eBay to establish authenticity? And there’s another issue—once eBay removes something, it is generally wise not to relist, even with compelling evidence. 

As to why you got flagged, it will be difficult to say without seeing the listing. I’ve known eBay bots to get tripped up by too low a starting bid or buy-it-now price. A human may not have even laid eyes on it. Were there any clues in the message eBay sent?

I have also seen a seller be able to offer receipts to eBay as proof, be given permission to relist, only to have the listing removed again with a stiffer penalty.

You will have to talk to customer service to get answers. The call center was closed by the pandemic, but some lucky few were able to reach them by phone. Or you can try the email option usually found in the Help & Content link on most eBay pages. As an alternative, there is also eBay’s social media on Twitter and Facebook (heard positive reviews from sellers contacting customer service via FB). Good luck. Hope this can get resolved in your favor.

[oldwestgold]

eBay has done that to me many times over the years in ending a listing or auction because someone thought an item was fake. It is very irritating, to say the least. Each and every time this has happened I have to send the coin into one of the grading services at great expense. Some coins pulled were in the $25 range yet to have one certified run between $30-$50. One coin cost me over $100 to certify since I was so mad I ran it through 1-day service just to get it Expressed mailed back. Each and every time the coin in question has come back genuine and certified. Each and every time it has cost ME to prove it, not eBay. And each and every time I relist the coin stating that once again eBay was wrong and stick it in their face or to the person that reported it. I have been in business for over 45 years and specialize mainly in the items I list. I know my inventory and my feedback speaks volumes for the past 20+ years on eBay. My point? eBay employees or the people they rely upon to check listings don't know everything. They think they do and the results are it costs sellers money to prove them wrong. Does eBay care? No. Good luck!

[slippinjimmy]

@pc_elias 

What was the exact message eBay sent you?

[toysaver]

Just because they came from a Volkswagen dealer or a car show does not automatically mean they are authentic.   Those are probably the most likely places to get both genuine or counterfeit logo items. 

Many times when something is pulled for being fake it is the actual owner of the license that has reported the item. 

[pcelias]

Don't remember, I think I already deleted the message...

[pcelias]

This was the exact message:

We had to remove your listing because it didn’t follow our Counterfeit item policy. We don’t allow counterfeit items, replicas, or unauthorized copies.

--> These 3 bumper stickers which I got for free, and as mentioned elsewhere, were given out either at a Volkswagen car dealer or at a show where Volkswagen was a participant.  I seriously doubt these counterfeit, replicas or unauthorized.  I simply wanted to find a good home, and I would have *maybe* made $1 at the most (and probably would have spent $10 in labor doing so...).

[jimi56]

Ebay is ridulous and has no consistency in their actions taken against sellers. I once listed an empty box, vintage with advertising graphics and it was removed. I asked why and was told that I had to take photos showing the box was empty. I did as instructed and relisted it only to have it removed again and my account suspended for 7 days. No further explanation.