Ebay removed my vintage props listings for “gouging”

I’d just wait since you’re items probably just got caught up in a mass take down. Wouldnt take it personally.

Its interesting. Wonder if they have some price point they eBay says is a “fair” price.

I’m afraid this is rapidly becoming a real problem with ebay. While new laundry products can be considered essentials, there obviously are not that. But ebay has been taking down all sorts of stuff, including collectibles like new Disney Minnie Mouse ears, because the price is “too high”. I think it may be competitors reporting stuff, I don’t know. But if ebay doesn’t place some limits on it, they are going to drive away sellers like never before.

This was the response a seller got when he asked about it on the ebay for business Facebook page:

“…our price gouging policy applies to any item listed on ebay, it doesn’t have to be an essential item…as ebay does not allow pricing that is inflated above typical selling prices, if we find that a listing has an unfair price, the listing can be removed….”

Now, this is just my opinion, but that is way too broad and way too vague, but there it is. Be careful listing anything, because pretty much anything might be taken down.

I had an item removed for the same reason but here’s where it’s interesting. It wasn’t cleaning supplies or anything related to the pandemic in any way. It was a vintage trading card of a wrestler named Frank Valois who was nicknamed “The Mask.” So, I don’t think it’s competitors reporting things. I think it’s based on keywords.

Yes, in that case, I think it’s just a “bot” programmed to look for mask. But some of the other examples I’ve seen, it’s hard to use that explanation. And ebay seems to be sticking to its view that they can take down ANYTHING they deem overpriced. It definitely does NOT have to be an essential.

I had a listing for Over the Hill Toilet Paper removed for price gouging. That one is silly, but I understand it. Last night I successfully listed three puzzles that were pre-owned, ranging in price from $14.95 to $39.95. I attempted to list a fourth puzzle (Title: Twister! by Gale Pitt Puzzle Within a Puzzle – 550 Pieces – Complete) for $17.95 and got this message: It looks like there’s a problem with this listing. Previously, you haven’t followed our Price gouging policy. Because this item may be susceptible to price gouging, you are not able to list it.{e66943-1102522x}
I tried listing a fifth puzzle after this and got the same message.

I’ve sold 37 puzzles on eBay since March 11 plus several on Bonanza. I don’t understand what flagged this particular listing.

I asked on this week’s Weekly Chat, as did someone else. I specifically asked for more guidance, and they said they’d pass my request on….which sometimes results in a response, and sometimes means my request is destined for a black hole at ebay.

One thing I took away from the chat: If you are listing brand new stuff, of ANY type (does NOT have to be an “essential”) , they might look at the MSRP and if your price is more than double that, the item might be taken down.

The guidance they’ve given us is so general as to be near useless. And I’m not sure that will change. You can (supposedly) contest these take downs, but if you have plenty of other inventory, I’d probably just focus on listing that.