Ebay pulled sellers items?

Jostoli, I don't know what kind of items the seller was offering, but I have noticed from time to time that eBay pulls sellers' items when they conflict with one of the eBay rules, e.g., they involve liquor or firearms sales, or porno. I guess it's also possible for the seller to end all of his/her sales, too -- like if somebody came along and made a private, off-eBay offer for the whole lot that couldn't be refused.

Re that last one Steve- I know I've seen porn movies for sale on ebay... !

Yeah, I guess they're the ones that the eBay censors haven't looked at yet. I don't know how eBay distinguishes which ones are OK and which aren't, but I do notice that a number of sellers offering racy stuff that's been allowed to stay have added a disclaimer that sounds like it might have been written by eBay. Whether they're telling the truth is another matter entirely.

If the seller cancelled the auctions, the items would still show up with the reason the seller cancelled them. I've only seen 2 things cause an invalid number (there's probably more): 1) ebay, or the seller, made this seller a "Not a registered user", which will show up on the seller's feedback; 2) ebay cancelled the auction because of content. Remember, if it's "adult material" (whatever that means), you would get that notice that you "agree" that your an "adult" (silly) before you can bring up the listing. Also, I've seen "Mein Kampf" cancelled because the seller didn't list that it is illegal to sell this book in Germany, France and Austria.

If seller isn't NARU, why not send them an email?

Rick, there's a little more to qualifying as an "adult" and looking at the lacy, racy stuff. EBay checks your id info on file with them to see whether you have a valid credit card number. That's a positive indication that you are indeed "of age."

There are other contraband items eBay will pull, including liquor for sale, firearms for sale, explosives for sale, pharmaceuticals for sale, and probably a bunch of other physically dangerous stuff.

Those in the know about me, know, or should know, as I know, and do know, that I can't resist:


"The only things one never regrets are one's mistakes." - Oscar Wilde

Someone selling ESRI ArcView (GIS Software - quite expensive) told me that Ebay pulled his advert 'cos the manufacturer has a 'deal' with Ebay in that no-one can sell it on Ebay.

I suppose they must have convinced Ebay that under the T&C of the original sale, the owner is not allowed to sell it to a third party. Seems a bit restrictive to me...

They also pull auctions for copied CDs and DVDs, I have seen a few of those go suddenly, I guess when someone has complained, some of the people selling copies are quite blatent about it.

Lead, Follow or get out of the way!

Well, copied CDs and DVDs are a violation of US and international law, and I don't think eBay wants to stand accused by the FBI or Interpol of abetting in illicit sales.

I was bidding on some opium poppy seeds that got pulled. But another auction of opium poppy seeds was left running and, of course, my snipe won. Beats me how the Ebay police work.

They probably scan for key words in sellers' "headlines," which ought to keep them busy enough to miss a few. By the way, I wouldn't plant those opium poppy seeds if I were you, at least not outdoors.

Opium poppy seeds? Are you having a party? GRIN.

Nah, Lisa, I just love to plant stuff. Those poppies are absolutely gorgeous! And heck, the seeds are great on muffins!!!!

Only poppy seeds? What happened to the mommy seeds?

I reckon that one only works in the USA...

Why? You Etonians still usin' "Pater and Mater"?

No wait, that's Germany (I think).