Inconsistent Treatment by eBay

[clarry100]

We operate two basic stores.

In the past 24-hours we have been given a selling restriction on both stores. For 3-days we cannot make any new listings. This is for listing items in the wrong category.

We have some products that are a baby headband and matching set of barefoot sandals (foot flowers).

In the past week we have made up some new Xmas listings for these sets.

We were unsure which category to list them in. Either baby Headbands or baby Shoes since there is an element of both in them.

So we searched thru the categories to find out where other sellers were listing them.

It seemed that the Baby Shoes was the most common with somehere near 2,000 of these listed on ebay Australia. So we added them into this category thinking this would be OK.

Yesterday all our new listings were removed by ebay and the selling retriction slapped on us. We cannot relist into the "Other" category as they suggest since we are currently banned from making new listings.

We have looked thru the category again and find that all of the same 2,000-odd listings from other sellers are still there.

Wondering why they have targetted both our stores and not these other sellers?

Could I be smelling a rat here and somebody or a competitior has reported our listings?

[bsal6160]

Is this not the SECOND time you have been sanctioned for Miscatergorisation? A pattern appearing here.

[i-love-my-sheep]

I reported both her accounts again today for shill bidding, even though the listings were all private and within half an hour, all the auctions were ended from her god bless maria account. They didn't touch the love dalai lama account though.

I also reported her for listing her items in thte wrong category, on both ID's, under Aboriginal art and they haven't been touched either. I also reported her for artificially increasing feedback, which is blatantly obvious by the fact her other ID's show on each account. Those feedbacks remain.

I told eBay how disgusted I was with them that they continuously let her violate one policy after another, not to mention breaking the law....and they are allowing her to do it, while honest sellers are having restrictions placed on their accounts for far less. Of course there was no mention of that in their cut and paste reply.

[clarry100]

As I said above several months ago we inadvertently listed some items incorrectly categorised.

They were pinged and removed at the time and we relisted them in the suggested categories.

But we have never been sanctioned or restricted for anything at all before this on any of our selling accounts.

It just seems rather sudden and savage especially when there are somewhere near to 2,000 very similar listings in the same category as ours were and they are still there today. So those sellers are not being targetted. Mostly Chinese sellers too. They seem to be a protected species.

In these cases we were unsure which of two apparent categories we should list them into as they had an element of two categories in them being a set of matching headband and barefoot sandals. So we looked at what other sellers were doing to help us make up our mind. But we did not even consider the "other" category they are suggesting.

I guess we have no choice but to suck it up. Just seems like very inconsistent treatment of sellers with a good track record really.

[thecatspjs]

I remain puzzled as to why would you not consider it when eBay have previously told you to use it for the foot accessories when you received policy violations for listing those in shoes ? 

Relying on the categories chosen by Chinese sellers is gonna lead to tears and more restrictions IMO.

IMO if you are not sure, rather than rely on guess work, ask eBay and get them to confirm their advice via email. 

[phorum_junkie*]

Why not list them under headbands (if there is such a category) with free foot accessories.

[i-love-my-sheep]

Yet here we have a seller who has listed items in 2 categories and both of them aren't applicable to the item 191348368748

1. They are NOT Aboriginal paintings and 2. Given she has dated them 2000-now, they certainly are NOT antique.

Yet, those listings have been repeatedly reported, including as late as today and they are allowed to remain. Go figure.

[thecatspjs]

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@i-love-my-sheep wrote:

Yet here we have a seller who has listed items in 2 categories and both of them aren't applicable to the item 191348368748

1. They are NOT Aboriginal paintings and 2. Given she has dated them 2000-now, they certainly are NOT antique.

Yet, those listings have been repeatedly reported, including as late as today and they are allowed to remain. Go figure.

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It is unfair, however to risk your selling ability because of what other sellers do is a bit of risk isn't it ?

Remember the OP is on a listing restriction for category issues.  I don't think spamming this thread about an alleged frauduent seller is even appropriate TBH.

[i-love-my-sheep]

I was trying to highlight the double standards that are taking place. Some sellers get away with repeated violations constantly, others look in the wrong direction and have their account restricted.

[mbselections00]

A bit off subject, but in the light of the Catagory Violations, it seems they have nothing better to do at the moment,  I just had two DUPLICATED (not)  listings removed. A load of B.S.  Photos clearly show two completely different beads.  Description states different Part Numbers . . . . . . . . grrrrrrrrrr

271626066494 - White & multi colour Lampwork Glass Bead - Suit European bracelets & necklaces
271626065195 - White & multi colour Lampwork Glass Bead - Suit European bracelets & necklaces

Wonder how else I can describe them - leave the 's' off bracelets & necklaces on one perhaps - how stupid

But I am soooooooo stupid, after commenting on another thread the other day, the Titles were the same and apparently it makes no difference what the photo is of !!!!!    (I am summising here)

If only I was a scammer !!!!!!         I'd be fine

Have messaged CS and am waiting for the usual Cut & Paste response in a few days, lol

[thecatspjs]

Well ... there are a few ways .... you just gotta mix it up a bit

White & multi colour Lampwork Glass Bead - Suit European bracelets & necklaces

White with multicolours Lampwork Glass Bead Best for European necklaces & bracelets

Lampwork Glass Bead White Multicoloured Best for European bracelet or necklace

Multicolour and White Glass Lampwork Bead best suit European bracelets or necklaces