Annoying Policies
You may not have experienced this yet, but if you are a reseller, you will eventually. eBay has preset protocols that immediately remove items it deems inappropriate, unsafe, or unsuitable to list on their platform. These reseller policies can be very problematic to say the least.
It’s been a while since I have run into this proverbial brick wall, but it happened yesterday. It is extremely frustrating, but it’s essential not to lose focus and not to become overly frustrated with the potential loss.
The Item That Got Flagged For Violating
My wife recently listed a Black Americana (also called Black memorabilia) advertisement that we found. It was a Smoking Man Advertising Figure that we got in a box lot at an estate auction sale. One glance at it and you know it has value, but you also know it brings up issues about the past and the present.
There are a lot of different attitudes toward items like this, and I personally consider them a part of history. I would rather see reminders of the past so that it is not forgotten or repeated. I have seen many items go up for auction that could offend someone, but that does not strip away their historical significance or collectability.
Examples of Historical Collectibles with Strict Listing Rules:
- Nazi flags and militaria
- KKK albums from the 1920s and 1930s
- Insulting Black Americana
- Slave shackles with release paperwork
Delisted on eBay: What Now?
I don’t usually target items like this for this exact reason—listing them can be a problem due to reseller policies. This one was a freebie, and I was hoping it would pass eBay’s qualifications. It didn’t. I should have known better.
It was delisted shortly after going live, and now I have to decide what to do. I am reluctant to list it on Etsy since eBay refused it, but Etsy has allowed items in the past that eBay has flagged. Decisions, decisions.
One thing I know for sure: I will not attempt to relist it on eBay. This would be a catastrophic mistake that could lead to your account being suspended or even permanently banned. That would be a financial nightmare for me.
I will probably list it on Facebook Marketplace and include shipping as an option. Believe it or not, I have had success in the past with such items on Facebook. To be 100% honest, Facebook Marketplace is a Plan C for me if I were to lose my eBay or Etsy account, but I have made many successful sales with shipping on there in the past.
How to Handle Policy Setbacks as a Reseller
You are probably wondering how to avoid problems like this, and there is no clear answer. I do suggest you familiarize yourself with eBay and Etsy listing policies, but most of your learning will be done the hard way.
There are also many items that were recalled over safety concerns—like these innocent-looking Barbie Roller Skates that flash when you spin the wheel. I was knocked off my seat when those were rejected, but it made sense once I looked into it.
The Takeaway
So, what’s the moral of this post? Never quit, and keep pushing forward when you run into listing difficulties and setbacks due to reseller policies.
