posted on March 15, 2001 01:23:43 PM new
The "Two Click" rule cannot be found on any of eBay's pages but it's a common term that has somehow evolved to explain eBay's linking policy. There has been quite a bit of confusion regarding eBay's rules for linking to your website and I would like to share my thoughts on the acceptable procedure for linking from your auction page along with the reasons I believe this procedure to be correct. Also, I want to apologize in advance for the length of this post.
EBay's wording is quite vague concerning the use of links but I think ALL of the rules apply to the FIRST link located on your auction page AND it's destination page. The first link is located on your auction page which is on eBay's site and is using their servers so they can logically control this link and the content of the page the link is directed to but they CANNOT control the second link because it's no longer on their site or using their servers.
LINKS
"Users may place a simple link to another web page in the description portion of their listing to help provide more information about the listed item. However, the following links are not permitted:
*links to other auction-style trading sites
*links to sites offering the same merchandise for the same or lower price"
*links to sites offering merchandise prohibited on eBay"
And from eBay's FAQ http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-adsfaq.html
QUOTE
Does this policy allow me to link to my own web site?
Yes, you are allowed to have a link to your web site. Please remember: the intent of allowing links to a web site from your Item page has always been to enable you to provide additional information to help you sell that item. The link should not advertise other items or the fact that you may have other items for sale on your web page. The links to your own web site must comply with the guidelines outlined in the Advertisements policy. Additionally, please follow the linking guidelines, which do not permit:
*links to other auction-style trading sites
*links to sites offering the same merchandise for the same or lower price
*links to sites offering merchandise prohibited on eBay"
END QUOTE
My understanding of eBay's above linking policy is that the link on your auction page cannot immediately point to a page that has items for sale from other auction-related sites OR to a page that offers the identical item you have listed on your auction page for the same price or less. This only refers to the FIRST LINK or FIRST CLICK on your auction page. You can put a simple SECOND LINK or SECOND CLICK to your website on the page that your first link points to as long as you don't offer merchandise for the same or lower price or prohibited merchandise. So, basically, your first clicking link should be like a home page or front page or your ME page that has a discreet second clicking link to your website, etc. offering other items for sale but you CAN'T bypass your first opening page (first clicking link) . This procedure regarding linking has been termed the "Two Click" rule by some folks.
I think much of the confusion is also related to the vague wording in eBay's USER AGREEMENT:
From eBay's User Agreementhttp://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-user.html
QUOTE
(i) shall not link directly or indirectly to or include descriptions of goods or services that: (aa) are prohibited under this Agreement
END QUOTE
Many folks have the impression that the term "indirectly" means they can't link using the "Two Click" procedure but I think that's the wrong interpretation. Indirect linking is a common term used to explain the automatic bypassing or redirecting of the viewer from the actual address provided in the link by the use of certain techniques which include Java Script, Framing, XML, Deep Linking, Jump Pages, etc. So, IMO, eBay is saying that you must use a direct link on your auction page and that link cannot bypass your 1st or home page (first link-click) by going to the 2nd page (second link-click) where your other items for sale are located. Again, this all refers to the first link located on your auction page and the destination page of that link. It doesn't refer to the 2nd link because that link is no longer located on eBay's site and is no longer using eBay's servers so eBay CAN'T GO THERE!! They don't have any jurisdiction or control over that 2nd link.
The first time I glimpsed eBay's interpretation of their new linking rules was during the beginning of the deluge of the offsite banner ads on eBay. OAUA was very concerned about these banners because they took folks off eBay's site and were competing against our "inhouse" sellers by offering the sale of similar merchandise. Diana and toyranch were in contact with the folks who were in charge of the banner campaign at eBay and they presented our complaints and concerns about these banners. The following is a partial copy and paste of the email toyranch received from an eBay official on 7/11/00 in response to our complaints regarding the Ken Griffey banner that had a clickable link to a store which took folks off of the eBay site AND had competing merchandise for sale - not just new but also vintage. You can view the entire email which is located in the 11th post here: http://www.auctionusers.org/forums/Forum1/HTML/000181-2.html
Bolding is mine
QUOTE
"The Griffey banner ad does not promote any specific product or service, either in the banner ad or on the page users are taken to. The banner takes users to a page that contains news, opinions, background information, fan polls, and other information about Ken Griffey Jr. THERE IS A SMALL LINK TO "MY STORE" AS PART OF THE PAGE but as a whole, the page is clearly designed to provide our users with complementary information and not to promote a competing product.
We also feel that the banner complies with the policies our users must follow when linking to their non-eBay sites. As part of our listing policies we allow all eBay users to link to external pages as long as the link follows the guidelines of our Listing Policy and our User Agreement. AN EBAY SELLER COULD LINK FROM THE ITEM LISTING PAGE TO OTHER PRODUCTS just as the "My Store" link on the Ken Griffey Jr. page links to a product page.
END QUOTE
That's the Two Click" rule. Another good example of this rule involved the Auctiva folks and particularly their SHOWCASE. EBay closed all of the auctions of a seller using Auctiva's showcase without any warning. Apparently, Auctiva's showcase link (the first click) on this seller's auction page led to a page that included items for sale on other auction sites as well as eBay's site. You can read the story here: http://startup.wsj.com/n/SB972481430855054044-main.html
Auctiva and eBay eventually came to an understanding concerning the acceptable linking procedure of an eBay seller when using the Auctiva showcase link (first click) on his auction page which required the redesign of the opening page of the showcsae. Now an eBay seller can use Auctiva's showcase as long as the first link-click opens a page with only eBay items for sale. You can still have a second link-click located on the opening page that points to your listings on other auction sites.
QUOTE
How can I comply with eBay's "Two Click" rule?
"You can control which items buyers will see when they first view your Showcase. This is important in order to comply with eBay's "Two Click" rule. If you sell items on eBay AND on another auction site, you can move the non-eBay listings to a separate page of your Showcase.
To do this, simply go the Change "Two Click" settings page at http://www.auctiva.com/myaccount/editdisplaySettings.asp and select Initially conceal non-eBay items (Two Clicks). Then, whenever a buyer links directly to your Showcase from one of your eBay listings, your initial Showcase page will only display pictures of eBay items. All pictures of non-eBay items will be concealed. Buyers will still be able to view all your listings, but they'll have to "click" one extra time to reveal ALL your item pictures.
If you don't want to conceal your non-eBay items, that is your prerogative. You can select Always show non-eBay items. By choosing this option, you will display eBay and non-eBay items in the same window of your Showcase. This will not be in compliance with eBay's "Two Click" policy, but that choice is yours"
END QUOTE
There is no reason for you not to provide a link to your shop as long as you follow the "Two Click" rule. I have seen hundreds of auctions on eBay that have links to other items for sale and many of them are in violation of this rule because their first link goes directly to the site where the items and their prices are listed. These sellers are taking a big chance of having their auctions closed down. In order to be safe you should have the first link titled something like "please visit my website" and then have some innocuous blurb on that page with a DESCREET link to your store titled "visit my shop" or "enter my shop here", etc. I would also advise you to stay within the listing rules regarding prohibited items and offering the same item for sale for less money even on the destination page of your second link just as a precaution.
Whew, I think I'm finally done. I hope I didn't cause more confusion. This is only my opinion and I'd love to hear everyone else's viewpoints and thoughts.
posted on March 15, 2001 01:55:42 PM new
QUOTE
Does this policy allow me to link to my own web site?
Yes, you are allowed to have a link to your web site. Please remember: the intent of allowing links to a web site from your Item page has always been to enable you to provide additional information to help you sell that item. The link should not advertise other items or the fact that you may have other items for sale on your web page. The links to your own web site must comply with the guidelines outlined in the Advertisements policy. END QUOTE
QUOTE:
The link should not advertise other items or the fact that you may have other items for sale on your web page.
END QUOTE:
'The link should not advertise'...MEANS the wording on the auction page FOR the link must NOT say anything like..."Go to my webpage and buy the other widgets I sell there"...
eBay's reference to "Link" does NOT mean destination...It means the text or copy to get a person to click on the link...(Link itself..)
If the copy says "Click here for more info about my widgets"...That is OK and will not be removed EVEN if you are selling the same or other widgets at a higher price on that website...
I sell "Personalized Ribbons" for weddings and such and have been fighting eBay for 2 years about linking to my website...
I would like to say "Other colors available at my website" Click Here...
NOPE, can't do that as the copy IS considered an advertisment link and WILL be removed...
posted on March 15, 2001 02:41:48 PM new
Hello MRBucks. Thanks for shedding some light on eBay's confusing and vague rules. I agree that one needs to be careful with the wording of the link located on your auction page. But, someone could say "click here to view my website" and that would be OK since there is no mention of other irems for sale. I would also still want to be careful with my wording for the 2nd link as well although I don't believe eBay has any jurisdiction over that one. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Now I just wish eBay would follow their OWN linking rules regarding the banner ads!!!
posted on March 15, 2001 02:51:31 PM new
Hi there reddeer. How are you doing? I certainly wish eBay would be more clear about the linking rule as well but that would make things too easy.
I sometimes have the impression that eBay is purposely vague in their wording in order to deter some of the seller's from providing website links on their auction listings. But if I had a website with other items for sale, you better believe that I would carefully provide a link to it in my listing!!
posted on March 15, 2001 09:18:16 PM newI sometimes have the impression that eBay is purposely vague in their wording in order to deter some of the seller's from providing website links on their auction listings
Blanche, you just might have something there? I think that by not posting something definitive on their site also allows them to interpret the rules [as in individual sellers web page links] as they see fit.
posted on March 15, 2001 10:40:39 PM new
Hello reddeer. Yes, you're right about eBay being able to interpret the rules as they see fit. It's especially helpful to them if no one else KNOWS the rules. That's the reason I recommend using caution with the wording of the first link and it's destination page.
Thanks for giving this thread a bump. BTW, I loved the monkey photo.
First, I want to thank you for one of the more intelligent and worthwhile post on this site. Based on you personal views, what probability do you feel that your analysis will be view the same way by ebay?
Second, you indicate a need to have a discreet link to, let say, to "one's eStore". If the two-click is truly in place, why does one need to be discreet? That is, do you see any problem if the link is prominently display among other links like "ebay auctions", "shipping and handling", "eStore", "contact us", etc...
Third, what do you think the odds are that even with the two-click rule in place, some unknowingly newbie ebay staff member not understanding the rules just goes and cancels one's auctions. It does not seem ebay warns you first before cancelling auctions.
Finally, have you ever submitted your analysis to ebay and see if they will give you an opinion.
posted on March 15, 2001 11:44:35 PM new
Hello Mike. Thank you for your kind words and for your interest in this topic.
First of all, I do believe eBay would consider this analysis to be correct. The "two click" rule has been reinforced by some "top management" eBay officials in their explanation and solution to the Ken Griffey banner and the Auctiva Showcase situations.
Secondly, I don't think there would be a problem with the first link saying "visit my store" BUT you need to be certain that no mention is made about having items for sale in your store. EBay doesn't want you to advertise the existence of other merchandise for sale on your auction page UNLESS the merchandise is located on eBay. That's the reason I used the term "discreet" and I think "visit my website" would be more discreet than "visit my store" since the word STORE means there's something for sale. This should also answer question number 3 because I don't have enough confidence in some of eBay's support personnel to assume they can follow the "two click" reasoning. So, basically, I would try to avoid using any wording on my auction listing that referred to the words FOR SALE in order to avoid any possible misunderstanding by one of eBay's newbie staff.
I sent my post to SafeHarbor this evening and I'll post back to this thread as soon as I get a response.
BTW, I just noticed on another auction chat board that someone was warned by SafeHarbor that all of her auctions were in violation of eBay's listing rules due to her storefront link and they would be canceled if she didn't fix them immediately. I looked at one of her auctions and the link points to a storefront gallery and the opening page clearly shows items for sale on other auction sites along with their prices. The link simply says "CLICK HERE TO VIST MY STOREFRONT". This situation is almost identical to the Auctiva's Showcase incident but this link was provided by a different auction management company and at least eBay gave her a warning. It's VERY important to control what is viewed on that first page.
Sorry I was not clear with my previous post regarding "discreet". I was referring to the linked page and not the auction description. Clearly, the auction description cannot mention any thing about an "eStore". I was going to use something like "Please refer to my website for my ebay FAQs and other links" in my auction description. I would not bo so bold to say "visit my store" in my auction description.
Problem with ebay is you can get a different response with every support person you deal with. Tough to get a consistent answer.
I look forward to seeing if you get any kind of response from Safeharbor.
By the way, I visited the auctionusers.org site. Seems kind of interesting.
posted on March 16, 2001 08:01:39 AM new
insightwatcher
I noticed in another thread that you had an ebay suspension due to violation of the "two-click" rule. Can you possibly share with us the circumstances of your suspension.
posted on March 16, 2001 09:12:19 AM new
Good morning Mike. I wrote my last post at 2:45 AM and I'm afraid my brain wasn't functioning.
The link on the second page doesn't need to be as discreet or subtle as the one on the actual auction page but I still wouldn't display a large sign saying "SEE THE OTHER STUFF I HAVE FOR SALE" even though that's probably acceptable. I would just say something like "PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VISIT MY ONLINE STORE" because I'm a very cautious person and I don't want to attract any unwanted attention from the eBay police. I just think it's wise to go this route until eBay actually comes out and tells us the acceptable wording for the second link. You CAN say whatever you want on the second page since that's "two clicks" away and out of eBay's jurisdiction.
There will always be situations where eBay's support personnel take incorrect action because they misinterpreted the rules. This can happen with regard to any of eBay's policies, not just the "Two Click" rule and there isn't any way to totally be immune. The best you can do is to be sure you KNOW the rules and, if possible, keep copies of any material that supports your interpretation of the rules. Believe me, I have all of the info in my first post archived just in case I ever need it to back up my position.
IMO, OAUA is a very helpful organization for both buyers and sellers and there is a great deal of interesting info archived in the threads. They also have a good relationship with eBay management and will try to help any of their members who they believe have been treated unfairly.
The last time I emailed SafeHarbor for clarification on a rule it took three days to receive their answer, but they did respond. I'll be sure to post back here when I hear from them. I'll be offline for most of the day but will check back on this thread later this evening.
Blanche
[ edited by bhearsch on Mar 16, 2001 09:15 AM ]
posted on March 16, 2001 09:18:24 AM new
G'day Blanche.
I just wanted to add somehting here.
You state:
You CAN say whatever you want on the second page since that's "two clicks" away and out of eBay's jurisdiction.
I think it depends on who you are dealing with at eBay?
I spoke with a seller I know about this last month. eBay was giving him a VERY hard time over his website. He was told that even if he had a second page, or a link to another site [2 clicks away], if the same items there were being sold for less $$$, or were illegal [in the eyes of eBay] that it was not allowed.
He ran this through Safe Harbor, and his Power Seller rep, and received the same response from both reps.
posted on March 16, 2001 09:45:31 AM new
Hiya reddeer. I'm afraid my wording was a poor choice. When I said "you can say whatever you want on the second page" I was referring to the wording on that page regarding your items for sale. You could put a BIG sign there saying "HERE'S MY STUFF FOR SALE" without having to worry about it, unlike the more subtle wording on the first page. I hope that makes sense.
Bolding is mine
QUOTE
Does this policy allow me to link to my own web site?
Yes, you are allowed to have a link to your web site. Please remember: the intent of allowing links to a web site from your Item page has always been to enable you to provide additional information to help you sell that item. The link should not advertise other items or the fact that you may have other items for sale on your web page. The links to your own web site must comply with the guidelines outlined in the Advertisements policy. Additionally, please follow the linking guidelines, which do not permit:
*links to other auction-style trading sites
*links to sites offering the same merchandise for the same or lower price
*links to sites offering merchandise prohibited on eBay"
END QUOTE
I don't think you should ever offer the same item for a lower price or prohibited items on any link that traces back to your eBay listing. Maybe I wasn't clear on that in my first post but I believe that's the safest way to play the game.
BTW, did you mean to say "lower price"?
Blanche
Nevermind. I just noticed your edit.
[ edited by bhearsch on Mar 16, 2001 09:47 AM ]
posted on March 16, 2001 10:20:19 AM new
Hi vargas. That's a tough question and I don't really know the answer for certain but I would keep the BIN price a bit lower than your website price just to be on the safe side. The whole concept of eBay's linking rules revolves around the idea of NOT enticing the customer to go off of eBay's site to make a purchase. Since you have a website link on your auction page and the viewer can find your off-eBay items that are for sale there, you would be wise to keep your BIN price for an item lower than the price for the same item located on your website. Otherwise, the viewer might be inclined to buy the item from your website and eBay would probably consider this fee avoidance since they wouldn't get their FVF.
Blanche
[ edited by bhearsch on Mar 16, 2001 10:22 AM ]
posted on March 16, 2001 11:49:47 AM newvargas I just wanted to add to my last post. I personally don't think eBay has any business dictating what can and cannot be included on the destination page of the 2nd link but they believe differently. So, if you are using eBay's venue to sell a particular item, you should NOT provide ANY links to another site that has THAT PARTICULAL item for sale at a lower price. This only applies to the specific item you have for sale on eBay. I know this policy is especially detrimental to those folks who only have one product for sale since it defeats the entire purpose of the website link. I sell vintage and antique items and I don't have any duplicates so it doesn't really harm me but I still think it SUCKS!!
Linking provides a way to easily access information and is the heart and soul of the World Wide Web and without it, the WWW would cease to exist. Unfortunately, there aren't any clear definitions regarding linking that can be backed up by court rulings. However, that's changing and there have been some recent rulings regarding the use of deeplinking and the use of frames, neither of which has any relevance to our situation with eBay but I fully expect to see more definitive answers with respect to "linking" in the near future. If you have an interest in these legal issues you might want to check out these sites:
http://www.bitlaw.com/internet/linking.html http://www.dlib.org/dlib/april98/04orourke.html
Meanwhile, I think the best solution is to play by eBay's rules.
posted on March 18, 2001 09:57:39 AM new
bhearsch - Did you see this post on ebay?
From: [email protected](13) (view author's auctions)
Topic: Re: eBay Workshop: Trust & Safety Overview of Fee Circumvention & Fee Avoidance
Message: 98 of 149 (In response to jeffrey)
Sent: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 18:00:21 -0800
Websites...
Sellers are allowed to offer the same items on their websites that they are auctioning (and they
may use discreet links to this website from their listings) as long as the item being offered
on their website is listed for a higher price than the starting bid of their auction.
If text pointing or linking to the site is used:
The font size may be no greater than HTML font size 3 and may contain no more than 10 words.
It may contain clickable text links (which otherwise comply with eBay policies).
You might put "Click here to visit my website," but please do not advertise other items
are for sale on your website by using text like "Click here to buy more of my items!"
posted on March 18, 2001 10:04:48 AM new
And this is even a more liberal response...
Does this mean one can advertise widgets on ebay and sell gidgets on a website link with absolutely no problem from ebay?
From: [email protected](6) (view author's auctions)
Topic: Re: eBay Workshop: Trust & Safety Overview of Fee Circumvention & Fee Avoidance
Message: 108 of 149 (In response to lylenjoanne)
Sent: Sat, 17 Mar 2001 18:30:42 -0800
Hello lylenjoanne,
That's a good question. If you have repeat buyers asking you for items you haven't even listed yet, selling directly to them would be fine. You would NOT be committing fee avoidance, if you sold them to your customers without putting them on eBay.
posted on March 18, 2001 10:18:41 AM new
After struggling with Ebay's confusing link to your own web page rule, I contacted the back-up for power sellers. When I did not received a consistent answer, I kept sending auctions to ebay and asking, "Is this OK?" Finally, I received a call from ebay staff and was told the following:
He told me that except for the explicit exceptions in their rules, a seller may link to their own web page with items for sale. (not the identical item at the identical price). I said, do you mean that I can list an item for $9.99 with a link to my web page where I sell similar but not identical items for $9.99 and more of the same for $10 and he said YES. I said that the policy would not seem to make sense because people would not bid on the auction but would buy from the web page and ebay would basically become a portal to people's web pages.
He said that might be true but that Ebay is trying to attract more business sellers (who almost always have web pages) and that they would be be offering a storefront option within a year.
I immediately set up a web page (for free at lycos.com) and linked it to my auctions. That was two weeks ago and now at least one third of my business if from my web page with no ebay listing or final fees.
posted on March 18, 2001 02:38:50 PM new
Hello everyone. Mike and ilene, thanks for posting your information. This linking to a website situation is really confusing since I've seen so many different answers by different support personnel. I'm honestly not sure how to handle it BUT I do know you'll be safe if you follow the "two click" rule and I'm not sure you'll be safe if you allow the link on your auction page to open directly to your store with items for sale and their prices.
It's possible that the linking rules concerning items for sale on other auction sites are different than those for linking to stores or websites. I know Auctiva has to follow the "Two Click" rule but maybe that's because they show items from other auctions.
The situation I mentioned earlier concerning the seller who was warned to fix the link to her storefront or her auctions would all be closed down was using Andale's new storefront link. Her first link (CLICK HERE TO VIST MY STOREFRONT) opened directly to a page that showed items for sale on Yahoo as well as eBay and their prices. As soon as I looked at her auction I was pretty sure I knew the problem and here is a copy and paste of the first warning email she received from SafeHarbor. I removed any personal info:
QUOTE
"eBay appreciates the fact that you chose to list your auctions with us!
You may not be aware of this but, although users may place
a simple link to another web page in the description portion of their
eBay listing, the following links are not permitted:
(1) links that advertise specific items or features on another web page.
(2) *** links to other auction sites. This includes "store fronts" (such as Andale or Auctiva) where items from other auction sites are displayed.
(3) links to sites offering the same merchandise for the same or lower price
(than the initial bid set in the eBay auction).
(4) links to sites offering merchandise prohibited on eBay. (this includes
links from general viewing areas to websites that bring the viewer to adult
content without first viewing a disclaimer or adult verification page)
(5) links to third parties' web sites without the permission of the third party
(this prohibition includes linking to IMAGES hosted on others' web sites
without permission).
You may provide a link to your Andale storefront, if the link takes you to the eBay Items page directly (see the tabs at the top of your Andale gallery).
In addition, you have provided your Yahoo! UserID on all of your auctions ("About Ebay xxx, Yahoo! xxx", which is not allowed on eBay.
Since you are a valuable seller in our online community, we will not end these auctions immediately, but will allow you 24 hours to revise your listings by removing the above-mentioned violations. If you already have bids on an item, you will have to end the auction early (after canceling all of the bids received).
You can change the description if the item hasn't received bids by
following the instructions on this URL:
http://cgi5.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?UserItemVerification
Please view our guideline page for a better understanding of our auction policies
and how they affect the way you list your items: http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-list.html
For information on infringing, prohibited or questionable items, please view: http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-items.html
For more information on why eBay has ended an auction, please visit: http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-endauction.html
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be aware future incidents of this nature can lead to the
suspension of your account. We value you as a member of our community and wish to
continue this relationship, so we must ask you to refrain from any violations of the
Listing Policies or User Agreement in the future.
Notice number 1? That looks like a new rule to me. Does anyone understand what that means?
There was some confusion by Andale as to the reason the link was unacceptable so the seller sent an email to the person in SafeHarbor who originally sent her the warning to try to get a more definitive answer. Here is the 2nd email she received:
QUOTE
Thank you for bringing this issue back to us.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to have a link to your Gallery at
Andale. The only condition is that the link take you to the eBay Items
for sale page in your gallery, and not to the All Items page. This is
because the All Items page in your gallery lists auctions from other
trading sites along with eBay.
Your cooperation has been tremendous and I can't stress how much we
appreciate it. To reiterate, the banner you were using before was fine,
it was the destination page that was in violation of our Links Policy.
You may link to the eBay Items section of your Andale Gallery with the
Visit My Storefront banner.
Regards,
XXXX
eBay Community Watch Team
END QUOTE
So, WHO KNOWS!!! I'm enclosing a copy of the email I sent off to SafeHarbor and am still waiting for their answer but I may receive one tomorrow. This whole linking mess sure is frustrating!!
QUOTE
Hello. I wish to provide a link to my website where I have other items for sale and would like to know the proper procedure for linking. I find the rules here http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-list.html here http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-user.html and here http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/png-adsfaq.html
to be a bit vague and somewhat confusing. My questions are in regard to items for sale on OFF-eBay sites since I know the rules for linking to items for sale ON eBay.
I have been following the Auctiva Showcase situation and the reference to the "two click" rule regarding the display of other items for sale off of eBay's site. Basically, it appears that any items for sale that are located on other auction sites need to be "two clicks" away so they are hidden from view when the customer clicks on the first link on the eBay auction listing. However, it's acceptable to provide another link on THAT page which the customer can click to view your other items that are for sale in locations other than eBay. Here is a copy and paste from Auctiva's help manual:
QUOTE
"HOW CAN I COMPLY WITH EBAY'S "TWO CLICK" RULE?"
"You can control which items buyers will see when they first view your Showcase. This is important in order to comply with eBay's "Two Click" rule. If you sell items on eBay AND on another auction site, you can move the non-eBay listings to a separate page of your Showcase.
To do this, simply go the Change "Two Click" settings page at http://www.auctiva.com/myaccount/editdisplaySettings.asp and select Initially conceal non-eBay items (Two Clicks). Then, whenever a buyer links directly to your Showcase from one of your eBay listings, your initial Showcase page will only display pictures of eBay items. All pictures of non-eBay items will be concealed. Buyers will still be able to view all your listings, but they'll have to "click" one extra time to reveal ALL your item pictures."
END QUOTE
Does this "two click" rule apply to WEBSITES with other items for sale and STOREFRONTS and other GALLERY type links as well? The reason I'm asking this is because I've noticed that the Andale storefront links open up directly to a page that has items for sale on Yahoo, etc. and Auctiva Showcases aren't allowed to do this so the rules don't seem to apply across the board. I've also seen the same situation regarding website links that open directly to a page showing other items for sale and their prices which is obviously not following the "two click" rule. Are their different linking rules for these situations and, if so, what are they?
If the "two click" rule applies to websites as well as galleries and storefronts what is the acceptable procedure for the wording relating to these links. I know the link on my auction page cannot mention anything about items for sale elsewhere (off-eBay) but is it acceptable to say "visit my website" or "visit my storefront"? Also, what wording can I use on the 2nd page, the one the viewer arrives at after clicking on the link on my auction page? Can I say "please click here to visit my online store" or is it necessary to be more subtle? Is it even necessary to have the 2nd page for website links?
Lastly, am I correct in assuming that I can't provide a link ANYWHERE that leads to an item I've listed on eBay that's priced lower including a link on the 2nd page or 2nd click? Are there any other exceptions other than the lower priced and prohibited items?
I'm sorry for having to ask so many questions but quite honestly, I think eBay's rules regarding linking are very confusing and unclear. I believe they should provide a page with a tutorial explaining the EXACT procedure of the acceptable way to link along with the things you CAN'T do when linking. Perhaps they will consider this suggestion because I'm not the only one scratching my head after reading everything I could find on eBay's site relating to LINKING.
Thanks for your time and I hope to hear from you soon with the answers to my linking questions.
posted on March 18, 2001 03:23:43 PM new
One more interesting tidbit. EBay is making Andale remove the word "STORE" from their storefront link. They're in the process of changing it to "SITE". So now the Andale store link will say VISIT MY SITE.
I have a feeling that eBay wants to keep the word "STORE" all to itself for use in their own storefronts which will be coming soon.
posted on March 18, 2001 09:16:20 PM new
Well, here's the reply I received from eBay. It appears the "Two Click" rule only applies to galleries and storefronts. Please check out the part I have bolded and tell me what you think he's saying about having two buttons. I'm a bit confused about that since he first says you CAN'T have a link (button) to other auction sites on your website and then he suggests having two links or buttons one for your eBay auctions and one for other auction sites. WHAT THE HECK IS HE SAYING?
Bolding is mine:
"Hello Blanche,
Thank you for writing to ebay. I apologize for the delay in getting
back to you. I will be happy to answer your questions and concerns.
You are allowed to have a link to your web site in your listings. Please
remember: the intent of allowing links to a web site from your Item page
has always been to enable you to provide additional information to help
you sell that item. The link should not advertise other items or the
fact that you may have other items for sale on your web page. The links
to your own web site must comply with the guidelines outlined in the
Advertisements policy. Additionally, please follow the linking
guidelines, which do not permit:
links to other auction-style trading sites
links to sites offering the same merchandise for the same or lower
price
links to sites offering merchandise prohibited on eBay
Example of a permissible link to your web site:
Please visit us at www.mywebsite.com
We also ask that it only be 88 x 33 pixels in size if using a banner.
THE TWO CLICK RULE IS FOR GALLERIES AND STOREFRONTS. ON YOUR PERSONAL WEBSITES AS LONG AS YOU DO NOT LINK DIRECTLY TO A PAGE THAT HAS A BUTTON FOR ANOTHER AUCTION SITE YOUR LINK WILL BE ALLOWED. I PERSONALLY WOULD HAVE A BUTTON FOR YOUR EBAY AUCTIONS AND A SEPARATE BUTTON FOR YOUR OTHER AUCTION SITES.
You are correct about the link to the Same priced or lower priced items. WE DO NOT ALLOW ANY LINKS TO THESE ITEMS AT ALL.
You may also want to review our current policies at the following URL:
posted on March 18, 2001 09:27:09 PM new
You may be confusing the "verbage" about the link w/the actual link itself. It appears the "verbage" or how you actually describe the link is as or more important than the link itself.
Seems to me what is being said is that you can use "visit my website at xzy.com"
But if you use see my other products for sales at xyz.com" or "To purchase more great products, visit my website at xzy.com", you could run into problems.
Seems to me, one of the safest "links" would be to use For more information on this product, please visit my website at zxy.com" & make sure you don't have any products not permitted on ebay & that your website prices are higher than your ebay starting prices.
posted on March 18, 2001 09:44:25 PM new
Thanks eventer. NOW I'm really confused. LOL
Personally, if I ever get around to putting up a website with items for sale, I'm going to stick with the "2 click" thingy just to stay out of trouble. At least I'm sure that procedure is safe for linking.
I wonder if I dare send the same email to another person at SafeHarbor to compare responses?
Blanche
[ edited by bhearsch on Mar 18, 2001 09:54 PM ]
BTW, I loved the monkey photo. 