posted on March 20, 2001 06:59:34 AM new
I have a very disturbing situation that may well end up in the hands of my attorneys. Recently, eBay deleted two of my auctions for "Old Chinese Opium Pipes", citing that they were inappropriate for sale as they were considered drug paraphenalia. I replied to them indicating that at the time, there were 29 listings for opium pipes with no others deleted and asked for an explanation why mine were singled out, as my pipes were old/antiques and were sold for decorative purposes only. eBay replied that they only act on auctions reported to them and that my items were "deemed inappropriate" regardless. It is obvious that I was reported by another member, probably a competitor. I was not happy with their response so I decided to do a test.
I did a generic search for "opium pipe" and chose an auction selling a pipe similar to the ones I have sold and reported it to eBay. Guess what? I received a response that that listing, item # 1416592318, fell within their guidelines!!! I responded by sending back an e-mail citing my deleted auctions and demanding an answer for their inconsistent standards and discriminatory practices. I am posting this pending their reply.
What do think? Lawsuit time?
(I have saved copies of all auctions involved plus our correspondence and will contact eBay directly by phone when they open this morning).
posted on March 20, 2001 07:48:36 AM new
Stuff happens - I understand your frustration, because I have had a similar thing happen in this same category, but I certainly wasn't advertising the item as an opium pipe - but as a Turkish Cafe pipe, which is what the item I was posting is in reality.
When my auction was closed, there were many others still up and running - but the issue is, eBay doesn't distinguish between such items, and turning in someone else doesn't get your item back up. There are always items running which eBay doesn't allow, and which aren't cancelled till someone complains.
Now, I have done the test you stated you did, and the auction I reported was closed, but it didn’t accomplish anything for me, and I personally view my action as an exercise in childish frustration. I see no point in hurting another seller just because I had an auction closed, and wouldn’t repeat my action again. Do not take me wrong, I am not evaluating what you did, but how I see what I did.
Regarding a law suit - unless you live in California, and have more money than eBay, I'd suggest you just find a site more friendly to your items, or you will be wasting time, energy and money for nothing in persuing a suit against eBay.
posted on March 20, 2001 08:10:44 AM new
jwpc-
I appreciate your reply. It is not my intent to hurt other sellers but to hold eBay accountable. They told me it was ILLEGAL to sell such items. I don't have a problem with that. But now it appears that it is only illegal for ME to sell such items. I am not acting out of childish frustration but from an inflamed sense of injustice. At this point, eBay has acknowledged that these items are illegal to sell but are knowingly continuing to allow them to be sold. I can't accept that contradiction. I don't specialize in drug paraphanalia but Asian antiques and collectibles so that is not an issue. I realize it could be as simple as just ignoring it and to go on my merry way. However, I feel that to accept injustice is to allow it to continue. At this point, all I want from eBay is an explanation for this contradiction. Realistically, I know that a lawsuit is an extreme measure but eBay should not be allowed to selectively enforce their policies. Perhaps I should seek the DEA's opinion.
posted on March 20, 2001 09:58:32 AM new
I don't understand why pipes are illegal to sell on eBay anyway. I can go to a local store and buy one (not that I'm an expert on that) and it is legal as long as they say it's for tobacco.
posted on March 20, 2001 10:23:53 AM new
It can depend on which safeharbor person examines the reported auction-----some will be more strict & more likely to cancel an auction than others, from my personal experience.
posted on March 20, 2001 10:58:12 AM new
nowwhat-
Actually, the seller has been on eBay for only 2 months. Ironically, I am a PowerSeller though I choose not to advertise that in my auctions.
posted on March 20, 2001 12:15:36 PM new
Then if you are a power seller don't you get your own 800 customer service person to call?
Not my name on ebay.
