posted on May 21, 2001 11:02:25 AM new
I need the knowledge and advice of AWers who know eBay's rules inside-and-out!
I have a number of potential buyers, on a regular basis, who request more information on how to use the widgets I sell on eBay. These widgets don't come with printed instructions. But I do have a pamphlet that describes how to use these widgets.
Questions:
1. Can I offer these pamphlets, free of charge on my About Me page and give an address to send a SASE?
2. Can I put a link to my About Me page in my listings saying I have this free-no-obligation, everyone-can-have-one
pamphlet, visit my About Me page to find out how to get one?
posted on May 21, 2001 11:24:55 AM new
Here's their policy on giveaways:
******
Bonuses, giveaways, raffles and prizes
Listings that promote bonus items, giveaways, or random drawings or prizes as an enticement for bidders are not permitted on eBay as these promotions are highly regulated and may be unlawful in many states. eBay itself may run such promotions on the site, and may grant authorization to its partners or third party companies to run promotions, that comply with applicable laws.
Policy: These types of listings are not permitted and will be ended. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing.
******
So, it appears that you can't promote the giveaway as a freebie in the auction listing. You can, of course, mention that the winning bid price INCLUDES the pamphlet that will give the buyer tons of neat ideas on how to use the product.
Then, on your About Me page, there doesn't appear to be any prohibition on mentioning that you have the brochure, and will send it to any that inquire. There are different standards for what you do on your About Me page and your auction listings.
posted on May 21, 2001 11:36:03 AM new
Thanks for the responses so far.
Nope,alchemy no attempt at a mailing list. I don't want or need a mailing list. (Although I agree that Meg probably wants her pound of flesh.) Unfortunately, I don't have rights to reproduce the material in browser form.
Steve
I read the bonus/giveaway rules, they don't really appear to address this issue. The pamphlet would not be an enticement to bid. It would be free to anyone who asks for one, whether they bid or not. Listing would simply direct people to About Me page to see address to send for it. I'm sure eBay wouldn't want my mailing address in my listings!
posted on May 21, 2001 11:57:57 AM newIs this eBay legal?
Probably not, but it really depends on which ebaY CS reps field the inevitable complaint(s). Two different reps will likely give 2 different answers. You can always give it a try and see what happens. ebaY might pull the listing(s) in which case you WOULD NOT want to try it again unless you're prepared to be NARU.
posted on May 21, 2001 12:08:43 PM new
Why not SELL the instructions in a separate auction? Information is a BIG seller on ebaY and elsewhere. When you bought Windows, did Microsoft include a manual? No. You have to buy one. If it works for Bill, why not you?
posted on May 21, 2001 12:37:40 PM new
can you scan the pamphlet and then e-mail a zipped copy, or if you want to invest in adobe accrabat you could do a Pdf. file to those that inquore
and in your item description you could say something like "for operatinal instructions prior to buiding emial me and I will e-mail you a pdf. operatinal guide"
posted on May 21, 2001 12:41:38 PM new
Why not just say in your listing "a manual describing the use of this widget is available to the winning bidder on request, free of charge."
Barry
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The opinions expressed above are for comparison purposes only. Your mileage may vary....
posted on May 21, 2001 12:56:55 PM new
Your potential buyers might likely be satisfied (and induced to bid) with a quick email response that describes some of the uses for the widget. You can note in your reply that a pamphlet with more info is included to winning bidders.
You can can this message and send it every time someone inquires.
I'm a little unclear on why a whole bunch of people would want the pamphlet, all by itself, and go to the trouble of sending a SASE. But then, maybe I'm dense.
posted on May 21, 2001 01:02:04 PM new
Thanks, Islander.
In answer to why: some folks need pictures, in addition to words. I can relate. My kids have to operate all the electronics in the house.
There aren't enough pictures in the instruction manuals for me! Maybe that's why I married an engineer.
edited to fix UBB
[ edited by vargas on May 21, 2001 01:02 PM ]
