In this article you will learn about eBay's updated business policy. This update was made in 2017 and concerned clearer product and item information.
Topics in this article:
- eBay's policy update 2017 - introduction
- Active content removal
- Contact policy update
- Links policy update
eBay's policy update 2017 - introduction
During 2017 eBay has been consistently updating and enforcing their business policies. This is likely to continue for the rest of the year and includes (from September) updates concerning contact information and the utilization of links & hyperlinks.
This latest enforced policy is based on item descriptions containing all relevant product details (not additional contact or company information) and as eBay provide additional fields to support buyers in finding additional payment and delivery information, these updates are looking to provide clearer product and item information.
Below, is a summary of how these updates will be represented, and also how to ensure zero or minimal impact on your listings.
Active content removal
eBay have confirmed that: ''Active content in all listings across all devices will be disabled. Use eBay tools or third-party partners to replace any active content in your listings.'' This was put in effect in June 2017 and is being consistently enforced by eBay on any non-compliant listings.
There is a tool available to enable you to identify any listings (en bloc) that contain Active Content, if you wish to double check, investigate here: www.isdntek.com
Contact policy update
From September 2017 no contact information will be able to be included in item descriptions. This includes,
- phone numbers
- email addresses or social media profiles
- images, eBay Shops or seller profiles
eBay have confirmed that these policies will not apply to the Business seller information section.
Messaging tools, such as My Messages or Best Offer are recommended to communicate with Sellers (if you're a buyer, or vice a versa) and therefore questions regarding contact details or product and shipping information can be provided direct to each individual buyer directly.
Links policy update
As per the contact information policy above, eBay are now enforcing such an update related to links you provide on your listing page.
eBay have confirmed that links that direct customers to a site other than eBay will not be permitted, except when linking to the following:
- Information on delivery services
- Product videos, e.g. reviews, product demonstrations or installation.
- Other legally required information.
This policy applies whether the link is clickable or not, and includes any attempts to direct a customer off a page. It extends to all member-created content, such as listings, eBay Shop pages and headers, seller profile pages, newsletters, images and so on.
Links that direct customers to other eBay pages are allowed. This includes links to eBay Messages, other eBay items, eBay Shop pages, Follow seller or Add to my Favourite Sellers features.
Confirmation of the enforcement policy also clarifies that any permitted links cannot direct customers to view, search or purchase items from non-eBay sites.
Please ensure you have read, understood and taken the appropriate action in regards to your listings.
eBay confirm that a range of actions (including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account) are likely to be taken against any seller or listing that breaches these policies.
Please see these official eBay articles related to each update:
Due to the number of new and updated policy announcements in 2017, we have provided an entire section within our Help Center to keep you as up to date as possible.