posted on May 17, 2001 09:15:34 AM new
After just recently returning to the Ebay arena after being away from it for about 6 months, I am interested in the "new" policies and how it will affect the smaller "Family Run Businesses" such as ours.
After reading the "no link policies", I see there are changes that we will have to make in the design of our listings on Ebay. (I include links to our storefront, former feedback, business email account etc.) These were always included to enhance the success of our Ebay centered business, never to divert attention away from Ebay and take away from their seemingly very deep pockets that we have helped to make for them.
Questions:
Can Ebay suspend us without any warning? (I still have links at this time where the auction will not close for several days.)
We have noticed that many Ebayers have either left Ebay entirely, or are selling at other auction sites. Could you please make some suggestions of other auction sites that are proving to be a success for ex-Ebayers.
Finally, as of May 31, 001, will Ebay also be banning all links such as "Auction Watch Storefront link" (at bottom of page) and other "seller tool" links that are automatically inserted into the listings?
I appreciate any insight on these matters, and how the more experienced, successful Ebayers are handling these new changes.
Thanks. "The Shoppes of Cabin Creek"
posted on May 17, 2001 10:03:43 AM new
The auction management links - such as AW or Image Hosting "credits" will still be allowed. Additionally, logos for other things such as membership in OAUA will be allowed.
Live email links (hyper-links for direct eMail communication) will still be allowed. (But no URLs) - because it is a link to more information about the item being offered on eBay.
Watermarks on images will not be allowed. (from what I can tell)... eBay doesn't want any URLs on the listing page (unless it's the users I.D.)
Links to Half.com are allowed (but Half.com is owned by eBay, of course).
Links to storefronts (other than eBay's storefronts when THEY roll out for a fee) will NOT be permitted from the item listing page after May 31.
eBay makes an EXCEPTION for the Big Boys in REAL ESTATE listings though. (level playing field?? - not!)
Links to pictures of the ITEM LISTED will be allowed.
One link to your About Me page will be allowed (this is in addition to the blue and red *ME* link that eBay provides beside your User I.D.)
A single link to a page that contains more information about the item listed on eBay ONLY will be allowed.
(there can be DISCREET links to websites or storefronts from this page, but those links must not lead to items for sale not being offered on eBay or to items that are being offered for Less than eBay - including the BIN price).
Currently, I don't have any listings up at eBay. I've been sorta waiting for folks to get organized and point to ONE (maybe TWO) alternative Venues for our Mom & Pop Listings... Venues that encourage individuals to grow and succeed in their own businesses.
Some of the sites that I've looked at are:
Bidville.com
321Gone.com
ePier.com
Carnaby.com
AND a very interesting Co-Op:
VINTAGE MARKETPLACE CO-Op that is still getting organized... some great ideas and perhaps a promising future for Buyers and Sellers of Collectibles & Vintage items.
So far, it seems that many of the Mom & Pops are either still ASLEEP to what's going on (Long Term), or have expressed frustration and a desire to cut back on their eBay listings.
I kinda feel like eBay remains a necessary part of most peoples online sales for now...(and I intend to continue listing some things on eBay) BUT we should all be actively participating in the growth of OTHER VENUES to better ensure our ability to continue profiting in OnLine Sales.
eBay isn't for the Mom & Pops anymore... THAT's for sure! *sigh*
posted on May 17, 2001 10:06:27 AM new
According to the pink posting noted by reddeer in an earlier thread, watermarks ARE allowed under certain circumstances. Here's exactly that the pink had to say,
if you are embedding the watermark in order to defer others from taking and using your image, you may include you User ID.
posted on May 17, 2001 12:34:44 PM new
Dottie, you said : "A single link to a page that contains more information about the item listed on eBay ONLY will be allowed.
(there can be DISCREET links to websites or storefronts from this page, but those links must not lead to items for sale not being offered on eBay ..."
There seems to be no prohibition on linking to your web site from the ME page or from a more information page EVEN IF your web site offers items not offered on ebay:
Ebay says:
1. May I link to other users listings or About Me pages from my About Me page?
--Yes, you may generally link to any page off the About Me page, however, the following are not allowed:
--Links that directly offer any non-eBay listing or merchandise on the About Me page itself
--Links to other online trading sites or pages, including auctions and fixed-price formats
--Links to sites offering the same merchandise for the same or lower price (including the Buy It Now price)
--Links to sites offering merchandise not permitted on eBay
posted on May 17, 2001 01:50:12 PM new
thecabincreek: Many more small sellers will be leaving over the course of the next year, as the number of pressures on them becomes unbearable. Who can afford to work this hard for so little at the end of the day, week, month or year?
"Live email links (hyper-links for direct eMail communication) will still be allowed. (But no URLs) - because it is a link to more information about the item being offered on eBay."
dottie: Does this mean I can't put my eMail address in my ad but I can use html to directly link my eMail account?<p>2nd: What IS a page that contains more information about the item? Is it just a link to the sellers eMail for a longer explanation?
Lastly, the idea of linking to your web site or storefront from your EOA is a good one. Does anyone know a nice way to phrase this and more important, how do we add a link (hyper?)to our AW Storefront? Will this be a problem for some users who do not have optimal eMail capabilities? Thank you. CC
