I thank you in advance for reading this potentially long-winded post.
I found out tonight that I was suspended from eBay for selling "potentially infringing" software. I was selling my copy of Microsoft Word 2000. Then my listing was cancelled and my account was suspended.
I was reading the provisions of MS and eBay and the language states: "Once distributed with PC hardware, OEM software is not authorized for individual redistribution or use, except in connection with that hardware...."
I was selling a piece of hardware that I bought the software with..I never registered it or opened it.
I took the literal context of the language and compared it completed and active auctions that contained identical products for sale without suspended users. I do not understand why I was suspended.
item#'s
2006093584
2007595379
2007672956
2007668903
2006059994
2007330877
2003627392
2003383197
Can you be kind enough to tell me what to expect from eBay or if my listings were violative?
I have already filed an appeal and I would appreciate any input.
Thanks so much
(was) eBay user: Boarder_patrol
[ edited by boarderpatrol on Mar 5, 2002 01:19 AM ]
posted on March 5, 2002 07:12:59 AM new
You are probably not an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) that builds PCs as a business, right?
That's the only way that you can obtain OEM disks with Microsoft software. If you ordered a PC (say from Dell or Micron) and it came with Word 2000, that is NOT OEM software! Nor is it a retail copy - it is usually labeled "for distribution with a new PC only."
At best, the license agreement (EULA) that is included with the software states that you can only sell it to one other person. That person can't even resell it.
Also, eBay doesn't normally suspend someone for one infraction - it simply cancels the auctions and issues a warning. Have you done this before and ignored what they told you?
As for "the other guys,' well their turn will probably come when someone from Redmond pays more attention and makes a call to the Bay area.
posted on March 5, 2002 07:46:19 AM new
Take a deep breath.
This happens all too frequently and often is the result of poorly trained ? Customer Service Staff ? that don't apply eBay's rules correctly.
Many times the only reasonable explanation seems to be that some user/competitor complained and eBay staff pushed the button without considering all of the facts or knowing how to interpret them. Other similar/same listings are not a factor as, without a complaint, eBay seldom checks listings.
I haven't had this happen to me yet so any insights are from others sharing their experience here and on other boards.
Use this board's search function to pull up previous threads on "suspended". You will see a lot of good advice, who to contact, what approach worked and how the different cases played out.
Usually a very calm inquiry that includes all of the facts and is sent to every available eBay contact email will eventually result in a reversal of their action and clarification of any issues that they are concerned about.
Resist the desire to reach out through the Internet to grab someone by the throat and shake them vigorously. Although often justified and appropriate it does not seems to be productive in these circumstances.
At eBay's end they are mostly poorly paid, under trained people who can't be very happy dealing with the constant barrage of valid complaints that users express.
A gentle "I think someone may have made a mistake and could you please help me" seems to be most productive in getting what you want accomplished.
Although I've explored other venues for a range of reasons, one of the more productive uses, beyond making some additional money, that repeats itself is that they provide a safe haven when I'm so angry at eBay that I don't want to open their site or even think their name.
I go there, most recently YAHOO, do some work, post some listings, shop and reinforce the realization that there is life beyond eBay and that I'm only as vulnerable to ebay's madness as I choose to allow.
posted on March 5, 2002 06:57:10 PM new
how long is the suspension?
do not just GET new user id.
IF EBAY CATCHES IT,IT WILL SUSPEND YOU FOR GOOD.
find out why and how long and live thru it
