posted on February 5, 2006 05:41:03 AM
Looks like you can still say "GEORGE BUSH COUNTRY" though. Here's the announcement:
February 03, 2006 | 02:47PM PST/PT
Hi… This is Sarah Brubacher again, Senior Policy Manager for eBay.
Recently we've seen an increase in reports from the Community about false or inaccurate information included in the item location field of the item page. To address this concern, we're implementing a new Item Location Misrepresentation policy which will be effective as of February 3, 2006.
The item location field on the item page is designed to inform buyers about where the item for sale is located. As eBay's global marketplace continues to grow, it's increasingly important for buyers to know where an item is located, so they can estimate the likely shipping costs and delivery times.
What is not allowed
For example, a problem listing might display something contradictory like "Hong Kong, United Kingdom" or "Worldwide, United States" in the item location field. Another type of listing problem would be an item location field that displays "USA" but the item description text says the item is actually shipping from some other country.
What is allowed
An appropriate use of the item location field would be, "Beijing, China" or "Sydney, Australia." Sellers may also continue to use more creative item locations such as "These United States" or "My mother’s attic." (HA HA HA!)
Inaccurate item location representation can lead to higher shipping costs and longer shipping times than buyers expect. These are negative experiences that can ultimately undermine trust in the marketplace.
To learn more about the policy and view examples of what is and isn't permitted, please visit the Item Location Misrepresentation policy page.
Sincerely,
Sarah Brubacher
Senior Policy Manager, eBay Trust and Safety
Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions including:
* Listing cancellation
* Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
* Listing cancellation
* Limits on account privileges
* Loss of PowerSeller status
* Account suspension
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posted on February 5, 2006 05:53:08 AM
??? she actually said, {{{"Sellers may also continue to use more creative item locations such as "These United States" or "My mother’s attic." (HA HA HA!)}}}
???
but that contradicts their mission to enable buyers to figure out where the geographical location of the item is!
posted on February 5, 2006 06:04:55 AM
What a stupid, contradictory policy!
eBay's starting to make as many changes to their policies as Paypal used to around the time they switched from a free to a fee service. It was ridiculous then, and it still is now. How can they expect sellers to keep up with all the changes when there's something new every week, and they don't even contact the sellers to let them know about the changes.
I'm starting to look into other options. It looks like I can get a website with shopping cart and credit-card processing for roughly $1200 a year. Considering I currently pay eBay about $750 a month... it seems like it might be worth a shot...
posted on February 5, 2006 01:21:00 PM
Sarah Brubacher, Senior Policy Manager for eBay reputedly wrote use more creative item locations such as "These United States" or "My mother’s attic."
eBay sellers in the USA's southern neighbour (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) can still give "United States" as their location with a straight face. Or my Sino-based friends can put their location as "My mother’s attic" (in Shanghai/Hanzhou) - cool!
posted on February 5, 2006 02:22:31 PM
This is similar to renting a store and having the landlord change the terms of the lease whenever he thinks it is to his benefit.
posted on February 6, 2006 06:21:51 AM
Why doesn't eBay just require a legitimate zip/country code, then run that through a lookup table and display the location/country name. If people want to get creative, they can use their description to proclaim the beauty of their geographical area, their philosophy of life, or whatever.
I've never understood this weirdness, anyway. There are many cases where the physical location of the item may be totally irrelevant, but it makes me leery of bidding when they don't want to tell me where they are. I'll find out anyway, if I win the item, and if I don't, it's not like I am going to knock on every door in Minnesota until I find them.
"And then that little jerk Ralphie convinced all the sheep-herders to build a roller-skating rink!"
