2011 Fall Seller Update
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Links in listings policy update
Email addresses and some links no longer permitted in listings
Too often, buyers are being directed off eBay to make purchases that are not protected by eBay Buyer Protection. Most everything buyers need to know about an item should be included right in the listing, without leaving eBay. Also, any communication outside of My Messages in My eBay cannot be used to protect buyers or sellers. To ensure this confidence-inspiring experience and keep buyers on eBay, email addresses and some links to web sites will no longer be allowed in new listings and re-listings.
Preview the updated policy for more information.
What’s changing under the existing policy?
Why is eBay changing this policy?
When will enforcement begin?
How does eBay define a "link"?
Why does a link have to be clickable, or hyperlinked?
Can I link my listing to my own website?
What are some things I can do to be sure my listing follows the new policy?
What happens if my listings don't follow this policy and I have a link or email address in my listing when the new policy becomes effective?
How can I revise my listings in bulk to remove links and/or email addresses?
Can I link to FAQ, Terms and Conditions, or Warranty information?
Highlights
- Starting October 1, an email address or link to a web site that does not help a buyer safely transact on eBay must be removed before the listing can be submitted.
- Examples of information that is no longer allowed in listings:
- Email addresses (clickable and non-clickable)
- Links that do not help buyers safely and efficiently transact on eBay:
- Non-clickable links (e.g. www.mysite.com that does not hyperlink)
- Shortened URL's (bit.ly, TinyURLs)
- Other links that are currently prohibited under the existing Links policy
- Instead of linking buyers off eBay, include the information in your listing when possible.
- The updated policy will apply to new listings and re-listings. Good 'Til Cancelled listings will be required to comply in early 2012. Advance notification will be provided.
- Exceptions: Categories that will be allowed to include email addresses in listings:
- Business & Industrial
- Motors > Vehicles
- Real Estate
Preview the updated policy for more information.
Take Action
- Familiarize yourself with the types of links that will no longer be allowed. Get a preview of the updated policy.
- Update your listing templates—remove email addresses and links to websites that do not specifically assist buyers with safely and efficiently transacting on eBay.
- Review tips & tools to edit listings to make editing your listings faster and easier.
- If you use a Certified Provider to list on eBay, allow plenty of time to work with your provider before October 1 to ensure your listings will be fully compliant with this updated policy.
Best Practices
- Include all information relevant to an item for sale within the listing itself.
- Use My Messages to communicate with buyers and potential buyers. Communication between members should be kept on eBay. Messages sent using My Messages are tracked, which helps with dispute resolution.
- Put your About Me page to work for you. Instead of linking buyers off eBay, you can link them to your page for information that may be common to some or all your listings.
- Use eBay picture hosting services. Buyers will see your pictures in enhanced ways when you upload your pictures to eBay picture hosting services. They can enlarge, zoom and will even see an optimized version of your listing when using a mobile device. Remember, eBay Stores sellers can add up to 12 pictures per listing for free!
Frequently Asked Questions
The current Links, logos, and video policy will be updated to reflect that email addresses, shortened URLs, non-clickable links and links to websites that do not help buyers transact safely and efficiently on eBay will no longer be allowed in listings. Starting October 1, if an email address or unapproved website is detected in a new or revised listing, you'll have to remove it prior to submitting your listing. Sellers will not be required to update existing Good Til Cancelled listings until early 2012, but are encouraged to bring listings into compliance with the new policy now.
Preview the updated policy
Preview the updated policy
Too often, buyers are being directed off eBay to make purchases that are not protected by eBay Buyer Protection. Under the current policy, sellers have not always been aware of the rules and may have had a listing removed without knowing why. Under the new policy, the rules will be clarified, and in most cases sellers will be prevented from submitting listings containing elements that are in violation.
Enforcement will begin October 1.
A link is any text or image (such as photos, logos, or icons) that takes a user off eBay. Non-clickable web sites are not allowed, and email addresses (clickable and non-clickable) are not allowed.
Making links clickable allows eBay to track and better understand which links are being used by buyers and for what purpose.
Yes, provided your web-site helps a buyer safely transact on eBay and is not transactional, i.e. it does not provide opportunities to make a purchase or payment.
We recommend that you do the following:
- Include all relevant information about your item and terms of sale in the item description.
- Use eBay picture services to host any images for your listing or item description.
- Use My Messages to communicate with your buyer. All communications are tracked.
- Link only to sites that are intended to help a buyer safely complete a transaction on eBay.
- Leverage your About Me page and Stores pages to host information about you and your products that will be useful to buyers and help them make a quick purchase decision on eBay.
Starting October 1, new listings and re-listings cannot be submitted if they do not comply with the new policy. Good 'Til Cancelled listings will not be impacted until early 2012. Sellers will have plenty of time to adapt.
If you use a Certified Provider to list on eBay, work with them to ensure that your listings are compliant with this policy. If you use listing templates that include email addresses or links off eBay that will be prohibited, you'll need to edit your templates to remove this information from all your listings. Get tips & tools to edit listings.
Yes, provided the page is not transactional, i.e. it does not provide opportunities to make a purchase or payment.