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What can I sell on eBay? The simple answer is just about anything. By using common sense and judgment you are usually ok. With that being said here is a guide to some of the eBay policies and seller restrictions that all eBay users should be aware of.
This is just some brief guidelines. Always go deeper into the policies to find out more specific information. I have included some links to some of the eBay rules and regulations.
Policies and laws do change and it is best to have up to date information so I would advice you to check regularly if in doubt.
If it is illegal, a security risk, promoting hatred or violence, in copyright violation or heavily governed you are best to avoid trying to sell it on eBay. Violation of the policies and law can lead to any of the following: canceled listings, suspension from eBay, revoking of eBay privileges, lost of Powerseller status, fines or even arrest.
Can I sell it on eBay?
Please review further if in doubt as these are just brief points and they all can be investigated further and have examples in the links.
Academic Software which is discounted to students.
Alcohol is not allowed (with the occasional exception of some Wine)
Animals and Wildlife Products – no live animals – some taxidermy is ok – animal parts and endangered have some major restrictions.
Anti-circumvention Policy – no pirating software or devices.
Artifacts – not allowed including cave items and grave items.
Authenticity Disclaimers– you cannot claim stupidity in your listing.
Autographed Items – only real ones and no blank coas.
Beta Software – cannot sell.
Bonus, Prize, Giveaway Raffle – you cannot do these.
Bootleg Recordings – don’t sell
Brand Name Misuse - not allowed.
Catalog Sales – only old collectable catalogs allowed. No current ones.
Catalytic Converters Pipes – not allowed.
Celebrity Material - eBay prohibits sellers from listing CDs, DVDs, VCDs and screen saver programs that contain multiple images, still photographs, or videos of multiple celebrities and models.
Cell Phone Service (Wireless) Contracts – must be authorized.
Charity or Fundraising Listings are regulated and must go through the giving works program and minimum $10 per listing but you can choose who gets it.
Comparison Policy – make sure your listings and keywords are relevant.
Compilation and Info Media – detailed policy with limitations.
Contracts and Tickets – Don’t list if not allowed.
Counterfeit Currency + Stamps – no but replica coins may be allowed.
Counterfeit Items – these are illegal so no.
Credit Cards – only if 10 years or older and not valid.
Describing Drugs or Drug-like Substances – not generally allowed.
Downloadable Media – no porn, viruses and must be rights holder.
Drugs & Drug Paraphernalia – not allowed as illegal unless specifically for tobacco.
Electronics Equipment is allowed unless restricted by the FCC.
Encouraging Illegal Activity – is not allowed.
Encouraging Infringement Policy – strictly prohibited.
Event Tickets – allowed but restricted by area.
Faces, Names, Signatures – only if authorized.
Firearms, Weapons, Knives – very restricted – long list of examples.
Food sales are allowed but regulated heavily.
Gift Cards are generally allowed but only one sale per seller a week with max value of $ 500
Government, Transit Documents are not allowed due to security concerns.
Government Transit Uniforms are not allowed unless at least 10 years old and no longer used.
Government IDs Licenses are rightfully not allowed.
Hazards Restricted Perishable Items cannot be sold on eBay.
Human Parts and Remains duh of course not allowed.
Imports of Goods into the United States policies include some restricted or embargoed items and may be subject to duties.
International Trading - Buyers
International Trading - Sellers
Listing No Item is not allowed.
Lockpicking Devices are forbidden.
Lottery Tickets sales are not permitted.
Mailing Lists Personal Info cannot be sold on eBay.
Manufacturers' Coupons that are valid are ok with some limitations.
Mature Audiences and Adult Items – eBay does have a special area for listings that are Adult in nature for those over 18, You will need to sign in to verify. There are some restrictions such as must be legal and you are not able to accept Paypal. Items may be moved and listings ended if in the wrong area.
Medical Devices have laws governing their sales.
Misleading Titles are not allowed.
Mod Chips, Game Enhancers, and Boot Discs cannot be sold on eBay.
Movie Prints cannot be sold unless you are the copyright holder.
Multi-level Marketing, Pyramid and Matrix Programs are highly regulated or illegal and cannot be listed.
OEM Software is not allowed unless with a full computer system and with rules.
Offensive Material is not allowed such as glorify hatred, violence, racial or religious intolerance, or items that promote organizations with such views
Pesticides are allowed with a long list of requirements.
Plants and Seeds are regulated both on eBay and by local laws i.e. no noxious weeds and seeds - there are state by state lists at link.
Police-Related Items – not usually allowed but there is very limited exceptions.
Political Memorabilia must abide by the Hobby Protection Act. Read the examples and policy as could be imposed fines and penalties.
Postage Meters are not permitted on eBay.
Pre-Sale Listings have limitations but generally allowed with regulations and 30 day window.
Prescription Drugs are not allowed to be sold as that is in violation of the law.
Promotional Items in some cases are ok but Verified Rights Owner’s can stop the sale of some.
Real Estate Listings listings are not binding and have some restrictions.
Recalled Items cannot be sold on eBay per (CPSC)
Recordable Media cannot be sold unless the rights holder.
Replica and Counterfeit Items are not allowed.
Satellite Cable Descramblers – per FCC regulations cannot be sold on eBay.
Slot Machines are generally not permitted.
Stocks and Securities listings are a no no.
Stolen Property and Property with Removed Serial Numbers will get you rightfully arrested.
Surveillance Equipment is not allowed to be sold.
Teacher's Edition Textbooks are for teachers and cannot be put on eBay.
Test Listings are ok in the right area.
Tobacco such as Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco or coupons for such items are not permitted on eBay.com but collectible items are ok.
Transit Shipping Related Items view the additional information.
Travel has rules such for number of listings or being approved.
Unauthorized Copies cannot be listed or sold.
Used Clothing can be listed except underwear and needs to be cleaned.
Used Cosmetics are not permitted.
Warranties can be offered with additional information.
Other considerations when listing on eBay include
There are even some countries that US based eBay sellers cannot ship to due to embargos and restrictions. They include Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea as well as some others.
Trademark Basics– do not infringe on trademarks.
Copyright Basics – do not sell unless you have authorization or wrote it.
Item Description and Picture Theft– don’t copy other eBayers listing descriptions or pictures as they went to a lot of work to make them.
Rules for Sellers: Overview
Listing Policies for Sellers: Overview
Do not spam or Keyword spam.
Do not harase or threaten people. Treat other eBayers as you wish to be treated.
Whenever you are in doubt check with eBay or local regulators.
Buy and Sell Safely
See my other guides if you want more information on product sourcing, eBay SEO and more.
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