Ina Steiner EcommerceBytes Blog
News and insight focusing on ecommerce.
by Ina Steiner, Editor of EcommerceBytes.com
Thu Mar 5 2020 17:14:29

eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

By: Ina Steiner

Sponsored Link

eBay announced Thursday it is banning certain items associated with COVID-19, including Masks (including N95/N100 and surgical masks); Hand Sanitizer/Gel; and Disinfecting Wipes.

The company cited regulatory restrictions and wrote, "These listings may violate applicable US laws or regulations, eBay policies, and exhibit unfair pricing behavior for our buyers."

eBay had previously issued an advisory to sellers reminding them of certain policies related to such products - basically policies dealing with health claims, keyword spamming, and price gouging (see the February 28th eBay Announcement Board post).

In today's announcement, eBay said it would immediately begin blocking new listings and start to remove existing listings for the items in question. 

The move comes amid reports of shortages and price gouging on such items, as described in this CNBC article.

Note that as the CNBC article makes clear, this is not just an eBay issue, and Amazon has come under fire for inflated prices, as The Verge reported. (Repricers gone wild?)

See the March 5th eBay Announcement Board post and let us know what you think.

Comments (67) | Leave Comment | Permalink
Readers Comments

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

This user has validated their user name. by: NoMoreEbay

Fri Mar 6 18:54:36 2020

@Marie

While the story was released today, I'm sure USA reported it before ebay made the announcement and subsequently banned the items. We all know that reports and complaints take time to process.

Coincidentally, ebay decided to cancel the listings one day 'after' Amazon was called out by a US Senator for the same thing.

ebay did it because they didn't want to face legal liability and scrutiny. Their timing makes that clear.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: Marie This user has validated their user name.

Fri Mar 6 19:27:42 2020

@NoMoreEbay

I acknowledged that in my previous post.  I too believe Ebay most likely knew the article was coming out.  But I don't know that it is the only reason Ebay did this.  Like I said, the warned sellers late last month.

Your making assumptions without facts.  Maybe yes, maybe no.  I would lean more to no because sellers were warned late last month.  But I don't know what they knew and didn't know at the time.  I make no claim to have that information.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

This user has validated their user name. by: iheartjacksparrow

Fri Mar 6 19:47:29 2020

Marie writes: "I get it for you there is nothing eBay can do that is right." And we get it that for you, there's nothing eBay does that is wrong.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: Marie This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 01:30:44 2020

@jack

I'm very vocal when Ebay does something that I perceive as wrong or inadequate.  It is just because I do speak up for them sometimes it is all that gets acknowledged by those that only see the bad.  But with that said, I have no idea why what I think or say about Ebay even matters to you since you haven't used the site in years according to you.  So why does it even matter to you what I think on the subject.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

This user has validated their user name. by: unsuckEBAY

Sat Mar 7 08:49:24 2020

NoMoreEbay,

Absolutely agree, the Shop Safe Act is very encouraging and long overdue. That said, we can expect eBay (and Amazon) to lobby the **** out of the bill (and of course put their own spin on things).

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: Geetar This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 10:26:36 2020

EBay Wants To Sell Off S Korean Unit

Here we go. Chopping it up Paul Singer style! Make money by destroying a company.  

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

This user has validated their user name. by: NoMoreEbay

Sat Mar 7 11:32:06 2020

@Marie

"Your making assumptions without facts.  Maybe yes, maybe no."

And this is what we have all been experiencing for the past 22 years. When you have a company that hides behind buzz words and double talk. All one can do is make assumptions without facts.

Without those facts you then have to rely on ebay's history, it's morals and brand. Do I even have to say the words?

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: CuriousCat40 This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 13:15:07 2020

Well, I had some hand sanitizers up at auction starting at .99, ebay took them all down.

I always have a boat load of hand sanitizer on hand because my husband contracted a deadly flesh eating bacteria 2 years ago, which attacked his lungs and then his spinal cord which rendered him paralyzed from the waist down (temporarily).

I didn't receive any notice from ebay, other than when I listed the item, was advised to make sure the listing is in compliance and not engaged in any practice that violates their policy.

So, I put up my auctions at .99 for 5 days... ebay removed them this morning. The starting auction price is a fraction of the price I paid, but, not a problem, I'll use them.

Where do people to go buy hand sanitizers now that ebay is taking down the listings.. they are sold out EVERYWHERE?

I also tried to sell my mom's CPAP accessories - she was thinking about trying out a cpap machine, paid $250 for the nasal pillows, hose, tube... and never used it. Ebay removed the listing because they said you needed a prescription.
Mom did NOT need a prescription, so, not sure what to do with it. Goodwill, I guess. It's not returnable.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: thievesBay This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 15:51:48 2020

Meanwhile, check out the results on eBay for a search of "surgical mask":

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=surgical+
mask&_sacat=0&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=2

Not
gonna waste my time searching the other "banned" items with thousands of results. eBay are liars and frauds.  

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: RL15 This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 16:39:40 2020

if someone does not like the price of a item, they do not have to buy it.

fleecebay is so corrupt, all they are trying to do is trying to get some sympathetic press

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: Silver Ice King This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 16:43:27 2020

CuriousCat40

Actually you do need a prescription for those CPAP items, mainly because they are used on an item that definitely requires not only a prescription but most Drs and companies that sell them also require a sleep study that was done within the last 5 years.  I know this from personal experience and discovered just how strictly it is enforced when a friend tried to buy me battery pack for my unit in case of a power outage (they happen often here because DWP is to busy overcharging people on their bills and then fighting them in court to try and get a refund to bother replace their antiquated equipment).  I had to send them a copy of my sleep study in order to even buy that item.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: Whatever This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 19:00:26 2020

Sad thing is those little bottles of hand sanitizer's don't even work

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: Marie This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 19:02:23 2020

@thievesBay

It apparently is a process.  The listings still show on Ebay aren't all active.  Some of them if you click into the listing, it will tell you it has gone POOF.  Others are still there as your link shows.  But it is much less than what it was when Ebay announced they are going to remove these listings.  What I see now is a fraction of what was there a day or two ago.

@CuriousCat40

Do you have your account set up to get an automatic email when Ebay posts an announcement to the site?  If you don't, I encourage you to do so.  It is likely why you are missing these important announcements.

If you don't know how to do that, just ask.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: Marie This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 19:03:32 2020

Hand santizier needs to have 60% or more alcohol in it to work against viruses.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: pace306 This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 19:51:52 2020

"If Ebay did nothing, people would get upset with Ebay. Ebay does something some people get upset with Ebay. I get it for you there is nothing they can do that is right. You always make that abundantly clear. "

I ALWAYS ask that eBay do NOTHING (since you asked).

Its none of eBays gd d@mned business what sellers do unless its a crime (selling guns, drugs or other illegal items).

Yes for me - eBay can do nothing right - lets examine some of these issues that you are upset about.

1) fvf on shipping
2) money holds of any kind with or without Paypal (paypal lost in court on that one)
3) leting buyers steal from sellers
4) letting buyers lie so your account gets dinged and you are forced to pay more FVF to eBay
5) telling people what kind of pictures to have (no names, only certain kinds of backgrounds)(the lie of it doesnt show up in Google is just that)
6) things like this - selling hand sanitizer is NOT illegal - so why is it eBay business at all?
7) slipping illegal things in the TOS

Shall I go on?

eBay has made ZERO site improvements in YEARS, eBay does things to anger its seller base, eBay steals from its sellers - are those the GOOD things you claim eBay does?

This was ONLY done to benefit eBay and its "reputation" aka salvage whats left and its restraint of free trade and torturous interference - BOTH crimes.

If you dont like the item - dont buy it.

But PLEASE dont tell me that charging $800 for a Kobe shirt is ok but $20 for wipes isnt. CRIME IS CRIME - either it is or is NOT.

eBays ENTIRE existence is based on "opportunity". You have a rare item and I decide how much I want to pay for it - its Capitalism. In Russia they tell you what to do - not here.

eBay is the ANTI-hero, always - since they ALWAYS make the wrong decision.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: I Must be Crazy This user has validated their user name.

Sat Mar 7 22:51:51 2020

Disingenuous comes to mind.

I have a real problem with the offense people have at the thought of another profiting off of them. Nobody can price gouge anybody who isn't willing to pay. While I personally have a problem with those who take advantage of other people, I don't begrudge someone from making a profit off of their efforts. It is simple economics, supply and demand.

I haven't tried to buy any of these items of late. But if every store is out, then it seems the supply is limited and people will pay whatever they are willing. For sure there are people who are at increased risk of death and $50 for a bottle of hand gel is a small price to pay.

Who is eBay to deny that person the possibility to purchase that item? So these items are banned by eBay and Amazon...what now for the sellers who have that stock? They may offer them on another site, same high price or more. At worst they will just sit on it until the hysteria clears and begin offering them once the ban is lifted. None of it will be available to help anyone when needed, at any cost.

The only reason eBay cares at all is because they can feel their collective behinds in the fire. I don't really see how this is any different from the hottest toy of the season or any other flash fad that suckers people into paying whatever it takes to have what they want. At the end of the day, eBay doesn't give a darn if you get what you want or not. They certainly don't care what you pay for it. They aren't too concerned if any of us live or die either. Ebay DOES care about bad press.

Truth is eBay, Amazon, and probably every Fortune 500 company won't miss a chance to gouge anyone for any reason they can get away with.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: phantom This user has validated their user name.

Sun Mar 8 01:21:30 2020

eBay just insulted there entire buyer base by indirectly stating that eBay does not think there buyers are smart enough to make an informed buying decision, so eBay will make that decision for them. Still over 5100 listing on eBay so appears that the new rule not does apply to certain eBay pet sellers.

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

This user has validated their user name. by: toolguy

Sun Mar 8 04:32:19 2020

Yea, AR15 parts are legal yet eBay has banned them.

This isn't right, eBay was such a good source for rifle parts, not so much anymore. . .

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: pace306 This user has validated their user name.

Sun Mar 8 09:07:48 2020

Tool

Im not an expert in gun parts BUT there may actually be issues with shipping gun parts across state lines (since different states have different laws) and or to US territories - which is considered "out of the country" since they would have to fly on commercial planes.

Selling masks etc is another issue in its entirety.

Theres nothing illegal about selling wipes or tp or masks. Its ebay whos THINKS that they know better, once again overstepping their sellers and inserting themselves for no reason.

A certain young lady complained that theres never any "good" mentioned visa via eBay - and for good reason - the selfish greedy b@ast@rds - each time theres an issue - only seems to protect themselves and buyers - never sellers.

What if you just want to sell masks at a high price but not a "gouging price"? (on eBay)

The answer to that is the same as why you cant choose to stay with Paypal and you are going to be FORCED into Adyen. Why? as long as eBay gets its VIG at the end of the month - who cares?

eBay cares - cause its not about whats good for anyone but eBay and you then FORCE people to do things they dont want or need to do no matter how much you say NO.

Its about control and theres no reason it should be this way ... not on a place that says "its just a venue"

Perminate Link for eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims   eBay Bans All Masks Regardless of Virus Claims

by: Snapped This user has validated their user name.

Sun Mar 8 13:26:19 2020

A family of four seeking ‘protection’ by mask, changing them daily, comes to 360 masks. 30 dozen, maybe a couple more for occasional changes. Maybe they thought that out. But then what?

Meanwhile, the masks won’t effectively filter the virus particles because the particles are too small. That’s why the responders wear special respirator units, when they can get them. If it were that easy, Trump would be tossing them to the masses.

Psychology is a funny thing though, and donning a placebo can’t hurt.

So, want to avoid a price panic? Supply and demand, right?

Unclog the arteries. Glut the market.

Click to view more comments
1 2 3 4  [Next Page]


Login is required to post comments.
To sign in to leave a comment, fill in the form below. If you have not yet signed up for AB Verify, or if you'd like more information, go to the Registration Page
.

Login for AB Verify
Be sure and use your email address and password to log in.

 
Email:
Password:
 
 Forgot Your Password?
 Even though you are signed in with the AuctionBytes Blog, you will have to sign in to the EcommerceBytes blog. But you can sign in with your existing AB Verify info.