Is it worth the effort reporting private seller operating as a business to Trading Standards?
Summary: slash-halen expressed frustration after discovering a private seller stealing and reselling their artwork at a lower price. They reported the listings and considered reaching out to other affected artists. ett1954 advised joining Vero for better complaint handling and suggested a 'Cease and Desist' letter while doubting Trading Standards' interest. jonatjonatjonat agreed, noting Trading Standards' inaction on such issues and recommended focusing on getting Vero support.
So last night I came across a private seller who has stole my artwork and is selling them at half the price (i dread to think of what the quality is like).
I have reported these 20 listings (I am currently registering with Vero as well, hopefully this application goes through). I am also going to reach out to other sellers where they have had their artwork stolen by this individual as well.
What is infuriating is that this seller has over 5000 listings, all made to order prints, so they are 100% a business, there is no question about that. I am sick and tired of this now, how are these people getting away with it.
Has anyone gone to the effort of reporting these sellers to Trading Standards?
rumtoms
·1 month agoYour best bet is to find their approx. location and search for the Trading Standards office that covers their area. There are usually public email addresses and phone numbers. Some are very helpful, others less so - but worth a go.
jonatjonatjonat
·1 month agoFrom what I've read previously - not really - if Trading Standards really cared - then they'd have already done something about the wave of private sellers running businesses on ebay (found one the other day selling thousands of Levi jeans!).
But they haven't - so make of that what you will.
I would say your efforts are best placed on getting onto Vero. Though obviously, you should consider items you yourself list as well. For example - Monopoly, which would be trademarked by Hasbro (I accept you may of course have a license!)
ett1954
·1 month agoIf you are a member of Vero eBay will normally act on your complaint.
Failing that, send the seller a 'Cease and Desist' letter advising them that they have 14 days to remove the listings otherwise you will be taking legal action. That normally works.
I doubt Trading Standards would be interested. No doubt this 'private' seller is paying his taxes unless he is a fool; but there is no harm in alerting HMRC through their hotline. They can quickly check that.