Union jack flag on listing photos

[njp213]

Any idea why a Chinese seller would put a Union jack flag on their listing photos. I wrongly assumed a shop was UK based because of this. 

[eburtonlab]

I wrongly assumed a shop was UK based because of this.

I think you have discovered the reason.

A flag on a listing is a sign that you should look more closely at the seller's registration location on the seller's feedback page.

[barry.110]

You have just answered your own question.

It is to make people believe, mistakenly, that they are dealing with a UK based business.

[naughty_neena]

But are they not watermarks? and as such should be removed according to ebays own policy.

a copy of ebays policy below.

What is the policy?

The following are not allowed:

• Photos that don't accurately represent the item
• Placeholder images used to convey messages
• Stock photos for used, damaged, or defective items
• Photos with added borders
• Photos with added text, artwork or marketing material
• Watermarks of any type, including those used for ownership attributions

[njp213]

Hi I would not consider them a water mark because they are in a corner of the photo and not faint.

[barry.110]

Though technically they should still not be allowed because also in the not allowed list it says “Photos with added text, artwork or marketing materials”, and I think you could argue that the Union Jack flag is added artwork to the photos. It is also marketing material because it is being used to market the seller as a UK seller.

[ed_58611]

One might argue those points until one was blue in the face... but to no avail, I'm afraid, as eBay has allowed this for many years.

[fairytoast]

I find the Union Jack pictures useful because it is only the Chinese sellers that seem to use them. At least it helps a little when searching as you can ignore all of those flag listings 🙂 

Of course it would be heaps easier if ebay filtered them out to start with but at least the Chinese sellers are doing their bit to help!