I found AI generated Knitting and Crochet patterns for sale on eBay

[crazyknitter22]

I opened eBay this morning and the first thing I saw a picture of Paddington the bear, which clearly is an AI generated picture sold as a knitting pattern.

I know that there are people out there that make knitting and crochet instructions using ChatGPT. The problem is those instructions are generally bad, full of errors and flaws and the result will never look like the photo.

I only buy patterns from reputable creators and I know they will have several photos from all angles sometimes including videos so you know what you buy. Instructions are usually clear and supported with colour photographs and tested by other knitters/crocheters before they are released.

That one specific seller I am talking about has none of it. Each listing just one photo. And I have read through the reviews and a lot of complaints regarding the instructions, saying it didn't turn out as the photo or even instructions are missing. I know many inexperienced crafters will blame themselves and think they just don't understand it.

I have no idea what the position eBay has regarding AI generated knitting and crochet instructions, because it is such a niche product. I have no idea what to do, because I don't want others to be disappointed by wasting money on something that is utterly useless and have a seller fill their pockets on people's naivety regarding recognising AI.

Any suggestions?

[tressygirl]

I do understand your genuine concern, and the wish to have others warned of these errors , but eBay would not take your well meaning observations on board, as they do not see the actual item in question, and it may look to them,  as it's coming from a competitor wishing the seller to be removed.

If you contact CS I'm sure eBay will tell you all buyers are protected by their 30 day MBG if they receive any item not as described.

What eBay do work on and take note,  is cases.  If too many return for item not received cases are opened this raises red flags, and then eBay may place selling restrictions even bans on that seller.

@crazyknitter22 

[red_magpie]

I don't want others to be disappointed

eBay warns buyers in the user agreement that they don't guarantee the quality of items sold here or that descriptions will be truthful or accurate. (Or even legal - there are likely to be copyright issues over the reproduction of Paddingtom bear images.)

If buyers want to avoid disappointment they should do as you do and ony buy patterns from reputable creators.

If they choose to buy from unknown sellers on eBay that's the rsk they are taking. But at least they have the protection of eBay's money back guarantee if their patterns are not as described. 

[*vyolla*]

It would be against copyright for anyone to come up with a Paddington Bear pattern (or a lookalike one) whether they be human or AI, it really is up to Studiocanal to fire up their lawyers and take action against any sellers who may be exploiting their intellectual property for commercial gain without their permission. 

[*vyolla*]

Just a heads up because you've sold over 30 items so your eBay sales will be reported to HMRC and you appear to be unaware that you should be trading on an eBay business account. 

A private seller is one who is just selling off their own personal items such clothes from their wardrobe, bits from their loft/garage etc.

A Business seller is someone who buys or makes items to sell on.  They need to be registered as a business to meet the requirements of UK law. They need to declare income to HMRC once they reach £1,000 worth of sales (eBay will be providing HMRC with your details anyway so it's vital to keep correct accounts for your tax return). You can obviously offset more expenses as a business seller, but can't offset any at all as a private one.  

To correctly register as a business seller simply go to your Personal Information in your account and to the right of Account Type, which will be showing as 'Individual'  you'll see an Edit option.

https://accountsettings.ebay.co.uk/profile

This doesn't affect your feedback profile or any current listings, it merely upgrades your account so that you're compliant with current consumer and eBay policy.

See eBay's guidance page here, where they state

An eBay seller must register as a business if, for example, they sell items they have bought to resell, they make items in order to sell them, or if they buy items for their business.

What is the policy?

Business sellers can't represent themselves as private individuals

Taken from:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/selling-policies/selling-practices-policy/business-seller-polic...

If you're also selling your own items, just open another eBay account (you can have more than one).

@crazyknitter22