Selling algorithm has become a joke!

[deflatedrubberduck]

Greetings,

I posted a sale for an old Soviet lens as spare or repair.

This lens has a problem but can be repaired and as part of the listing information I listed a link to a thread on the Rangefinder forum where it was discussed what was wrong with the lens and how it can be repaired.

eBay stopped the listing saying I was linking the item for sale outside the platform, which was not the case.

I get an email, saying 'Offering to buy or sell outside of eBay, including sharing direct contact information prior to an eBay purchase, is not allowed'

The listing didn't have personal contact information was uploaded or direct sales links of any sort!

Always use to be able to link forum threads, reviews or Wikipedia pages previously and in no way is this 'selling' outside of eBay.  The algorithm is not differentiating between a information link and advertising an item sell outside the platform.

I've been a eBay user since 2013 and if it happens again, I won't be bothering to use eBay again.

All the best.

[*vyolla*]

eBay have to ensure that there's no risk to their buyers using the platform - a link to a third party site is -  someone can spoof an url to look like a genuine link, but it could contain malware or redirection.

You could just copy and paste the relevant info from that forum and put it in your listing description, and/or mention that there's a thread on the Rangefinder forum featuring that info.

The bots have just got better at spotting the links and flagging them up. it's never been permitted to add a third party link.

[red_magpie]

See below for eBay's guidance on links which can or can't be included in descriptions:

What is the policy

We don't allow shop names to be a web address or include (for example) ‘.com', ‘.net', ‘.org' or ‘.edu'
Links in a description are only allowed for the following:
Other eBay pages (eBay Messages, other eBay items, Shops pages, Follow Seller or Add to my Favorite Sellers)
Product videos
Freight shipping services approved by eBay
Legally required information
Credit for third-party providers

[deflatedrubberduck]

'it's never been permitted to add a third party link'

Well that an incorrect statement my friend.

On many occasions, I as well as many other sellers have added links to their listings in the past whether they be manufacturers websites, product reviews or Wikipedia pages. Strikes me the algorithm has recently been updated in the year or so to include all added web links to eBay listings. 

Granted, I don't sell items on eBay very often and it has been a while since I've added a link to a listing but algorithm has never before stopped these links being added. 

As usual the honest average man in the street is being penalised, when clearly, if the administrators like to check the links provided on listings, they will see there are nothing more than for information purposes.

Like all large online corporations, they to terrified about losing income or litigation from third parties and or online government bodies.

[*vyolla*]

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@deflatedrubberduck wrote:

'it's never been permitted to add a third party link'

Well that an incorrect statement my friend.

On many occasions, I as well as many other sellers have added links to their listings in the past whether they be manufacturers websites, product reviews or Wikipedia pages. Strikes me the algorithm has recently been updated in the year or so to include all added web links to eBay listings. 

Granted, I don't sell items on eBay very often and it has been a while since I've added a link to a listing but algorithm has never before stopped these links being added. 

As usual the honest average man in the street is being penalised, when clearly, if the administrators like to check the links provided on listings, they will see there are nothing more than for information purposes.

Like all large online corporations, they to terrified about losing income or litigation from third parties and or online government bodies.

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It's not incorrect, I've explained to you why third party links have never been allowed. Sellers have used them in their listing descriptions but just not been caught out. I've also explained that eBay's bots have got better at spotting and flagging them.

It's like speeding - you can do it and may not get caught but it's still not allowed. Suddenly there's a speed camera and everyone gets caught.