Ebay Offensive Material Policy Regarding Nazi Emblems

[beauty557]

Recently placed an ad to sell my German Naval Clock.The dial has a 3mm Swastika  which I covered with the Clock hands (see image).My ad was immediately removed by Ebay,saying it contravened their Offensive Material Policy by displaying a Swastika.OK then.I have just searched "Nazi" on Ebay UK and there are 89,000+ adverts shown.On the first page alone of 60 ads,I counted 37 Swastikas illustrated on coins,stamps,literature etc.etc.I haven,t checked the remaining 88940+ but would suggest there are many more infringements.Is a clock,less or more offensive than German currency which funded their war in the first place.Also,should not our younger generations be made aware of this terrible war,rather than trying to hide it from them with these ill-thought out prohibitions.It should be all or nothing if Ebay wish to enforce this Nazi Emblem Prohibition. 

[suelel1968]

Hi, I sold a postcard with anti nazi propaganda art on it (a Christmas tree shaped into a swastika) about a year ago. No issues at all. Does your description include the word Swastika? 

[beauty557]

HELLO,No,I did not use the word swastika or Nazi.I was told that even trying to hide the swastika was prohibited.

[eastern-lights]

I had some diecast models of German military vehicles with swastikas. I photoshopped the swastikas out of the photographs, and in the description I stated I had "edited out symbols that some people find offensive" and offered to send un-edited photos to potential buyers.  I had no issues.

[*guinevere*]

Adding to the advice up there ^^^^^ please bear in  mind that many of those other listings you saw could have been listed on ebay.com where the rules could be very different.

[beauty557]

Hello,In that case Ebay .com should not have been allowed to show these on Ebay.uk. I have now listed on Freeads and Gunstar without any issues.

[*guinevere*]

@beauty557 That is a very good point.

[beauty557]

Have now listed on Freeads and Gunstar without problem.

[auctionmike1]

Nobody ever said that eBay was consistent. In fact eBay could easily be accused of being a racist pornographer because of the material it allows to be listed. Try searching for "gollywog" for instance. I reported over 60 items, and only ONE was removed! Don't try searching for "nude" because you will be shocked by the volume of objectionable material on eBay. 

[suelel1968]

Hi, I had a look and the items listed in the UK and there are indeed coins with the symbol on them listed. Your clock picture doesn't even show the symbols as you say and you didn't say use the word in the description.    If you still want to list, you could try asking at the Ebay support chat on Wednesday, but to just keep trying might risk a ban altogether. The only thing I can think of is that the listings that are on Ebay are old . I know that they updated the Tech earlier in the year and one of my new listings got pulled for describing something as "Ruby" red when it was not a ruby. 

[beauty557]

Just had this appear in my Inbox offering ME a second chance to buy.Would you say my clock is more provocative? It's Ebay No:146708312775

[ett1954]

We touched upon this on your previous post.

You really should read the policy on these symbols: Offensive materials policy | eBay

I would draw your attention to the exclusions within this policy below (my bold):

The following items may be listed:

• Media such as historical photos, magazines, books and art, provided that such material doesn't perpetuate or glorify violence, intolerance or racial stereotyping
• Items related to the Civil Rights Movement
• Stamps, letters, and envelopes displaying Nazi postmarks
• Currency issued by the Nazi Germany government, including military scripts
• Historically accurate WWII military model kits that have Nazi symbols
• Historical and religious items that bear a swastika if they are made before 1933 and are not related to Nazism

These are the rules for eBay UK; some countries have stricter rules e.g. Germany and Austria prohibit the display of the Swastika and SS runes so if in doubt don't allow shipping to these countries.

It doesn't help when people make knee-jerk comments when they haven't even read the policy.

[beauty557]

I am afraid the POLICY sucks !!! If my clock GLORIFIES VIOLENCE etc and 146708312775  (Swastika on Nazi Dagger Book) does not,then my name is Gungha Din !!!

[honeymonster007]

It clearly shows the Reichsadler

[beauty557]

What does 146708312775 show?

[beauty557]

BTW,the Reichsadler is a symbol of German Stateshood which dates back to the Holy Roman Emperors,not a symbol exclusive to the Nazis.

[ett1954]

It shows the 'Hooked Cross' referred to as the Swastika allowed under the policy:

The following items may be listed:

• Media such as historical photos, magazines, books and art, provided that such material doesn't perpetuate or glorify violence, intolerance or racial stereotyping

Reference and educational material often sought by film producers, documentary makers, authors, re-enactors, auction houses (to identify fakes and verify authenticity) etc.

[ett1954]

It actually pre-dates the Roman empire by about 10,000 years, identified as a religious symbol in India going back 12,000 years and has cropped-up ever since as a spiritual symbol throughout Asia, Northern Africa and Eastern Europe until it was hijacked by by a certain corporal.

[beauty557]

This was the review and VERDICT by Ebay. See image.