Today, eBay has deleted a discussion topic on their own “Trust & Safety (SafeHarbor)” discussion forum, part of their “Answer Center” where eBay users are encouraged to “[s]hare questions or experience with members”. This was a topic I initiated in September seeking assistance in verifying the sources of memorabilia marketed as authentic by eBay dealer *stoneark* (AKA stonark AKA Corner Collectibles).
Yesterday, an eBay member published their own message in the discussion topic, which I had archived last night (see below). Today, I received a subscription alert that another user published another message, but by the time I returned to the topic shortly thereafter, it was “not found”:
Link to eBay Discussion Topic:
Archive of Current Search Result:
Below is an archive of the full topic prior to eBay deleting it, as of December 5, 2008:
To view the details of the questions raised about the provenance accompanying wardrobe, props, and other memorabilia sold by *stoneark*, please view the latest compilation article:
All related articles can be found via the link below:
Per eBay.com, details about “Trust & Safety”:
Trust & Safety
eBay’s Trust and Safety team is responsible for keeping the marketplace a safe, well-lit place for people around the world to trade with one other.
Actively working to enable members to trade safely, eBay fosters trust between members through the development and enforcement of rules and policies, the creation of reputation-building programs, and the prevention of fraud.
eBay also works behind-the-scenes to prevent fraud and, in the event a problem occurs, eBay proactively works with law enforcement and government agencies throughout the world to enforce its policies. Rooted in the values of the marketplace, eBay’s policies are aimed at offering a level playing field, encouraging open, honest, and accountable transactions, and creating economic opportunities for everyone.
To help the community trade safely and build trust with one another, eBay offers the following tools, programs, and resources:
eBay Feedback:
Feedback is each user’s reputation on eBay. Through positive, negative, and neutral ratings and comments, each eBay member has a Feedback score. All sellers display this score in the Seller Information box of the item listing page. eBay Feedback fosters trust between people by acting as both an incentive to do the right thing and as a mark of distinction for those who conduct transactions with respect, honesty, and fairness.Buyer Protection:
Users who see the PayPal Buyer Protection shield buy with confidence knowing that their purchase is covered up to $500 at no additional cost.Spoof (Fraudulent) Web Site Protection:
The eBay Toolbar with Account Guard enables eBay members to protect their accounts by indicating when they are on an eBay or PayPal site and warning them when they are on a potentially fraudulent, or spoof, Web site. In addition, eBay helps users prevent and combat fraud by conducting online tutorials on spoof email and educating members on how to report issues to [email protected].eBay Security Center:
The eBay Security Center provides guidance on buying safely, selling safely, and paying safely, as well as valuable third-party, government and law-enforcement resources. The Security Center is a valuable resource for all users, from first-time buyers who want information on safeguarding online transactions to high-volume sellers who want to protect their copyrights.
eBay seller *stoneark* currently has 174 items listed on eBay, all with starting bids of $99.00. Below is a snapshot archive (1.80MB):
There is no notice as to why the “Trust & Safety” discussion topic was removed by eBay.
Since the authenticity of the pieces offered for sale by *stoneark* cannot be verified, per the examples from buyers as archived in past articles, is that not a violation of eBay policy (see eBay Policy: Authenticity Disclaimers)?
eBay Policy – Authenticity Disclaimers:
Authenticity Disclaimers
Sellers may not disclaim knowledge of, or responsibility for, the authenticity or legality of the items offered in their listings. Sellers should take steps to ensure that their items are authentic before listing them on eBay. If a seller cannot verify the authenticity of an item, the seller is not permitted to list it.
Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:
- Listing cancellation
- Limits on account privileges
- Account suspension
- Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
- Loss of PowerSeller status
The following statements violate eBay’s Authenticity Disclaimer Policy:
- “I cannot guarantee the authenticity of this item, so please bid accordingly.”
- “Vintage Handbag Chanel???”
- “Looks like it could be a Louis Vuitton bag”
- “I believe this is painted by Degas, but can’t be sure.”
Why does eBay have this policy?
The sale of unauthorized replicas is illegal, as well as against eBay policy. Sellers who are unsure of the legality or authenticity of their items should not be selling these items on eBay. This policy helps protect buyers from purchasing counterfeit or fraudulent items, helps protect intellectual property rights owners against infringement and helps create a safer marketplace.
Why would eBay’s “Trust & Safety” team prohibit eBay members from discussing the authenticity of items listed for sale in their marketplace, as well as the function and applicability of eBay policies?
A number of eBay members – buyers and customers of eBay seller *stoneark* – have researched the provenance that accompanied the items that they purchased on eBay and have been unable to verify the authenticity and marketing claims. Given that *stonaeark* policy is in itself contradictory (i.e. “GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC!” and “ALL SALES ARE FINAL!”), I do not understand why eBay would not allow such discussions on their website:
Again, the details of the questions raised about the provenance accompanying wardrobe, props, and other memorabilia sold by *stoneark* can be found in the latest compilation article:
Jason De Bord