Expert: Marvinator - 5/16/2008

Question
I've got an unusual question about techniques for selling on ebay. Are people more willing to bid if they know the money is going to help cover someone's medical bills? I never had much success on ebay before. My auctions were always pretty straight forward. I was trying to make money to pay off some of my doctor bills,but I never said so. Well,now the hospital has sent me a notice saying things like "past due,pay in full or account will be turned over to collection agency,blah blah blah," Is it ethical to admit that you're selling stuff to pay a medical bill? Does eBay have a policy about including things like that in listings? I never put that in my previous auctions because I was never under any pressure,but now I may have to and I'm just concerned that buyers might think I'm only looking for a handout. Any advice you could give on this would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
There is no set of information on what may make someone bid over what does not.  

As for your main question, as to what Ebay allows, it may be borderline, but I can think of no rule against it.  I would, however caution you to be forthright and honest about it, and refrain from wheeling and pleading type posts.  

THIS would be good:
"Selling some high quality items to assist in alleviating some heavy medical bills.  Thank you for looking and thank you for bidding."
As you can see, this is up front and professional.  THere is no pleading and no whining and nothing is hidden.  

THis would not be good.
"My bills are so high! OMG! HELLLLLP!! PLEEEEZE bid on my stuff so I can pay off these *&%$ Doctors and afford food! I need money and you can help PlEEEEEEZE~!!  I'm stuck in a wheelchair, and I can hardly afford the darn prescriptions, so please buy my stuff."
Ok, so hopefully this was funny, but it makes a point compared to the other.  I mean, it seems a bit hif the person can't afford food, how can they afford ebay fees, a computer, intenet access, well you get the idea.  Be honest and up front with people and they will respond in kind.