Expert: Suzanne Wells - 5/11/2007

Question
What are your tips on what to avoid and how to list import dvd?  Is the word "import" or "imported" recommended?  Will it not get removed by Ebay's VERO program?  Does Ebay allow sale of IMPORT dvd provided that they are licensed imports?

Answer
According to eBay:

As a seller, you're ultimately responsible for the legality of any item you offer for sale on eBay and the listing describing that item. If your item or listing violates eBay policy or is reported to eBay by an intellectual property rights owner as violating its rights, the listing may be removed from eBay. eBay has a Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Program for reporting an intellectual property rights owner violation. Repeated violations can lead to the suspension of your eBay account. So, it's in everyone's best interest for you to create listings that are not legally objectionable.

You should not list replicas, fakes, counterfeits, or other illegal copies on eBay. Do not list homemade or otherwise unauthorized copies of music, movies, television programs, or software. Under the law, it is no excuse to say that you didn't know the item you were selling was a counterfeit. It's your obligation to investigate your source for product and stand behind everything you sell.

Counterfeits, unauthorized replicas, unauthorized items or unauthorized copies (such as copies of software programs, video games, music albums, movies, television programs, or photographs) are not permitted on eBay. Unauthorized copies include (but are not limited to) copies that are pirated, duplicated, backed-up or bootlegged. It is illegal to sell unauthorized copies of media.

Guideline: If the product you are selling bears the name or logo of a company, but it wasn't made or endorsed by that company, don't list it on eBay.

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

eBay urges sellers and buyers to comply with all governmental laws and regulations. Since the sale of counterfeit items, unauthorized replicas and unauthorized copies is prohibited by law sellers may not list 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.

Bottom line: Don't sell import DVDs on ebay.

Regards-

Suzanne Wells
eBay Power Seller