A seller is not permitted to misuse the Reserve Price feature. Misuse includes:
Stating the reserve price of the item when the item has not been listed using the reserve price feature.
Stating that the high bidder is obliged to purchase the item even if the reserve price has not been met.
Cancelling bids and ending a listing early because the seller's desired price has not been met to avoid reserve fees.
Breaches of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:
Limits on account privileges
Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
Loss of PowerSeller status
Examples of misuse of the Reserve Price Feature:
Stating the reserve price of the item when the item has not been listed using the reserve price feature.
Title: Excellent Golf clubs
Subtitle: Reserve is only £150
<Reserve not selected for this listing>
Stating that the high bidder is obliged to purchase the item even if the reserve price has not been met.
The listing description states that the high bidder is obligated to purchase the item even if the reserve has not been met.
Reserve price is set at £50 and bidding ends at £30.
Seller attempts to require the buyer to pay for the item.
Cancelling bids and ending a listing early to avoid reserve fees because the seller's desired price has not been met.
Seller sets reserve at £80
Bidding reaches £60 with a short time to go
Seller cancels all bids for fear the final bid amount will not meet the reserve price
To report a listing that has a description or title that breaches the reserve price policy contact us with the item number.
To report a listing that a seller ended early in violation of our reserve fee avoidance policy, contact us with the item number you would like us to review. Although there are legitimate reasons for ending a listing early, eBay will investigate sellers who abuse this option.
Why does eBay have this policy?
A reserve price is a tool sellers can use to stimulate bidding on their online auction-style listing while reserving the right not to sell below a price they have in mind. This policy enables buyers to have a consistent experience with reserve price listings and helps keep eBay a safe and enjoyable marketplace.