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Reserve Price Policy

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:

  • Listing cancellation

  • Limits on account privileges

  • Account suspension

  • Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings

  • Loss of PowerSeller status

Some Examples

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 £10 and bidding ends at £8.

    • 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 £20

    • Bidding reaches £15 with a short time to go

    • Seller cancels all bids for fear the final bid amount will not meet the reserve price

Additional Information

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.


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