Our policy guidelines provide additional details on the types of programmes that are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can online payment randomisers be listed?
No. The majority of commissions are typically earned by the recruitment of new members rather than selling products, and those types of programmes are not allowed on eBay.
Can I sell on eBay if my business runs a pyramid scheme?
You can sell items that follow our policies and guidelines, but advertising or listing pyramid schemes themselves isn't allowed.
Read our full policy
Multi-level marketing, pyramid, and matrix programmes policy overview
We don't allow listings or products advertising multi-level marketing programmes (including online payment randomizers), matrix, pyramid, Ponzi schemes, and all similar programmes on eBay. These programmes are often regulated or illegal.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
What are the guidelines?
Not allowed
- Multi-level marketing
- This includes any business where you receive income from your own sales and income from your recruited members
- Online payment randomisers (because the majority of commissions are paid for recruitment of new members, and typically operate by random placement within the programme)
- Pyramid schemes
- These schemes often ignore the actual selling of products and services, and concentrate on the income you can earn by recruiting new distributors. Pyramid schemes might not involve selling products
- Matrix programmes
- These programmes involve the exchange of money primarily for being added to a waiting list for a product. If you're at the top of the list, you receive a product when a set number of people join after you join
Tip
Visit Seller Help - opens in new window or tab to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.
Why does eBay have this policy?
Since multi-level marketing, pyramid, matrix, and similar programmes are illegal or regulated, you can't list them on eBay. eBay urges sellers and buyers to follow governmental laws and regulations.