Classified ads are a huge opportunity on eBay but recently in an obscure, hidden chat discussion with the head of eBay “trust and safety” the rules were SUPPOSEDLY changed. SUPPOSEDLY we could no longer put external links (links to our websites) inside classified ads.

This seems like a crazy rule, but hey, it’s their ball game…we have to play by the rules right? That’s why I came out with this “updated classified ad strategy” video and posted it on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHYpxWbDdUI

If you want to be 100% safe with classified ads on eBay that’s still the way to go (and it works great), BUT…

eBay is only TALKING a big game about enforcing all these rumored classified ads policies, but so far I’m just not seeing it!

Here’s the proof:

First let’s start with the fact that eBay STILL has not put any policy updates on the classified ads policy page located here:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/f-ad.html

Do you see anything on that page about linking to outside websites or disallowing “pay now” buttons? I sure don’t (as of 4/28/2008).

That page looks the same as it did two years ago when they first announced classified ads. We’ve been begging for them to update that page for TWO YEARS.

SO WHAT’S THE POLICY?

That’s the ONLY page that has any classified ad policy listed on it and there are still NO RULES OR CLARIFICATION OF ANY KIND.

So…what other HARD evidence do I have that the eBay watchdog dog is asleep and toothless?

I did a little experiment yesterday. Feel free to try this experiment at home (perfectly safe I assure you).

I randomly picked several classified ads currently running on eBay. I only picked ads that had been running for a minimum of two weeks (all ads run for at least 30 days). I think you’ll agree that two weeks gives eBay ample time to find the ads that have violations right?

I also picked several different types of ads in true random fashion. (I minored in statistics remember? I know how to pick a “sample”.)

The whole time I was looking for “policy violations” based on the new “mystery” rules.

Guess how many ads had some type of “supposed” policy violation?

Seriously - take a guess.

80% is the number.

No, not 80% compliance.

80% of the ads that have been out there for two weeks or more are in VIOLATION of the “mystery policies”!

This tells me that eBay CLEARLY IS NOT ENFORCING ANY OF THE NEW POLICIES nor are they COMMUNICATING them to anyone.

Not only does the dog have no bite…it’s barely even barking.

What’s that mean for us as “creative” eBay sellers?

Draw your own conclusions, but…

Until eBay clearly updates the policy page and then begins making even a minimal effort at enforcing the policies it seems to me that THERE IS NO POLICY.

Bottom line for the adventurous eBay seller: GO FOR IT with classified ads! 80% of your colleagues are and they are doing great!

Here’s some ideas on how to “go for it” with classified ads if the mood hits you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq7qcFdbQG0

Over 4,000 people have viewed that video and many have taken action with literally OVER NIGHT results. The simplicity of classified ads make them a great way for newbies to get rolling quickly.

We’ll keep you updated if the dog starts to get some teeth.

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