Printed books and digital ebooks abound on the subject of selling on eBay. Many of them suggest selling digitally delivered info-products (ebooks). In fact, many products we recommend suggest and tell you how to get started in an online business by offering ebooks on eBay. Be aware: As of March 31, 2008, digitally delivered products can no longer be listed on eBay except in one category and only in a “Classified Ad” type listing. Sellers currently listing ebooks and other digital products or products that do not involve a physical delivery (such as domain names) discovered March 25 that their new listings were blocked.

This has, of course, sent shockwaves through the online community, and sellers are scrambling to find other venues for their sales or different methods of delivering their products. As you can tell by a glance at this blog’s “Archives,” this is a new website. I began this website and blog as a step in my plans to market my original products on eBay. Although I planned to present my products, all related to stamp collecting, first in a digital-only format (PDF files), this new eBay ruling will prevent my offering them in auction or Buy It Now format on eBay.com. I had every intention of continuing to develop the line to present additionally the options for CD format or print format. It will take a bit more time for me to ready the products for physical delivery, but I will do it (and they will, of course, bear a higher price).

I write this post today to alert my customers and other readers to be aware of eBay’s new rules when purchasing printed or electronic resources dealing with marketing on eBay or attempting to apply the lessons contained in those materials. eBay changes constantly, reacting to market demands and misuse of its websites. The reasons given for the new policy seem “thin” at best, and I am certain that there’s more to the “big picture” than was contained in the announcement. Here is the original announcement:

http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200803241300132.html

The statement “Digital goods are often reproduced at little to no cost to the seller” is true - regarding reproduction. It is not necessarily true regarding production! And, as Wal-Mart serves as the prime example, reducing production costs and speeding product delivery has long been a primary goal of business. Digital delivery of products is the goal toward which many, many business are striving — that’s what people want! So, I question the wisdom of foregoing a huge and growing-daily segment of the marketing world. (But then, I am not a billionaire, so put that in perspective!) eBay is surely going after abuse of its system, but perhaps throwing out the baby with the bathwater in the process. I am certain that the policy will be refined in the days and weeks to come. Many writers on this topic feel that there are other ways that eBay can filter out abuse of the feedback system, which, as mentioned in the press release, figures prominently in their decision to change their policies.

So, eBay sellers have been thrown a curve, but they will adapt. Those who have good products and operate honest businesses will find other methods of delivering their products to their customers. It does, though, set back those whose only online presence is eBay and who have no other source of online income.

Remember, the only constant is change. The information that you read in previously-published books on eBay is probably still primarily valid. Before committing a lot of dollars, time, and effort into any new venture that includes eBay as a selling venue, be certain to check the eBay website for policies, rules, regulations, and suggestions. The site abounds with places to find help and answers, from the blogs to the community forums. It will take some time to sift through all that is available, but it will be time well spent in the long run.

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