“Why I Got Linked / Suspended” – And how to avoid it in the future
So why does it happen? You think you have a bulletproof eBay account and out of nowhere, you’re suspended! Why? It’s complicated, but what I can tell you is how other people have been suspended and some advice on how to avoid following them.
- Changing details of your account under a new IP address. EBay will sometimes limit your account, thinking it’s been hijacked. Usually a short chat to eBay will lift your account.
- Sharing a small network with a suspended eBay account (IP issues). This won’t always link accounts, but if there are similar details between accounts (same address), eBay may link and suspend your account as well.
- Adding a previously suspended shipping/mailing address to your account, or giving out this information to buyers. If an eBay member recognizes you by your address, they can report you to eBay which then they’ll investigate you for inconsistencies. It’s okay to add your address as return address within your packages. But remember to use a DBA name instead of your own.
- Having inconsistent information throughout eBay, Paypal, or any credit cards you use. For example using different names and addresses on everything. EBay doesn’t like this. (Use the same name, address, phone number, cc, email address for both eBay and Paypal)
- Reusing the same PayPal account for multiple eBay accounts. This includes paying your balance. PayPal and eBay are linking the moment you pay your balance, send money, receiving money and other ways undiscovered yet. You can have up to two eBay accounts per PayPal account, don’t risk any more.
- Using the same credit card with multiple eBay accounts (just common since, this will get you linked and banned).
- Using the same IP Address/cookies for multiple accounts. Make sure to have separate ‘user accounts’ for every eBay account you create. Keep a log of your IP address to make sure you don’t reuse the same one.
- Too many customers complain about your auctions. If your feedback score is too low, eBay will place selling limits on your account until you can raise your feedback. You can remove negatives from your account, and work to increase your positive feedback to lift any limitations.
- Using an old phone number with a new account. For one make sure your phone number is legit, and second never reuse the same phone number from a previous account.
- Listing a lot of items right away. Read the staying under the radar section above for listing strategies.
- Shill Bidding. It’s never a good idea to shill bid, but if you’ve been limited because of it, you’re usually able to get your account back after sending eBay some required information, but don’t do it again, or you’ll find your account suspended indefinitely.
- Buying many cheap e-books/digital items to inflate feedback. No way around this, eBay knows what you’re trying to do, don’t try to buy feedback. You’ll be suspended and won’t have a chance for reinstatement 90% of the time.
- Using Proxies Servers or IP Hiding Software. These simply do not work, and eBay will suspend your account for ‘abusing eBay’ when you use them. I do not recommend any proxy service at all.
- Reusing the same auctions descriptions, image URLs and titles in auctions. Not all suspensions are automated. Some come from VeRO members, buyers who recognize your auctions, and even competition. If someone knows you’ve recently been suspended, but finds you’re selling under a new name. All they have to do is report you to eBay and you’ll get shut down in a heart beat. Also reusing the same image URLs in your descriptions (exp. domain.com/images/test.jpg) with multiple eBay accounts is a given instant link and suspension. Change up your domain name or subdirectory if you’re using a third-party image host.
- Logging into a suspended account and then to your new account. Self explanatory.
- Listing too much from the get go. It depends heavily on what you’re listing. If you try to list 20 iPods from day one, you can just about guarantee a limited account within an hour of listing. If you’re selling something of less risk, then you’re able to list more. The more risk an item has, the slower you should list your auctions.
- Using Turbolister or any other eBay software. It’s a bad idea to use anything related to eBay if you don’t have to. The more programs and companies you deal with that are tied to eBay, the more risk you place on your eBay accounts. Auctiva is a better option to Turbolister.
- Being rude to and sending insulting emails to eBay. The people working at eBay have the power to shut your account down with a mouse click. Don’t give them a reason to suspend you. Instead kill them with kindness and you might be surprised at how they can help you.
- Using the same password as another suspended / limited / banned user.
- Same e-mail as another suspended / limited / banned user
- Same images as another suspended / limited / banned user
- Similar first or last name as another suspended / limited / banned user
- Similar address as another suspended / limited / banned user
- Listed items during a 7 day suspension
- Withdrew too much money from PayPal at one time or too many times per day/week
- Competitor flagged you
If you have an account going for a month or two and you’re not having any problems, you’re usually clear of eBay unless you do something stupid like the above. It’s also a good idea to have backup accounts just in case you slip up. For the most part make use of ‘user accounts’ to protect your accounts from linking, change your IP address between logging into different accounts, list items relative to their risk, and be nice to customers.
And maybe some wishful thinking!
