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Reserve Price Violations

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 winning bidder is obligated 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.

Listings that violate the reserve price policy are not permitted. Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

  • Listing cancellation

  • Loss of eBay fees

  • Limits placed on account privileges

  • Loss of PowerSeller status

  • Account suspension

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 Mizuno Golf clubs
    Subtitle: Reserve is only $150
    <Reserve not selected for this listing>

  • Stating that the winning bidder is obligated to purchase the item even if the reserve price has not been met.

    • The listing description states that the winning 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 violates 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 listing while reserving the right not to sell below a price they have in mind. This policy allows buyers to have a consistent experience with reserve price listings and helps keep eBay a safe and enjoyable marketplace.


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