Many of these are based on local legal requirements, but others are based on our experience of what will help ensure a fair marketplace for everyone. So, before you bid or buy on eBay, read our policies for buyers listed below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rules and requirements are there for eBay buyers?
When you bid on or buy an item, you're agreeing to the rules we've put in place for our community. You can find out more details on these rules in the articles below.
What kind of items are listed on eBay?
Almost anything you can think of. But there are certain categories of items that we restrict. Check out our list of prohibited and restricted items.
Interfering with a transaction policyLearn about the rules and guidelines we've established to prevent people from interfering with the completion of transactions.
Invalid bid retraction policyRead our guidelines on retracting a bid, and why we have rules in place to prevent members gaining an unfair advantage when buying an item.
Non-binding bid policyLearn about the guidelines for participating in auctions in the motors and real estate categories.
Abusive buyer policyLearn about our expectations for buyer behaviour on eBay.
Shill bidding policyFind out what shill bidding is, and why it isn't allowed on eBay.
Unpaid item policyLearn about our rules around paying for items after a buyer has won an auction or agreed to make a purchase.
Unwelcome and malicious buying policyLearn about the rules we have in place to prevent buyers from attempting to disrupt a listing.
Feedback policiesLearn about the guidelines and policies around Feedback to ensure it's used constructively and fairly.
Offers to buy or sell outside of eBayLearn why buyers and sellers aren't allowed to use information they've obtained on eBay to contact each other to buy or sell off eBay.
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.