I have gotten so MANY emails from sellers who have been contacted saying they talked to eBay and their listings are allowed and it's business as usual. PLEASE do not put your business in the hands of a CS rep! What they tell you ultimately means nothing if they don't have the right info-words are just words. Based on the many conflicting reports NOTHING is certain yet. STOP BEING OSTRICHES WITH YOUR HEADS IN THE SAND! If eBay allows spell cast or spirit bound jewelry it will be wonderful but it's looking more and more like it IS out. Come the end of the first week of September you could get so many listings pulled and the resulting policy violations your accounts could be suspended for good. Maybe THIS IS eBay's plan?
PLEASE NOTE: No Metaphysical seller is being excluded. We can only notify so many per day and I am using a Terapeak list of sellers sorted by sales amounts. Starting at the top and working down. There are HUNDREDS of Metaphysical sellers so this takes time. If you have not gotten a note to come here then no one has gotten to your name yet.
NOTE: Please see lists of eBay email addresses, fax #'s and phone numbers as well as all official Facebook pages on the Bombard Ebay post!
UPDATE: sent by jinnandtonics-Mon. Aug 13
From ebay FB - just now!
· · 29 minutes ago
llerinformation/news/fallupdat
eBay
Hi Lisa, as part of our latest Seller Release we announced the closing of some categories. Every year we restructure, close, and edit our categories to improve the shopping experience onsite. The Metaphysical category is going to be closed
at the end of the month, and items from that category will not be allowed to be listed onsite. More details can be found here: http://pages.ebay.com/se
e2012/categoryupdates.html?
ssPageName=
categoryupdatesABPost ~terri
This blog has been created so we merchants who offer metaphysical items on eBay can gather and coordinate how we will deal with the new rules issued by eBay taking effect on Aug.30, 2012. We can compare what eBay reps tell each of us, which has been conflicting information so far, and plan a course of action to mobilize all metaphysical sellers and our loyal customers to contact eBay if needed.
It seems even eBay is confused!
This was posted the evening of Aug. 9th--
The following items are also being added to the prohibited items list: advice; spells; curses; hexing; conjuring; magic; prayers; blessing services; magic potions; healing sessions; work from home businesses & information; wholesale lists, and drop shop lists.
This was posted the morning of Aug. 10th.
Items that will be prohibited include: advice; spells; curses; hexing; conjuring; magic services; prayers; blessings; Psychic, Tarot, Reiki, and other metaphysical readings & services; magic potions; healing sessions; work from home businesses & information; wholesale lists, and drop ship lists.
Ebay is discontinuing the categories below---supposedly because of a high number of complaints.
Discontinued categories:
- Metaphysical: Psychic, Paranormal > Readings
- Metaphysical: Psychic, Paranormal > Spells, Potions
- Metaphysical: Tarot Readings
From eBay Fall updates--
Category eliminations - Due to a large number of misclassified items and eBay policy violations, some categories will no longer be available on eBay starting the first week of September. Starting on August 30, 2012, attempts to list items in these categories will be blocked.
Transactions in these categories often result in issues between the buyer and seller that are difficult to resolve. To help build confidence in the marketplace for both buyers and sellers, eBay is discontinuing these categories and including the items on the list of prohibited items. The Digital delivered goods policy already covers all goods that can be downloaded from a website or received by email and includes requirements that items be listed in the Everything Else>Information Products category using only the Classified Ad format. By removing the Digital Art and Recipes categories we will be consistent in our enforcement of this existing policy.
Transactions in these categories often result in issues between the buyer and seller that are difficult to resolve. To help build confidence in the marketplace for both buyers and sellers, eBay is discontinuing these categories and including the items on the list of prohibited items. The Digital delivered goods policy already covers all goods that can be downloaded from a website or received by email and includes requirements that items be listed in the Everything Else>Information Products category using only the Classified Ad format. By removing the Digital Art and Recipes categories we will be consistent in our enforcement of this existing policy.
What is the last date I can list in these categories?
The last date you’ll be able to list in these categories is August 30, 2012.
What items will be prohibited?
Items that will be prohibited include: advice; spells; curses; hexing; conjuring; magic services; prayers; blessings; Psychic, Tarot, Reiki, and other metaphysical readings & services; magic potions; healing sessions; work from home businesses & information; wholesale lists, and drop ship lists.
How will sellers be affected?
The last date to list in these eliminated categories will be August 30, 2012 and sellers will no longer be able to sell these items on eBay. Sellers who continue to try to list prohibited inventory will risk having their items removed and could have their accounts suspended or removed.
Will my existing listings in these discontinued categories be removed?
You will need to remove any listings in these categories by the time the policy is enacted during the first week of September. eBay will terminate any listings not voluntarily removed or sold the first week of September.
What should I do if everything I sell on eBay now falls into the prohibited items list?
You will have until the first week of September to sell or remove any existing listings. If you sell digital images, digitally delivered goods, and wholesale lists, you can list them in Classified Ad format in the Everything Else>Information Products category. You will no longer be able to list or relist the rest of the items and any remaining listings will be removed.
Will my insertion fees be refunded if my category is discontinued?
If your listing was submitted and ended by eBay for any reason before August 30, your fees (including optional feature fees) will be refunded within 48 hours of the item being ended. You can see the refund in your Seller Account page.
If you remove a listing that will be prohibited in September and it was not listed as one of your 50 free listings per month, contact Customer Support for a refund of your insertion fees (not including optional feature fees).
If eBay removes a listing in September when a category is discontinued, your insertion fee (not including optional feature fees) will be automatically refunded and the listing will not be counted as one of your 50 free items for the month of September.
If you remove a listing that will be prohibited in September and it was not listed as one of your 50 free listings per month, contact Customer Support for a refund of your insertion fees (not including optional feature fees).
If eBay removes a listing in September when a category is discontinued, your insertion fee (not including optional feature fees) will be automatically refunded and the listing will not be counted as one of your 50 free items for the month of September.
Will eBay remove other categories in the future?
Other categories may be removed and items prohibited in the future if they are inconsistent with the spirit of eBay policies or impact the trustworthiness of the marketplace.
******************************************************************************
Sellers contacting eBay are getting a wide variety of answers when asking for clarification. (some being posted below in the comment section)
Some are told that it is only 'intangible items' being banned. Meaning listings where NOTHING is shipped but a service is performed. Direct cast spells, Reiki long distance healing, Prayers, Rituals, Candle Burnings, Psychic Readings, Channeling and the like. Tarot card readings are included too.
OTHERS are told that it is ANY mention of Magick, spells or spirits in any listing including those in the Metaphysical>Paranormal>Jewelry or Metaphysical>Paranormal>Other categories that have been left intact.
At least two were told that it would suffice to not mention 'Spell' or 'Magick' in the TITLE.
UPDATE:
this is to just give a synopsis of what eBay reps are telling people so far.
It is CERTAIN that any INTANGIBLE item that is not mailed is OUT. No direct cast spells, body bindings of spirits (conjures), readings of ANY type-psychic, tarot, aura, angel, etc..., distance energy work and healing, Reiki, rituals for any purpose, candle rituals, prayers, etc... ANYTHING NOT MAILED.
It seems what is in question is whether the term 'intangible' is being applied to energies (magick casting,spells, spirit bindings, blessings, energy empowerment's) placed on or already upon jewelry or other items making them become worth more than the actual intrinsic value of the item.
It has been stated by several eBay CS reps that this 'intangible' factor will NOT BE ALLOWED either.
Other eBay CS reps say anything in the metaphysical>paranormal>jewelry or metaphysical>paranormal>other is OK but there is conflicting info about whether this means adding spells and spirits to these pieces is OK.
Some CS reps say certain 'keywords' must not be used--'spirit', 'spell', 'enchantment', 'haunted', 'psychic', 'reading', 'potion', are some being mentioned. Some CS reps feel taking these words out of the title alone is sufficient others say they must not be used in the listing at ALL.
So what is needed now is a final clarification on the points above. We know the two categories of 'metaphysical-paranormal-jewelry' and 'metaphysical-paranormal-other' are remaining for now (but some hint not for long) BUT how we can use these categories is in question.
WE NEED CLARIFICATION BEFORE THE DEADLINE.
Each listing eBay might remove can be considered a policy violation and too many policy violations lead to suspension or limiting of even our compliant listings and our ID's.
UPDATE:8/13/12
From ebay FB - just now!
· · 29 minutes ago
llerinformation/news/fallupdat
eBay
Hi Lisa, as part of our latest Seller Release we announced the closing of some categories. Every year we restructure, close, and edit our categories to improve the shopping experience onsite. The Metaphysical category is going to be closed
at the end of the month, and items from that category will not be allowed to be listed onsite. More details can be found here: http://pages.ebay.com/se
e2012/categoryupdates.html?
ssPageName=
Lot's of conflicting info! What has everyone heard?
ReplyDeleteFrom another seller--
ReplyDelete"Greetings!!
I also called and I was told that jewelry is fine, however, we should remove spell and magick from the title. We've also removed "add a spell" services,etc.."
Just in from a seller--
ReplyDelete"I got a hold of ebay a few hours ago. He said ALL metaphysical items are being removed. he said i could sell the jewelry as jewelry. but, i had to change the description. if i described it as a spirit bound piece they would delete it. It is very Christian based action. I told him that ebay better get prepared for lawsuits fighting it, because this is how many people make their living. they informed me it was too hard for the customer to fight a case for a refund on these items."
from another seller---
ReplyDelete"Greetings,
We just called ebay. They stated tangible items will not be prohibited. If you have a piece of jewelry with a "spell" on it. At this point, the item will not be prohibited. However, this is subject to change because ebay is trying to change it's image.
Our take on this is.... prepare for the worst and you will be blessed by the lack of disappointment if it turns out better than expected.
Keeping your items in only one place, puts all the power in their hands. Offering these items on many other sites allows you to survive sudden set backs like this one.
Perhaps it is time we all considered offering our services in unity?"
I haven't yet called eBay but will be doing so today and shall report what they say to me. I do agree if the worst comes to the worst it would be in everyone's best interest to pool our resources and come up with a new place to sell our items.
ReplyDeleteI have talked to them two times, and both times were told jewelry,beads,dolls are ok, just no spells or psychic readings. I am moving to Artfire, it has cheap fees, and the site looks nice. I pay over 500 a month is seller fees, I asked ebay "I guess you don;t want my fees?" They said, "I guess not". I will leave my beads jewelry, and things like that until they change their mind. But all spells and readings will be moved by the end of the month. I do know that I checked bonanza, and they allow these things, but the pictures have to be rated G, no sexy pics at all. So, I did check artfire and you can list there, but you have to list under the catagory for design, and then service. The pics are fine, that many of us use now. The fee is 12.95 and they submit to google. We may have to bring our clients with us, and they will have no idea where we are. This is the link to my new store there.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/lilithslair
Hello everyone : This is serious for us all , there's no doubt it & all we can do is support our magical community & guide each other & our loyal customers
ReplyDeletePlease let us all just like Lilith has done "thank you Lilith " make it known what we find as the best forum to sell our items on , if we do this as a union our customers will feel safe & we will reap the benefits of mass listings of our magical community beginning again~ Some where where we are appreciated !
ART FIRE looks very very promising !
I have had some of my regular clients find me, and I have already had sales on Artfire. I only have about one third moved so far, I do wish ebay would reconsider, but I think thats really not likely. Artfire does have a 14 day trail if anyone wants to give it a try, email me and I will help any of you get set up, if you have any questions, listing is really different. There are a few there who sell the things we do, but not alot. I did try ecreator, and its really hard to get submitted to google, my items always get regected.
ReplyDeleteBonanza can import your ebay listings enmasse automatically. I'n mot sure if you need to be a paid member to do this though. They have several levels of membership from free to 50 per month. With a paid membership your items get search boost and shown in a premium area. My partner and I had GOLD level membership with two accounts which were each 24.00 per month. Super easy BUT-and a BIG BUT--we only sold ONE item in a year!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOn eBay we sell thousands of dollars a month.
Also-the month after we cancelled our paid and reverted to free memberships, Bonanza put all listings on hold wanting us to edit a few photos and listings to make them more 'family friendly'. Apparently anything too sexy is offensive to them.
So Bonanza is a no sale choice as far as we are concerned.
This below is from Jinnandtonics--she asked me to put this here-the preview and posting on the comments was acting up a bit ago.
ReplyDeleteGreetings All,
Lilith your site looks great! We are diversifying and moving to other sites as well. If you are planning to list on multiple sites, please be aware google SEO eliminates multiple duplicate titles in google search results. Therefore, to get all of your items seen from all the different sites, use unique titles and tags in each listing across the board.
we are starting at Bonanza, they have 50% less fees than ebay, with $0 to list. They have free and paid memberships with perks. They use html listers enabling us to import all of our ebay templates at once. They integrate with Seller Sourcebook to bulk schedule templates up to 3 months in advance. Seller source book uses widget and video embedding and we asked Bonanza to change their settings to allow video. (awaiting answers).
Keep in mind the buyer chooses the store view, not the seller. Therefore, you need to add a note in the templates to buyers to switch to html view for full effects.
The paid memberships there offer enhanced google search, tagging, and other SEO by their staff, which helps take some of the work off the seller to increase traffic. They also have memberships that include analytics and seller management tools.
The other sellers are very nice, warm and welcoming, very helpful. They pop in to say hello and help you. Reminds me of the early days of ebay.
Bonanza seems easy and painless to convert to and very oriented towards the seller not themselves. It feels like they have read all the ebay seller complaints in the discussion boards and literally created a site dedicated to these issues. They are very open to seller suggestions and encourage our input for the site.
Logic stands to reason that if we all move to the same places online all buyers (which we all share) will be more comfortable finding us and moving as well. We will be seeking to mine the email addresses from our paypal account to send out a mass emailing notice of the changes at ebay and our new locations, we are happy to list the same info for any of you to our clients if you so desire. Yes, we are saying we are willing to share your stores with our private customer base. The more traffic we can direct to the new store locations, the better google search ranks it will create for us all. In addition, the word of mouth will spread like wild fire and we all will benefit. We can only suggest that you each do the same for yourselves, as well as, start mailing out flyers with all ebay shipping to educate your buyers.
To be added to our mass email marketing of our private client list, please contact us (jinnandtonics@yahoo.com) with your new store location url and we will add your link to our email. We will gladly send you a copy BEFORE we launch it, so you can approve it, change it, or retract it. We will likely send it out every two weeks starting late August - October, making adjustments as needed.
We are open to any of your suggestions as well.
It would be nice to have a place where meta sellers can be in unity and not be part of a public disgrace of "wronged buyers" throwing negative "uneducated" comments at us.
We hope the meta community can reconcile and grow in love and peace. There is no competition when we are all working to share love and light.
We are happy to answer questions or offer support to all sellers, please feel free to contact us. Wishing everyone the best success!
Tiffany
I had a booth on bonanza, and there are 0 sales, and you can import, but many images have to be changed, all rated G, It is a free site, to list, you do get what you paid for. With any other site, you have to promote yourself, you have to have twitter, facebook and pintrest. For me, I cannot see all the work that goes into Bonanza with no returns at all. The important thing is to get in google, and I do know about seo, I have to redo all the ebay listings, so there are no spells period. There are sellers of spells on bonanza, but if you look at the sales, they have on bonanza, there is very very little.. I do think it would be great if we could all go to one site, but bonanza is really just not for me, I tired it, it did not work. Its quick and easy, and cheap, but with no sales what good is that? Each of us, will need to make our own plans, but I do know that the pics many of us have cannot be used on bonanza. I have branded my face and name, and can do the same on artfire. There, you can use your same pics, so buyers can find you. They submit to google, and you are allowed to link facebook, twitter or even your own site to artfire. Off artfire sales are allowed there are no fvf's, its a flat 12.95 per month no matter how many sales you have. You can list as many items as you like, 100s or even thousands. Feedback is approved or disapproved by YOU. You have to confirm it before it is shown. There are no DSR's, artfire does not get inbetween you and the buyers. Granted you cannot use templates, and cannot import, those are the only bad points. You can accept paypal, propay and amazon payments, and even money orders. Buyers can add your item to their amazon wish list. Buyers do not have to register, therefore their names are confidental. You can put items on "sale", at no additional cost. I think the sites look really professional, not like a fly by night operation.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
ReplyDeleteFrom my talks with eBay it seems that this time it will only be intangible items that they will remove. The jewelry and all its descriptions will be allowed. Take note though, this is eBay's first step. They will remove the metaphysical category in time. This I can guarantee you.
I have seen all the options many are talking about. The ONLY site that generates traffic is eBay. Without that traffic we are simply all going to go to a site and try to generate traffic for them on our own part. That is counteractive and also if we do generate the traffic in time we are all simply at their mercy again.
I propose a marketplace. One create by us and controlled by us. My plans for Mrs. Gula and Third Eye Communications are as such: we coincidently were completing are own personal web-store by the end of this month anyway but would love to join a free marketplace that is controlled by all of us. We currently have a social site that can be found here: http://thirdeyecoven.ning.com that has over 1,400 members in just 4 months, and we hold 3 Facebook pages with over 12,000 combined likes. We have a huge following and know how to generate traffic. I believe with your help and some smart decision making we can create an amazing marketplace for us all. To acquire a script for this auction site costs several thousand and my group has no problem footing the bill for those that cannot.
Again we want all metaphysical sellers to understand one thing. This is NOT for our own personal gain. We have our own social site, and we will have our own web-store online. That is ours, this FREE-Marketplace will not be shown as ours and we will all be equal. This will simply be worked on and controlled by us so that we can attain the necessary traffic needed until the ship rights itself.
We can also make the marketplace a structured system depending on the work and money spent behind the scenes as far as the control needed. I am open to suggestions. Please pass this along to all metaphysical sellers and allow us to unite and finally break these chains that are always holding us. I don't know about you but paying eBay thousands of dollars of fees every month for our work is something I am tired of anyway.
I am looking forward to your thoughts.
*bows*
Namaste
Methias Chinoa
if anybody wants to personally chat with me on options email me here: thirdeyemaster1@gmail.com
DeleteI am open to anything.
This sounds like a great idea! I'm behind it. I have a large following of customers and I would rather be set up in an "environment" that is conducive and supportive to Magick. I bet with our combined customer lists and Methias' skills in setting this up professionally, we might all be better off!!!
DeleteFrom a seller-they created this--
ReplyDeleteplease pass the word around http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/dont-ban-our-psychics-on-ebay.html petition!
I also had no luck with Bonanza. I paid for a Gold membership with no sales. When I downgraded to free after many months they decided my items were not right for their site. So paying for an upgraded membership does have some perks.
ReplyDeleteEveryone-please look at the other page/post to add your ideas for a plan of action.
ReplyDeleteI am very aware that NO ONE has the traffic ebay does. It is a sad fact, but ebay is no longer a option for us. Having our own site is very expensive and getting found for the first year will be tough. Its a good idea, but right now, I am still trying to figure out how I am going to be able to continue to sell? I know uniting is a good thing, but I am sure many of us, are trying to figure out just how we can make up for the loss of sales. Time is not something many of us have alot of, including me. I can only think of "right now", at this time, I am sure in a few months, I will be more clear headed. I need to move my listings before the dissappear! They need to be put someplace, so I do not have to redo each and ever one. After they are moved, I will rework the ones on ebay and downgrade my premium store. Only then, can I even think about starting a whole new venue. Nothing against your idea, its just that I don;t want to loose my listings. I would suggest everyone find someone to put there listings. Once ebay removes them they will be lost. For now I am moving mine to artfire. Bonanza, does not want us there, I had a booth there for 3 months, and almost all of mine were considered offensive. Everyone has to make their own choices, but now all I can think of is I am loosing 80 percent of my income and sales, and if I don;t get them moved, I will lose the work in each listing.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, I use Auctiva to design all of my listings, so if Ebay does remove them, I have copies of everything. I also have text files of everything, and recommend that anyone who even suspects they might have listings removed, do the same.
DeleteAuctiva also has store fronts, by the way.
As mentioned down further, Turbolister is good as is saving backups of the html in documents. I do both and use Seller Source Book too. So I have a triple backup.
DeleteSometimes I don't create listings in Seller Source Book if I'm altering a listing on eBay just a bit so Turbolister backs me up on all those.
If Bonanza or the likes was to have the opportunity to be "blessed" with all of our sale volume , would Bonanza not step up the game & indeed increase their TRAFFIC methods in order to cater for us all ? I hear the message that Bonanza has failed in the past, but that was then & this is now , Bonanza "or the likes" has a golden opportunity to cater for us , if they dont someone will, as their is money to be made that they have not been offered before ! I understand that yes we would be at their mercy again & this is not a great concept , i too agree that paying out $1000's of dollars each month in fees is not fair nor desirable , however at this point, immediately being able to move our business's over in order to continue to trade at this stage for my group & everyone here is imperative , then yes absolutely we should all look at a"MARKET PLACE" in which we can control our industry (im very willing to get on board Methias Chinoa).
ReplyDeleteIf we all find the best place to move to we can hit the market hard & force the site to perform for us , so let us find the "right " place to use as our new home / selling forum
I too will happily pass on anyone's URL at the end of august to our thousands of email base clients for our group, along with education for past buyers on the situation & the place in where they can now find us all , In unity we survive !
If you want to go on my mass email out list to my clients please email me : avedasmagicalspells@gmail.com
First--to save all your listings if that is a concern--try Turbolister. It downloads to your computer and is eBay approved. It will sync with eBay and save for future use ALL your listings ended and current. It will access back 90 days I believe. It can hold multiple ID's and is an invaluable archive in my opinion. Each listing can be opened and edited too if desired.
ReplyDeleteSome people-myself included are having some issues posting comments. If you can not get it to work after a few tries email ebaymetaphysical@gmail.com and it will be posted my us.
ReplyDeleteFROM JINNANDTONICS--
I have no idea why my posts will not work on your blog, but here ya go:
We are currently working on our own web store as well, However, here is our concern:
Even though ebay is only removing intangibles, the guy we spoke to stated the dept responsible for policy review would be looking at items based on keywords. That dept. is run by several ebay employees (hundreds perhaps) we have had them pull auctions by mistake before that were not in violation of any policy. Especially our spirit foods and Dragon Eggs items. As food and egg were keywords they looked for in violations. There will likely be mistakes and lost revenue when we remove these prohibited keywords, especially due to the impact on search results on ebay. So, we cannot assume if we remove the prohibited keywords all our auctions are safe and traffic on ebay will stay the same. IT WON'T...
Ultimately ebay will push us out through starvation (no traffic).
The sooner we all become diversified on other sites the better. Non-Meta sellers already recommend this in the ebay discussion boards. We will start to list our products everywhere to get the traffic. Artfire is next for us. (AVOID eCrater - they offer NO support at all, and you do all the SEO)
We are open to a Meta-Market Place. Especially if it can be executed in a professional manner.
No offense intended, but, we do not want to get caught up in anything that hurts our brand, like Ash and Magnolia went through with the unification of sellers years ago. It is counter-productive to create anything that allows any "group" segregation or secrecy. Being open without hidden rights to some sellers or privileges that are not available to all will create the same issues that plague other unified sites.
Perhaps,
A marketplace should be just that....a store only. Keeping the social stuff to our private web sites. We can contribute to the store in what ever way possible, be it through assistance or funds.
Perhaps a gotomeeting should be held where we can all come together to work it out? Like a townhall meeting?
Jinnandtonics
Tiffany
I wanted to make sure everyone sees this post on the other post page--Add your comments and suggestions there---
ReplyDeleteLet's Discuss a Plan of Action
People are coming up with many good ideas as an option to offering our items on eBay but unfortunately, none are as currently good as eBay itself. Many take time to build traffic and get established. These are options for our futures yes, but in the immediate we need to unite and petition eBay not only for clarification of the changes but to keep our particular items around in some form. If they are concerned with 'intangibles' then perhaps making sure all spell casters, conjurers, and psychics actually mail an item would be fine. A broad ban, or even a 'pick and choose' ban on anything psychic, magick or of a certain alternate belief seems drastic and draconian on eBay's part. Some have said it reflects a type of religious discrimination even.
I'm certain this ban is in answer to the many 'hit and run' meta sellers who list .99 cent buy it now spells and spirit bindings, collect money and then disappear after a few negatives and leave a slew of claims in their wake. We have all seen this happen over and over again. BUT I ask, and we should ask eBay, HOW is this different than what happens in ANY category as long as an item is mailed.
Most Metaphysical sellers have great feedback. Probably better in percentages than electronics sellers. ANY category has it's share of fraud and bad sellers.
I know many of us offer full money back and or exchange. With a reading this is complicated since it relies upon the subjective opinion of the buyer. Perhaps some type of refund compromise could be worked out. Say all meta listings must offer 30 or even 60 day refunds.
There has been some success in the past getting reconsideration of certain decisions at the highest levels by using an email campaign. Directing a mass influx of emails to all corporate officers and department heads at eBay is an option I think we should all consider. Perhaps an email can be written up that can be passed around and even personalized by the sender. I belong to several wildlife and animal protection lobbying groups that do this all the time-they provide emails and email addresses to various government officials that we can send out.
So, please add you comments below with your ideas that we can implement to change eBay's mind and save our categories and businesses. Any and all input is welcomed.
I sell spirits bonded to jewelry and stones, and enchanted stones and jewelry.
ReplyDeleteI called Ebay on this issue, and the person I spoke to told me that he did not believe my items would be affected by these changes, and that they have not yet made firm decisions yet--they are still in the planning stage. Those who believe they might be affected or have an opinion on this should call or use the suggestion box on Ebay to voice their opinion, as they are paying attention to what stakeholders are saying.
No mention was made to me of eliminating the word 'magick' or 'spell' from my listings.
Nice of them to spring it on us but still be in the planning stage. The deadline of Aug 30 is three weeks away and per eBay's statement, all listings must be sold, ended or removed by the end of the first week in Sept.
DeleteHere is the thing, I understand what you are all saying and I agree, your course of action should be to move your listings right now.
ReplyDeleteThat is the #1 thing on your agenda.
When the smoke has cleared good or bad on eBay's part I think the marketplace is something we much attack full throttle. We cannot allow ourselves to become comfortable with eBay again and or suffice to our personal sales and exposure on our private websites.
All I need is 1-2 other sellers to start things off in the beginning. Tiffany (jinnandtonics) I will email you and we will talk in more depth. The hardest part of setting up this meta marketplace is the price and as I said in the past posts my group will cover those as much as we have to.
This meta-marketplace will have nothing to do with Third Eye Communications and or Mrs. Gula, it will have its own url (of our collective choosing) and be all about individual booths and the buyers who come. No priorities, no nothing. All I ask is that we each drive traffic to this marketplace.
Do not think I do not have an agenda my friends. I think a collaborative effort of a neutral metaphysical marketplace spanning all pagan and wiccan communities and started by a strong group of us and allowed the time to grow, will be a GREAT SUCCESS to us all.
again I know Tiffany is interested and some others as well. Please email me at thirdeyemaster1@gmail.com and tell me you are interested so when we talk here we at least know who is on the same page.
This is a future goal for many of you and a present agenda for I and some others. As Verna said to talk about taking action NOW on eBay lets post on the other page.
Namaste my dear friends.
Methias Chinoa
If anyone is having trouble posting comments or replies please email ebaymetaphysical@gmail.com and I will manually post.
DeleteFROM JINNANDTONICS--
Methias,
Do not misunderstand my initial inquiry, I am interested in your ideas, but Jinnandtonics belongs to a larger group of people than just myself. Many of whom are not inclined to be the next meta forum. The last thing our community needs are more places for people to bash sellers because they are angry over nonpayment disputes.
We have never subscribed to belong to any group that indulges in negativity (regardless of free speech). It is our belief to spread love and light, we need to not be throwing dirt.
This said, all selling sites that promote eCommerce of meta sellers without regard to religion, creed, affiliation, or any other segregation would attract our interest. However, we are very reluctant to join another monopoly.
We think focusing on the buyers through this is more important, helping them locate us everywhere so they do not feel abandoned or lost.
Love & Light
Tiffany
This is just for general information, I'm not saying I believe them. :P
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is having trouble posting comments or replies please email ebaymetaphysical@gmail.com and I will manually post.
ReplyDeleteFROM JINNANDTONICS--
Winged Wolf is correct in the fact that making contact with ebay can't hurt us, enlisting our buyers may help. Passing the petition through all social sites, and our email list may be beneficial.
The message we intend to send out will follow these guidelines:
The tone of the email should not induce panic, and it should not degrade ebay in any way. This would be unprofessional and the opposite of what we stand for which is supporting others through love and light.
Key points:
New Rules = Changes in our ebay Appearances and Listings (Same Great Items - New Ebay Packaging)
Prohibited Keywords = How to locate your Favorite Items (Use the Favorite Seller links) Sign Up for Seller Newsletters
Ebay's ambiguous review of our category = Possible Elimination in the Future
Our Plan: To diversify our products to many online market places to make finding us where you shop easier, and not disrupt their shopping if ebay makes further changes.
Our Goal: To continue to offer support to everyone everywhere, to instill positive energy and love, to calm the chaos and bring peace.
Our Community Action: Signed Petition (include the link) & Seller Support through open education of where our buyers can find all good sellers in their new stores.
What this means for our clients:
Better Pricing Options on Other Sites (avoiding high fees in ebay)
Our Ebooks and Articles Available in Kindle Format from Amazon
More Options Available in Finding Trustworthy Sellers
Safe Shopping on Trustworthy Established Sites
More Payment Options
Better Communication Options for Buyers to communicate with sellers: their recommendations, suggestions, and connection with others like them
Future Opportunities for Growing Spiritually
How You Can Help:
Write to ebay (provide contact)
Call Ebay (provide number)
Sign Petition (provide link again)
Pass the info around (twitter icon, FB like, Pintrest, any others as well)
If we do not notify the buyers of the keyword changes they will have difficulty locating us, let's make it our responsibly to maintain professional, calm, leadership qualities that assist those who will be hurt more than us... our buyers who rely on our assistance to help them find their way along life's path.
It's not really about us.
Tiffany
Jinnandtonics
I have called and voiced my opinion, I was told, they would note it.. lol! The petition is on my blog, a link, to try to promote it.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add, here is my blog..
ReplyDeletehttp://lilithslairsstudio.blogspot.com/
Hello all, RelicsAndRunes here, just found out about this new change taking place in the meta listings... I offer several items that I will be pulling, as they would fall under "potions" - such as Fairy Sugars, Djinn Salts, Angel Sands, etc. I'm hoping and praying that talismans and tabernacles, such as enchanted jewelry, spell or spirit cast, won't be effected. I have had very little contact with other sellers, as I know all the past issues back and forth that went on. I have been selling in the meta listings of ebay for years, and never had a "back-up" plan... I think we all should be prepared in case all meta listings are banned, removed, etc. I just checked creepy hollows site, haven't been on there in a few years, but I know they were and are a very popular site... they offer a market place, and even have stores. might be a "plan b". Anyone have experience selling on CH?
ReplyDeletejust registered an account on CH... looks like a great format. I won't be moving any of my listings as of yet, but I feel better knowing that there's options. As of now, I have a private website address that links to my ebay store. If ebay won't allow me to list any of my offerings on their site, I can easily change my address to my listings at CH. Just a thought to all the other sellers, if you don't have a CH account, get one now, so you can reserve your unique user ID, and if you don't have your own domain... .com... it would be a good idea to get your name .com saved. I went through godaddy years ago, and continue to use their services; they've been great. I may even put a few items up on CH, just to see how it goes. Anyone else sell on there? Any other ideas?
ReplyDeleteGlad you came here. I've been sending messages to sellers as I can using my and my friend's and partner's eBay ID's. I can only send so many messages per account till eBay blocks each day.
DeleteI have not even started on the Reiki category really yet and have been using Terapeak today and yesterday going down the list of last weeks top sellers. I'm at about 100 but the lists change daily.
DeleteI started first going directly to best match sorted listings but decided to use the list for now since it was faster to find sellers to contact.
IF anyone has time, PLEASE send the message below to as many as possible. I'm sure no one will mind getting notified more than once.
"In case you are not aware of how eBay's new rules will affect you and the sales of spells, readings, energy work and magickal items on eBay-please see this blog where many sellers are sharing opinions and info as each contacts eBay for clarification of the new rules banning magick, spells, conjures, tarot, psychic readings, rituals, Tarot readings, Reiki, etc... taking effect Aug.30th
ebaymetaphysical.blogspot.com
Spread the word!"
I will be contacting CH next week to learn more about their site, store fees, etc. Spending a few minutes looking around, it does seem to be a viable option. Thanks again for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteI first saw this and freaked out but then looked at the categories and it was just the non-physical stuff like spells. I sell metaphysical jewelry because I am better at gathering a bunch of energy, telling it what to do, and then having it report back to me. And I'm less good at sensing things, as to read what the energy I'd programmed did, I have to spend a lot of time and more energy than the task itself. This is why I don't do readings as I'll pick up the emotions strong but the little factual details would take forever if at all.
ReplyDeleteAs for the eBay issue, well eBay hasn't read email since Jon Donahue became CEO and you have to go to UK or Australia to get Livechat. What is really needed for all sellers is an alternative. Bonanzle, well, I tried to list a watch there and they stalked and stalked, and then demanded all this and that. So I closed my account and told them they're as bad as eBay. As for the CH site, well first problem is obvious CH has always been bent on getting in cliques with certain sellers and getting gangs of people to destroy sellers not in these cliques. Second problem is the site doesn't have some multi-million dollar security system, which means it can be hacked. If you're familiar with all the bitcoins sites which have been hacked, only MtGox has survived because of how much security work it put in.
Speaking of bitcoins, a bitcoin escrow system is the ideal way to do spells and readings. I personally think they would work best if someone gives a small amount of money and then depending on the person's success tips the seller. Maybe the buyer could put down a certan amount of money and what the seller collects depends on how good it is -- instead of sellers either having to charge a lot or a little money when results always vary.
As for paranormal jewelry, considering what's being sold, sellers have a remarkably good feedback rating which is impressive considering that sellers have make their listings so flashy to sell while a matter-of-fact stereo instructions style listing of this doesn't sell. The reality is this is a lot of hard work.
Again--If you are having problems posting a comment-PLEASE email ebaymetaphysical@gmail.com and I will post manually crediting you.
ReplyDeleteSo many people are getting conflicting info from eBay about the changes we want to document it all.
More info from another seller---
ReplyDeleteI just got off the phone with eBay and they said Paranormal Jewelry will stay. We can call Djinn entities and instead of using magick say blessings.
Keep me updated!!!
From another seller---
ReplyDeleteHi,
Thank you for writing me and bringing this to my attention as I just spent a lot on my store having a store front installed. Anyway I called Ebay got a nice CS person who didn't have a clue as to what I was asking and then I was connected to a
supervisor who pointed out only the catagories below would be affected. He said items listed in Psychic Paranormal other would not be affected and haunted items were not the issue spell work was. So I am unsure of
how this will affect me. Most of what I deal with is haunted items, not spell work. I have a few items, but not many. He suggested to list everything in psychic paranormal other.
Please let me know if you hear anything else.
The catagories he said it would only affect.
Everything Else: Metaphysical: Psychic, Paranormal > Readings
Everything Else: Metaphysical: Psychic, Paranormal > Spells, Potions
Everything Else: Metaphysical: Tarot Readings
I'm posting in this section because if I post in the other, it'll eat my last post.
ReplyDeleteWhen I posted a followup the site ate my first post and then lost my second. And then suddenly stopped letting me post at all on any blogspot blog. So it seems I have to use Safari, sign into blogspot for my own blog, post on my own blog with it, then I will finally let me post comments.
So that seems to be how to post.
In the long term, we need a large auction site to host the stuff on -- not a small one -- as the only way it'll get traffic is if tons of people post. Actually the only reason why anyone's items sell is there are a whole lot of other people selling these items and all these sellers selling them gives it credibility.
More info from another seller---
ReplyDeleteNOTE: some sellers want to remain anonymous or I do not have permission to use their ID.
Hello,
I called eBay earlier was told that only items or tools used in practice could be listed. Jewelry could not be spellcast but could be sold as metaphysical jewelry. I asked for clarification what he meant and the CSR said 'like a pentagram or something'.
I asked about jewelry with conjured spirits bound to it and he asked me 'like a ghost or something?' and told me things like that were not going to be allowed anymore. He seemed to not have a clue about the metaphysical at all. He said eBay is 'cleaning house' and trying to upgrade it's image and this would ultimately benefit all buyers and sellers. Standard eBay rah-rah crap!
I think i will call back on Monday since weekend CSR's are the worst. I'll let you know what I find out then.
From The Anunnaki----
ReplyDeleteWe need an eBay alternative. I mentioned some stuff in http://ebaymetaphysical.blogspot.com/2012/08/lets-all-talk.html?showComment=1344745578382#c801967272636642818 but here is a summary of why no for sites.
Bonanza -- They don't do auctions. They also are stalkery like eBay. People complained they are G-rated, and well a sexy pic is not that important, just for getting sales. I always hated on eBay if I do a sexy pic and then I'm worried some a-hole will go and try to get my auction removed for it so I try to avoid them.
CH -- Without millions of dollars invested like a big site, it'll eventually be hacked badly. Plus CH is always a terror to sellers. Everyone not in her clique is scared she will decide to target you for destruction, and you know it when you get an attack post in her forums with pure lies, then hordes of fake bidders decend and bid to leave negative feedback on you.
Artfire -- I am unfamiliar with this site but it looks like something similar to etsy.com. So I don't know if they'll oppose selling spells. Someone posted their store http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/lilithslair and well this appears not to do auctions.
Also there aren't "hit and run 99 cent sellers". I have talked to people who will sell items really cheap. They are real people who practice some type or paranormal practice (wicca a lot of times) who are bad salespeople, and what we do is basically hard work. The hit and run I've seen are people who are used car salesmen, really good sales pitch, who come in and sell a few items for $1000 from a new account and then vanish. I don't think eBay is responding to any hit and run sellers as I have never seen them. The ones I've seen who quit will do so after selling tons of items and then just one day they get sick of selling. eBay claims on its website that it is really wanting to get rid of digital goods and making people use classified ads.
Essentially what needs to be done is a bunch of sellers be able to just pick a good site and then dump a lot of items there. As for the CH site, even if CH didn't have the problems I mentioned, it is too specific. It needs to be on a normal auction site so people will casually, accidentally come across these items.
Now I've seen various goth auction sites. So I googled "goth auctions" without the quotes. I find gothauctions.com . Hardly anything there. And already a category for metaphysical stuff. http://www.gothauctions.com/auction/XcAPViewInCat.asp?ID=40 Problem is like CH, it is still too small. Not well known, lack of google juice, and not much invested to protect from a big hack.
There's a bunch of eBay alternatives. Though I'm not sure if any are good. You can google for eBay alternatives and find some. Two I found are bad, not from listing meta, but from listing DVDs. eCrater likes to ban you falsely saying the DVDs are fake and gets no traffic. eBid people say it will, but it didn't for me, however it gets no traffic no matter how low I price things.
...
You mentioned the "spirit food" and "dragon eggs". Well I hope eBay doesn't decide to suddenly remove auctions of jewelry because it has the word spell/spells in it. Those keywords generally make the thing sell better. eBay on its page said it is removing "advice; spells; curses; hexing; conjuring; magic; prayers; blessing services; magic potions; healing sessions; work from home businesses & information; wholesale lists, and drop shop lists". So it seems spells, curses, hexing, conjuring, magic, prayers, blessing, and healing -- might be bad keywords. No mention of "Haunted" so still it is a keeper; go figger. Words like spirit and channeling are not on the bad list either.
instead of "spells"... enchanted, incantations, empowered, energized. just a few ideas.
DeleteI have sold on artfire, and spells, potions, and readings including tarot are fine. There are no auctions, its all fixed price. They do feed to google, google shopping, bing, and yahoo. It is in a way similar to etsy, but there is more freedom, each seller is more like a stand alone site. Your store page looks like a website. They do not oppose selling spells or anything meta, I emailed and asked about it before I opened. as long as it is listed in "services". There were some tarot readers there before I opened. For now, thats my plan unless something better comes along, but I did get sales there today, which I wont on ebay after next month..
ReplyDeleteThe sales that you've had from your artfire page... were they from you regular clients, or new clients that found you there? Just wondering if they have a built in traffic, or if our own client bases would be the limit of the exposure.
DeleteSo far regular, but I sold them before under a different shop on artfire, and those were all from google hits, there is no internal traffic there, its all from google and takes alot of promoting. But if we bring come buyers over, hopefully the word will get out.
DeleteI pulled my Fairy sugars, Djinn salts and Angel sands listings, which were buy it now's in my store. I figured they could be considered "potions". Going to stick with enchanted jewelry only for now, and see what happens. I agree that CH is not a great option, but I haven't found a better alternative as of yet. Thank you to everyone for posting, sharing and offering ideas and suggestions. I'll be following this thread closely, and commenting with any further thoughts I may have.
ReplyDeletejust stumbled upon another site... eBid... and they have a way to import feedback through a site / service called repatoo... maybe another option? Anyone have experience or opinions regarding eBid?
ReplyDeleteeBay seller: novembermoonlight
ReplyDeleteI have been following this whole eBay disaster
Just saying - moving from eBay is just as bad as staying i agree with Jason - right now I'm removing the "keywords in title " moving listings out of "meta " and moving them to other - ebay is eBay and I truly believe moving anywhere else is a financial downfall this is not the first second or 50th time eBay changed things up - we all have join in and choose " non eBay red flag keywords - like evoked spiritual - as for readings simple solution sell a item stone incense anything tangible that you can ship its all about " the one hit sellers - that ruin it for us -
eBay has a beef over having nothing tangible to them doing hearings reading is like selling air
FROM A SELLER HAVING TROUBLE POSTING--
ReplyDelete(She emailed this under her name not ID so I will not post her name).If you are having trouble posting please email ebaymetaphysical@gmail.com and I will manually post for you.Let me know if I can post your name or ID also if it's not part of the email.
----------------------------------------
I find this to be very troubling considering all of the work that I've
put into this merchant life. And I've done nothing but my best just to
try to avoid these things. I do actually ship items to my clients, and
I also provide the option of having a video chat with my clients
during ritual work (just so they know that I'm not just kicking back
on the couch counting their money.) but most importantly I offer full
refunds. I know that I should feel insulted because to some lesser
extent this whole scandal is calling us out, but I really don't. What
makes me feel really insulted, however, is that I know that without a
doubt, even after all of or jewelry and other items are banned, eBay
will still let rosaries, crosses and bibles slide by without question.
It really isn't fair :/
From a seller---
ReplyDeleteI will join up with the blog later but I'm just out for the day.
Ebid.net is a rival to Ebay and allow metaphysical listings spells etc. included. I believe these also allow buy it now and auctions. Another major positive is there's a one off joining fee around $50 and no other selling fees there after.
It looks like a couple of sellers have moved over already.
PLEASE--anybody that can--send the message below to any sellers you can. I have not even gotten to the Reiki or Spell category. Have done a few Psychic readers and over a 100 in the jewelry category but I'm scrounging for ID's to send messages from since eBay puts a daily cap on contacting sellers per ID.
ReplyDelete--------
In case you are not aware of how eBay's new rules will affect you and the sales of spells, readings, energy work and magickal items on eBay-please see this blog where many sellers are sharing opinions and info as each contacts eBay for clarification of the new rules banning magick, spells, conjures, tarot, psychic readings, rituals, Tarot readings, Reiki, etc... taking affect Aug.30th
ebaymetaphysical.blogspot.com
Spread the word!
Please do not reply to this ID but to ebaymetaphysical at gmail dot com
This message is from JanetKarmel---
ReplyDeleteHello Again,
I was on the phone with the CEO, there will only be listings allowed as classified ads.
They can say anything, spells and so on, however if we want to list our stuff in the Everything else category, we can not specify anything as Magic or otherwise.
I have deleted my eBay store and I will not be posting my items as classified ads. I have a personal website hauntedshoppe.com/HauntedShoppe.html
I would be happy to post some of your items on the site for you and anyone who would like to.
My personal E-Mail is ******** please feel free to contact me anytime.
- janetkarmel
Very nice looking site
DeleteeBid is looking like the best alternative, they can import your current feedback rating (numbers only, not comments), offer stores, no fees after a one time 50.00 seller+ subscription, and already have categories specific to our fields... I reserved the .net matching my .com, and will be linking to an eBid store this week, to list the items I felt should be pulled due to these recent changes (potions). This may turn out to be a positive situation; having another outlet for such offerings. Let's keep brainstorming and sharing ideas, as we prepare for what may come.
ReplyDeleteGreetings to All!
ReplyDeleteI am known as "thehealingdragon11" on eBay and even tho I am not a Mega-Seller like most of you are I have not been pleased with eBay and their policies for quite some time. The last time I called and spoke with one of their customer service agents I got the distinct impression they were not pleased with our kind selling our items on eBay and really never received any type of resolution to the issue that I had called and complained about.
I have read through all the comments and agree 100% that it is time for us to unify and become one outside eBay and unfortunately it will take time (which some of us don't have much of right now) to get a clear and concise ideal of where to go and how to restart again.
Each of us are unique and diverse in our own way when dealing with Spirits & Magick and are here to service mankind when an indivdual comes to us for help...now is the time we stand strong and committed not to just one another...but to your loyal clients as well.
I think someone had written about it going against our Constiutional Rights of Practicing our Faith and Lawsuits. Yes, we are each allowed by the US Consitutional Law to be able to speak and practice our faith openly (if one choose so), but in all honesty I don't know how a lawsuit will help us at this moment; considering most large corporations have more attorneys and money than we do at the moment and would be tied up in the court system for years as are most Class Action Suits.
The one thing that comes very strong to mind and that will alert not just our buyers but the world of how bias eBay is " The Media"!
The media is always looking for new news and I feel very strong in saying this - contact your local news station plus the ones that are located in the San Jose CA area where eBay's HDQTRS are located and I'm sure that the media will be knocking at their door wanting to ask many questions of their upper management and CEO about the company's new policies. The media would be a much quicker way of spreading the news for us especially if they have a copy of what eBay will and will not permit new policy.
I do believe one thing tho and that is if the Metaphysical Community leaves eBay it will be hard on each one of us to have to restart. We have all survived our battles before and will continue to do so; but in the long run eBay will loose in more than one way.
Namaste to You All,
thehealingdragon11
If you are having a problem posting a comment please email ebaymetaphysical@gmail.com and it will be manually posted.
ReplyDeleteFROM JINNANDTONICS
We might want to consider, the we all use the same NEW keywords in our titles (web-wide) due to those who are adapting on ebay, (ourselves included) will be informing our clients of new search keywords to help them locate our listings. If we all share the keywords changes, it will strengthen the buyer confidence in our presence.
Any suggestions or ideas?
These keyword prohibitions are going to force ebay to shoot themselves in the foot. If they banned keywords like magic, this will effect Harry Potter merchandise, Magic the Gathering merchandise, and (God-forbid) books and music with this word in the title... Can we live in a world where you cannot be aloud to bid on:
That Old Black Magic—Written by: Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer; recorded by: Glen Miller, 1943 (1# on Billboard); Margaret Whiting and the Freddie Slack Orchestra, 1943 (#10); Sammy Davis Jr., 1955 (#16); Louis Prima & Keely Smith, 1958 (#18)
This Magic Moment—Written by: D. Pomus/M. Shuman; recorded by: The Drifters, 1960 (#14), available on the album The Very Best of the Drifters
Puff the Magic Dragon—Peter, Paul & Mary, 1963 (#2), from the album Moving
Do You Believe in Magic—Lovin’ Spoonful, 1965 (#9), from the album Do You Believe in Magic
Magic Carpet Ride—Steppenwolf, 1968 (#5), from the album Steppenwolf the Second
Black Magic Woman—Santana, 1970 (#5), available on the album Black Magic Woman
Strange Magic—ELO (Electric Light Orchestra), 1976 (#14), from the album Ole’ ELO
Magic—Olivia Newton-John, 1980 (#1), from the album Xanadu
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic—The Police, 1981 (#3), from the album Ghost in the Machine
You Can Do Magic—America, 1982 (#8), available on the album You Can Do Magic
Magic—The Cars, 1984 (#12), from the album Heartbeat City
Seriously, if they don't ban these products... I believe our constitutional rights might be violated. Perhaps ABC News would be upset over the loss of rights to purchase - Red Hot Chili Peppers Magic Man on ebay?
My store is "Spell Bound Magick" two of these three words will be prohibited...according to ebay CS we will not be able to list at all using our store name
DeleteIf you are having a problem posting a comment please email ebaymetaphysical@gmail.com and it will be manually posted.
ReplyDeleteFROM JINNANDTONICS
We might want to consider, the we all use the same NEW keywords in our titles (web-wide) due to those who are adapting on ebay, (ourselves included) will be informing our clients of new search keywords to help them locate our listings. If we all share the keywords changes, it will strengthen the buyer confidence in our presence.
Any suggestions or ideas?
These keyword prohibitions are going to force ebay to shoot themselves in the foot. If they banned keywords like magic, this will effect Harry Potter merchandise, Magic the Gathering merchandise, and (God-forbid) books and music with this word in the title... Can we live in a world where you cannot be aloud to bid on:
That Old Black Magic—Written by: Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer; recorded by: Glen Miller, 1943 (1# on Billboard); Margaret Whiting and the Freddie Slack Orchestra, 1943 (#10); Sammy Davis Jr., 1955 (#16); Louis Prima & Keely Smith, 1958 (#18)
This Magic Moment—Written by: D. Pomus/M. Shuman; recorded by: The Drifters, 1960 (#14), available on the album The Very Best of the Drifters
Puff the Magic Dragon—Peter, Paul & Mary, 1963 (#2), from the album Moving
Do You Believe in Magic—Lovin’ Spoonful, 1965 (#9), from the album Do You Believe in Magic
Magic Carpet Ride—Steppenwolf, 1968 (#5), from the album Steppenwolf the Second
Black Magic Woman—Santana, 1970 (#5), available on the album Black Magic Woman
Strange Magic—ELO (Electric Light Orchestra), 1976 (#14), from the album Ole’ ELO
Magic—Olivia Newton-John, 1980 (#1), from the album Xanadu
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic—The Police, 1981 (#3), from the album Ghost in the Machine
You Can Do Magic—America, 1982 (#8), available on the album You Can Do Magic
Magic—The Cars, 1984 (#12), from the album Heartbeat City
Seriously, if they don't ban these products... I believe our constitutional rights might be violated. Perhaps ABC News would be upset over the loss of rights to purchase - Red Hot Chili Peppers Magic Man on ebay?
FROM JINNANDTONICS
ReplyDeleteHere is the contact info for NBC Investigative News Tips:
feedback@nbcbayarea.com
This one serves the local area where ebay head qtrs is located. The more responses they receive the better.
New keywords, I've already removed the word "spell" and "spells" from all my listings, as well as store categories, about me, etc. Words I'll be using, which I'm sure we all have used before, are enchanted, incantations, energized, anointed...
ReplyDeleteI've also removed any items that could be considered "potions".
Hopefully we will still be able to sell anointed and enchanted jewelry.
I am Jamie AKA BluJay76 I have been thinking about eBay's new rule and in a way feel as if we stepped back into the burning times. We are banned from offering our spells, why? As a Pagan it is my religious right to offer my creations. I do not see eBay removing crucifixes nor do I see a removal of the rosary, all in which are used to pray AKA ask for a blessing. I almost feel as if eBay deserves a class auction lawsuit for what I feel is religion prejudice. Until they remove bibles I will feel discriminated against.
ReplyDeleteWith that being said I have a idea to share with my friends. Use your "religion" and list your offerings as "Pagan Made Inner Eye Pendant" (example) Then fill your listing in small type about our rights to offer our beliefs just as Christans offer theirs. What shall eBay do then...Ban witches because our believes differ? That is a lawsuit waiting to happen! Please share this is you agree ~ BluJay76 - AKA Jamie From BluJay's Haunted Magick
Miss Blue Jay really has something here going!!! Great idea and hers some help to really implement things:
DeleteSo here is how we can do things.
Take your current spells on list tem in eBay category:
Everything Else > Religious Products & Supplies > Educational Materials
Then list the item as a printed paper and ship it to the buyer as an added page for their Book of Shadows. Of course on your end you can do the direct spell and whatever you desire.
If we see in the coming future that eBay is having a problem with metaphysical, paranormal, haunted jewelry we will simply list them here: Everything Else > Religious Products & Supplies > Jewelry
I wanna see them try and delete all our "Religions Items"
Great minds working together here folks can create great accomplishments.
Again these are temp fixes to the current eBay problem, the only way we can truly fix this is through the Mega-Meta-Online Marketplace. I now have 16 meta sellers aboard and ready, pass this along so many more can join. If interested please message me.
wonderful ideas, both sending pages of spells, as well as listing under religious.
DeleteSTART TELLING EBAY THIS IS DISCRIMINATION!
ReplyDeleteLets fill their facebook! It worked with Paypal and Regretsy getting Paypal to back down. Bad press is bad press!
http://www.facebook.com/eBay
http://www.facebook.com/ebaydotin
DeleteEBay India
http://www.facebook.com/eBay.co.uk
eBay UK
DeleteALL OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGES OF EBAY
Italy, Germany, France, Indonesia, etc....
http://www.facebook.com/eBay
http://www.facebook.com/ebaydotin
EBay India
http://www.facebook.com/eBay.co.uk
eBay UK
http://www.facebook.com/ebay.de
http://www.facebook.com/eBayPhilippines
http://www.facebook.com/ebaymotors
http://www.facebook.com/eBayFashion
http://www.facebook.com/EbayGivingWorks
http://www.facebook.com/ebaydailydeals
http://www.facebook.com/eBay.Malaysia
http://www.facebook.com/eBayCanada
http://www.facebook.com/eBayFrance
http://www.facebook.com/eBayanuncios
http://www.facebook.com/eBayClassifieds
http://www.facebook.com/eBayMainStreet
http://www.facebook.com/chodientu
http://www.facebook.com/eBayGreen
http://www.facebook.com/pages/eBay-Advertising/116856088369100
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shop-Ebay/133867573382861
http://www.facebook.com/eBay.store.Albania
http://www.facebook.com/ebay.it
http://www.facebook.com/ebayinc
http://www.facebook.com/eBayMarketplace
http://www.facebook.com/orderebay
NOTE: Please see lists of eBay email addresses, fax #'s and phone numbers as well as all official Facebook pages on the Bombard Ebay post!
ReplyDeleteI NEED HELP!
ReplyDeleteI have a list of over 1600 eBay employees and department heads but these names need to be put into the standard email format eBay uses. This is easy but I can not do it all myself. It would take me hours and hours.
We NEED these emails for our mass email campaign to get heard.
So--PLEASE email me at ebaymetaphysical@gmail.com if you are willing to help. If we split the list among us we could be done quickly.
We could buy the list complete with emails and phone number extensions but its 1500.00
Well, I just called eBay, and basically the guy knew nothing. He could only recite the things from the list with no other added information other than to check the User Agreement and Prohibited items to get more clarification. However, before I called I made a list of questions and goals for the conversation. I'm wondering if these questions sent by email to eBay staff would be good. With all the differing and contradictory input from eBay CS, we need something IN WRITING. We need a list of DO'S AND DON'TS approved by an eBay staff member so that we have tangible recourse if they start pulling our listings when we thought we were doing it "right."
ReplyDeleteThis is my list. Please add, or make suggestions to it...
QUESTIONS:
Is Spell-Cast Jewelry still allowed to be sold on eBay in the catagory: Everything Else >
Metaphysical >Psychic, Paranormal >Jewelry
Can we sell Jewely with attached Spirits, Gaurdians, Genies, and other types of Entites?
What exactly has been banned?
Are there certain banned words, and what are they?
Do they apply to Listing Titles only, or to the listing itself?
Can we use other "words" other than the banned words that mean the same thing?
What do you advise our action to be?
***We need a set of new rules in writing becase we have been getting hugley conflicting info from other sellers who have called in.
Get the persons email address and say I will send this to you, as a copy of what you said. Please reply: YES, THIS IS CORRECT. We need some means of recourse with these new and contradicting rules.
If there are varying and contradictory rules, how are these rules going to be enforced?
From what I read and understand on the new list of meta sub-categories being discontinued, they are referring to "spells" as the service of casting for others... same as for readings, reiki "remote" healings, etc. The idea above of sending a paper copy of the spell sounds really good. Reiki healers could also send a stone or crystal, to be used as a link or point of contact to send energy. Perhaps readers could mail out a cloth or something for their client to keep on them for three days prior to the reading, then mail back as a point of contact Just a few thoughts.
ReplyDeletethese would only work if the new rules apply to listings not including a physical item being shipped to the winning bidder... if they claim that items enchanted with spells or spirits cast within are prohibited, then the other idea of Methias Chinoa, listing under religious supplies>jewelry may be helpful.
DeleteOr maybe posting under "everything else> meta> wicca> other" might be another option.
DeleteIndeed, that should be the final option. We start listing everything under the Wicca & pagan category. Are they going to tell us whats right and wrong within that?
DeleteFrom ebay FB - just now!
ReplyDeleteLike · · 29 minutes ago
eBay Hi Lisa, as part of our latest Seller Release we announced the closing of some categories. Every year we restructure, close, and edit our categories to improve the shopping experience onsite. The Metaphysical category is going to be closed at the end of the month, and items from that category will not be allowed to be listed onsite. More details can be found here: http://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/news/fallupdate2012/categoryupdates.html?ssPageName=categoryupdatesABPost ~terri
6 minutes ago · Like
FROM BAPHOMETDAWN
ReplyDeleteI have been reading through the comments on the blog and there's some really great points and ideas.
Ebay are giving conflicting messages to different sellers, as kikiandpops have pointed out we all need to ask exactly the same questions.
This way if/when we all get conflicting answers we can feedback this to Ebay in a strong way as a group, if they don't know what the rules are - how are we supposed to abide by them?
My guess is they really aren't sure where the line is drawn - as Jinnandtonics have pointed out keywords cover more than just the metaphysical sections unless they can narrow down
in which category those keywords appear. Which brings us onto the point raised about posting in the religeous category. It may be different in the USA but in England this can cause
a lot of problems, when a friend of mine opened her metaphysical shop in a small town, the local church arranged vigils outside the shop and they would hassle and shout at anyone that entered!
If we were to post items in the religeous category would this result in complaints and give Ebay more ammunition to completely wipe out all metaphysical listings? Something to consider.
Another point on keywords, I doubt very much that Ebay would ban books on incantations, spells, magick etc so yet another grey area. It does seem very much that this is all about non-tangibles.
On where to go to sell banned listings, Ebid seems to be the best option. I have contact through a customer with another group of sellers who are moving their listings to them. We really need to stick together and move to one place rather than become fragmented, together we make a community offering variety and choice. They have the categories set up and would welcome the listings, along with the additional traffic we would bring with us. They have recently been advertising on the TV in the UK so are working on improving their traffic.
However, we need clarification before the changes/ban comes into effect. Do those that have contacted Ebay have a message or email from them or has the information been given verbally? If we
have evidence that there is conflicting information on the new rules then this should be sent to the top and ask for definite clarification. Our best attack is on their weakest point which is they can't specify exactly what the new rules are.
BaphometDawn
I agree, the more that move together, the better, if need be. I also agree that eBid.net is the way to go. I'm already set up with a store, linked to my .net domain, and will be listing several items tonight. I'm hoping ebay doesn't pull the meta> jewelry category, but if they do, I guess I'll be an eBidder. Get your user ID now, to ensure that you can keep the same name... if you don't have a domain, I suggest getting that too, to link to your store page (both .com and .net). Let's keep sharing ideas, suggestions, pulling together to preserve and maybe even improve our place, purpose and calling in life.
DeletePraying for us all, hoping for the best, yet preparing for the worst, RelicsAndRunes
and I do agree with your above mentioned problem with listing under religious supplies... people will complain... maybe the meta> wicca category if it's not pulled would be a better option, providing ebay doesn't prohibit all types of enchantments, talismans, tabernacles, etc.
DeleteIf anyone would like to preview my eBid.net store, which is currently empty, just to get an idea of their format, feel free to do so. www.relicsandrunes.net
three items listed on eBid.net ... feel free to check out the site ... www.relicsandrunes.net
DeleteI just opened an account on ebid too, ID: mysticoceans. I haven't worked on it yet, so it's empty at the moment. I think ebid might be a great opportunity for us all.
DeleteFROM JINNANDTONICS
ReplyDeleteFriends,
This is happening to us all, that in of itself, unites us.
Here is our strategy:
We are not trying to drive traffic TO any place yet, we are still waiting to see what happens at ebay, what this group finally decides, and THEN, we will drive our traffic TO a location.
What we are doing is setting up our presence (marketing our brand) everywhere. Three reasons: a)we can attract the traffic FROM these sites (as people stumble upon us) b) we will not be urgent in relocating if the worst case does occur c) networking (making new contacts with other sellers and getting referrals) - we have sales at Bonanza, and others from bonanza are already tweeting about us.
We have every intention of staying ON ebay for as long as possible (to mine their traffic). To do this, we plan to delete our guides and about me pages, strip our listings to appear and sound just like we were one of ebay's pride and joy. Plain text, short, sweet, professional, (creatively) presenting our "novelty" gifts, cultural items, religious tools, and "fantasy based" jewelry. We will list them in every NON-meta category possible....the idea is to blend in, grab traffic, and divert it to a different location.
If this means, we will offer only main-stream items on ebay, so be it.
Only "artsy" handcrafted items on Artfire, so be it.
Only "G" rated mainstream religious items on Bonanza, so be it.
Only our ebooks on Amazon Kindle, so be it.
IN EVERY PURCHASE on these many sites, we will market THE CENTRALIZED META MARKETPLACE, wherever this group determines that to be.
We will launch massive email, facebook, twitter, pinintrest, google adwords, and other banner ads on all the metaphysical, pagan, fantasy gaming, graphic novel sites, and any other genre relate places to push traffic. We will offer referral discount incentives for word of mouth traffic.
All along the way, promoting the positive things coming from ebay changes. This will help instill a confident and strong brand image to our clients.
You get the idea?
We offer services to people that are supposed to "improve" their lives. They turn to US when their lives are falling apart for guidance. They are ALL watching to see how we handle our crisis. Are we living up to the negative image that society projects upon us? Or are we walking the talk? Are we a living representation of how our beliefs carry us through difficult times? How we adapt and carry on will be forever a part of our history, but the changes we can create, the people we can help, and the impression we present can become our legacy to the future generations who will carry our beliefs. Change happens...accept, adapt, and be grateful for the opportunity to evolve and improve. All the buyer's eyes will be upon us very soon... what will we show them about who we are?
LIKE!
DeleteVery well said, and I agree... I am "cleaning" my listings and pages on ebay as well. As for a backup site, in case we all get pulled, my vote is eBid.net. I think it's the closest in format, look and feel to where we're all at now, and our customers will appreciate the similar bidding and shopping experience. I know it's still early, and I'm sure we're all continuing to look into other options. Let's keep exploring and sharing together. I truly believe we can endure, overcome, and even thrive through these challenging changes. Blessed be ~RelicsAndRunes
ReplyDeleteWell said, Jinnandtonics, VERY well said!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI realize the CH Marketplace doesn't have the traffic that eBay has, but it gets an enormous amount of traffic. I will post the traffic stats for reference.
ReplyDeleteI realize you are all discussing opening you own site, and I hope it all works out, but you have to get all those things in place, and how many sellers can withstand no sales & no paycheck in the interim? I realize some of you may have several months of savings, or some other income to fall back on, but I know some of you do not.
There's a lot to consider in opening your own site, and the biggest hurdle is going to get credit approval for accepting credit cards... unless you plan on only taking Paypal. There's also software to consider, PCI compliance, security software & monitoring services, and a hosting service capable of handling the traffic. I know because we went through all of this years ago. There's more than you think to opening a website that will handle multiple sellers and all the other sellers who will join your site in the future.
I would recommend that rather than initially focusing on opening your own site(s) that you concentrate on survival right now. Which means utilizing places like bonanza, or Etsy, any other auction/listing sites, and the Marketplace. We all share the same buyers & collectors, there's no doubt about that.
You should be spreading yourself out into multiple venues to keep yourselves with exposure. That's just my opinion, take it as you wish.
Even if you guys think that you are going to create a market site & that you'll be open to anyone, you will still get proclamations from other sellers for being exclusionary & having a clique. You aren't going to avoid that. I know that because the CH Marketplace has been free since 2007 and open to any seller, and even in this very circle we still get accused of having a clique! Even when any one of you could register & sell for free and you wouldn't even hear from us unless there was a problem.
ReplyDeleteSo, be prepared to deal with that as well. Any time you have a site, you will be accused of things that aren't true, and will be accused of being selective or secretive even if you are as open & widely receptive as possible.
Well my idea was different than your marketplace. Your marketplace is an extension of your site, this one would be a total stand alone. My site that is opening will be a private store for my group and my group only with my current social site being an extension of that online store.
DeleteThis marketplace that I have proposed will be a total stand alone project. Most sellers and buyers will not even know who opened it or controls it without actually being behind the scenes. Yours while you have done a great job and I salute you in all that you have done over the years is purely a marketplace that is filled with the scents and sounds of Creepy Hollows.
I would love to have you onboard when the time comes as well. Using your current traffic for this new marketplace would be a welcome addition, as well as your expertise from past trials and tribulations.
I have noted your problems as stated above and have compiled resources at my disposal. I have also spoken about taking on the cost for those that cannot in the beginning. As far as monitoring services, new hosting to take on traffic, etc, I think these are problems that when arise are considered "good" problems.
I think many people will be surprised when our private marketplace opens to the ease and beauty of our new site. The site uses more conventional and traditional methods of shopping with a modern flare.
Love to talk further with you when and if this actually comes around. I agree with you fully, what everyone should be doing in the next couple of weeks is securing their future and spreading their listings out to be seen by many.
This meta-marketplace and other projects we have proposed here and on the other pages is something we can discuss at a later time.
In all this eBay experience has shown us that we can all truly unite and when we want to we have some power.
*bows*
Namaste
Methias Chinoa Thirdeyecommunications ~ Mrs. Gula
I agree with the private sites. That is a must. It is really important in early, formative months after eBay to be seen in as many already established places as possible because this is how you will get NEW traffic. Obviously your current customers know how to find you.
ReplyDeleteAs for a collective site under a standalone domain, who no one will know who runs it... you're not going to circumvent the fact that people will realize someone owns it, and there will still be issues. It's an okay thought, but it's been tried before. It was tried in 2006, and again in 2008, and it doesn't work. More often than not it causes seller friction, and accusations of favoritism, elitism, etc begins to formulate.
At this point I think everyone should be developing their own, standalone points of interest, and/or using any established sites listed on this blog to keep the exposure going, and to keep sales coming. However, the ongoing issue for all of you is going to be traffic, getting new people into your sites. Which isn't cheap in the face of advertising costs.
Of course, we're not going anywhere and we continue to expand, so people who find CH will eventually find some of you through other members on the site... which happens now anyway!
I guess we will see, about the meta- mega site.
ReplyDeletebut it happens both ways. As an owner of a social Wicca ~ Pagan site with over 1,400 members in just 4 months I have seen the name Creepy Hollows thrown around the chat and the forum with new members posting "thank you for the new site", or "I will check them out soon", or "whos CH?"
This fight is for us all. You cannot expect to sit back and just think you are safe because of your site. That would be wrong, and I am hoping you aren't doing that. Many of your posts you are talking to us as "you" or "you guys are about to lose traffic"
Like it or not we are all inter-connected.
and I'm glad that You arent going anywhere and member will be able to find us all from your pages...
I'm sorry we were all united on this blog and you are kind of bringing a sense of negativity, or am I wrong here?
I think what ever we do we should do it in unison. Move to eBid for example, but also start immediately on creating our own Meta-Marketplace. The Market Place sounds like more than just a second rate option to ebay, it sounds like something PERSONAL TO US & OUR CUSTOMERS. Better than eBay. I have a very good feeling about it. There is no reason it shouldn't work. Yes there will be difficulties, but isn't that part of our expertise? Overcoming difficulties :+)
DeleteNothing great comes without a challenge. I will be updating the group as soon as I get a chance, this website ie eating away at my time.
DeleteMaybe it will work maybe it wont, but I have been taught to try. I myself have extraordinary traffic and can lay a great foundation, now imagine everyone together.
There are some post below talking about a united front, obviously they are so united they never took the chance to read all our posts that have already started to talk on this. Please pay no mind to those that try and harm this idea, or start to propose their "own" ideas. Let us forge ahead by committee when we are ready and see what we can do. If I have to lay the ground work with just a few to start and show what we will be, I can do that also.
Good day and good luck my friends.
Ebay ID: Mystic_Oceans.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of great ideas being posted here. I love how we're all coming together and uniting as a community, which is what is going to save us in the end, I think.
There has been talk about other venues and taking all our clients with us as we move together, and I want to put my vote in for Ebid.net. I've just listed my first 4 items over there, and I have to say I really like it. It's similar to ebay in many ways, and feels pretty comfortable. We can import our ebay feedback, so we won't be starting out at the bottom. They support html code, so the listings look professional and attractive. They allow MANY methods of payment too, including Paypal (which is nice as most of our established clients are used to using it), but they allow checks, money orders, Google checkout and others as well. Best of all, it's considerably less expensive than ebay, and won't require a large upfront expense the way opening our own site would. I think if we could get our clients as a whole to move over there with us, it could be a good fit all around. JR had a great idea, having a "Grand Opening" wherever we end up, where each seller offered sale items/freebies/free shipping~whatever promotion works for you to get your clients over there. Thoughts?
I'm a web application developer, I'm involved in the Metaphysical area, and I'm thinking of creating an auction site in response to eBay closing the metaphysical categories.
ReplyDeleteThis would be an auction site specifically for metaphysical items and services, with low fees for sellers.
Hi Brother Rahman,
ReplyDeleteHere's the thing; I've already begun hands-on work on this project.
I'd be happy to add message boards and other parts to the site, as I too see the need for a unified area for sellers and buyers to be, that is unrelated to any specific seller.
I should have the Alpha version up and running within a few weeks (Alpha version means mostly functional though probably have some bugs).
For those who are interested in keeping track, I'll be writing updates to my twitter @MarcusFernstrom
Web application development is my job, it's what I do, and I see the need for speed on this, as Ebay isn't waiting.
I'll add to my last post;
ReplyDeleteI'll be creating a simple message board, and once it's up and running I invite everyone involved in the metaphysical community to come and give their opinion on the auction site I'm creating.
I want your input, your thoughts, on what I'm creating and how it can be improved.
I've been working on this for a few hours today already, and am well on my way.
Stay tuned.
So we all agree that e need to move to another site to sell on, in union .So can we begin a voting pole for all to vote on the forum we are gravitating towards so we can have some direction & begin moving forward ...there seems to be a lot of talk & not much action at present , lets get a decision made on our next home to start again , yes we should stay with eBay for the exposure as long as possible , but as we all know we need to put our eggs in more than one basket !
ReplyDeleteOne of you clever people out there im sure can get a pole going in a blink of an eyelid, or you can direct me on how to do this "ill be happy to " PLEASE LETS GET ACTIVE :~)
I also think we need to keep pushing at eBay. Jinnandtonics, myself and Aurora of Mystic Oceans are working on the email addresses of over 1500 SENIOR Employees and Department heads to use in mass emailing but we NEED HELP. They are doing great but we all have our own businesses too. I've been working around the clock just about on this blog and notifying sellers and I just had to pack and ship over 40 packages today too.
DeleteSo yes-I AM trying to 'shame' someone into some help on the email addresses.
Marcus, I think it's awesome you're working on a site, and I know I speak for many when I say how much we appreciate it. I for one can't wait to see your screen shots!
DeleteThat said, I also think that it will only help us to also go as a group to an established site. Ebay is pulling us all in TWO WEEKS. For those of you who're high volume sellers, several weeks of no income may not be an issue, but for the smaller businesses, it could mean missed mortgage payments or electric bills. I think we should choose a venue and email our clients NOW, so we can have a couple of weeks of overlap before the ebay axe falls. My vote is eBid.net. As I've said in other places on this blog, I like it because it has an ebay look & feel, which will likely make our clients comfortable. It supports html codes, so we can make our listings attractive and professional. They support paypal, which many of our clients are used to using, plus they allow checks, money orders, google checkout and others. It relatively inexpensive, considerably less than ebay. We can import our feedback from ebay, so we won't be starting at the bottom.
I'm happy to keep working with Ebay Meta Seller to email ebay~it certainly can't hurt~but I also want to get things moving in another direction, because after reading that message from the "Office of the President" yesterday, I don't really feel we're going to change anyone's mind. I hope I'm dead wrong, and if I am, I'll be the first one to GLADLY eat public crow, Verna. :)
Aveda, I've already announced that I'm ACTIVELY already working on a solution to this.
ReplyDeleteIn a few days I'll have screenshots up, and I keep updating my twitter @MarcusFernstrom with what I'm working on.
I'm also creating a message board that I hope lots of people will write their input on the auction site I'm creating.
I'm programming this from scratch, custom made for its purpose.
This blog is becoming so large I dont want anything lost in the shuffle so I will add this on every page. When the eBay smoke clears and we have all done what we each decided to do to protect ourselves we are planning on forming a meta site in the forms of eBay for all of us to join and drive traffic to. For everyone that emailed me already I have received them and will introduce everyone in some type of format in the coming future. For the rest that still want in please email me here: thirdeyemaster1@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIf you still want more info look through the posts on what we are proposing.
Good Luck my friends.
Methias Chinoa - Thirdeyecommunications ~ Mrs. Gula
Bravo Marcus, speed is key.
ReplyDeleteFor all other sellers who've been absolutely great here & are truly involved in getting true unification together for the ultimate good of the community, if you need anything, you can contact Ash or I directly, and once you guys get going, let us know so we can do any part we can to get the word out!
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt that you guys can come up with a great plan! Don't leave eBay, keep up "legal" listings there, and place listings in EVERY available venue, not just one!!!
We're here if you need us for anything.
(sent anonymously)
ReplyDeleteOne strategy we might wish to implement is the sale of coupons to our various off-eBay websites.
eBay allows the sale of coupons. Here is the policy: http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/manufacturers-coupons.html
After doing some research, I think I would most likely like to set up coupons similar to what is offered on this site:
http://www.uspsychic.com/spdi.html
Since we each offer a variety of high ticket magickals, this might be a great way to promote our off-eBay stores while still maintaining a presence on eBay and following their rules.
What do you think?
I think this is a GREAT idea! Big thanks to whoever had this wonderful idea! :D
DeletePosted this a little higher up, but wanted to make sure it was seen. :)
ReplyDeleteMarcus, I think it's awesome you're working on a site, and I know I speak for many when I say how much we appreciate it. I for one can't wait to see your screen shots!
That said, I also think that it will only help us to also go as a group to an established site. Ebay is pulling us all in TWO WEEKS. For those of you who're high volume sellers, several weeks of no income may not be an issue, but for the smaller businesses, it could mean missed mortgage payments or electric bills. I think we should choose a venue and email our clients NOW, so we can have a couple of weeks of overlap before the ebay axe falls. My vote is eBid.net. As I've said in other places on this blog, I like it because it has an ebay look & feel, which will likely make our clients comfortable. It supports html codes, so we can make our listings attractive and professional. They support paypal, which many of our clients are used to using, plus they allow checks, money orders, google checkout and others. It relatively inexpensive, considerably less than ebay. We can import our feedback from ebay, so we won't be starting at the bottom.
I'm happy to keep working with Ebay Meta Seller to email ebay~it certainly can't hurt~but I also want to get things moving in another direction, because after reading that message from the "Office of the President" yesterday, I don't really feel we're going to change anyone's mind. I hope I'm dead wrong, and if I am, I'll be the first one to GLADLY eat public crow, Verna. :)
Thanks, Aurora.
DeleteI'm making serious headway, and should have some screenshots later on today, and hopefully a messageboard within a few days. I really want the community to be involved in this, and as soon as I've completed some of the basic functions, I'll invite you all to the message board where I'll be noting everyones input on what they want to see in this auction site.
Again I'll point out that I'm a programmer by profession, I'm not playing around with off-the-shelf products or downloading a wordpress plugin, I'm coding every last bit of this from scratch, myself, to build a solid auction site for the whole metaphysical community.
Lots of goodies planned to help sellers advertise their items, low fees and lots of flexibility.
When the site is ready for Alpha status (Useable though with bugs) it will be free to use for sellers and buyers while we work out any bugs.
I write updates on progress on my twitter @MarcusFernstrom
Guess I need to figure out twitter now...another hurdle in a week of jumping, lol. :)
DeleteSorry about that Aurora, but on the upside it's easy to get going with twitter, and you don't actually have to sign up to read my tweets: https://twitter.com/marcusfernstrom
DeleteFrom a seller---
ReplyDelete"I have phoned ebay twice and have ok'd the verbage....fyi, spirit and enchanted are fine to use....so is charmed, gifted, coven, & wicca. The jewelry category will still be around. I believe this could be a good change if it eliminates the charlatans that plague our category. However, I will check out the blog. Thanks for the extra info."
From me--
People need to realize that eBay is giving totally mixed and confusing info. JUST because a simple CS rep says something is OK means NOTHING! They are just as confused as we are and each interprets the info themselves until word comes down from the higher up departments.
If we ignore everything and go business as usual-many of us will find ourselves with massive policy violations. Perhaps enough for eBay to justify account suspensions. Maybe this is eBay's plan all along?
While I am very excited to find this union blog, I don't think there is any reason to go into immediate panic mode....we need to remember, "where there is a will, there is a way" I have phoned ebay 2 times and have gotten the same reply both times, by different people. I have also gotten the "ok" on specific terms to be used. I sell primarily enchanted jewelry and this category, as you all know, will still be there, for now. I was told, by each rep., that they are trying to "clean up" the category of meta , in general. They are obviously doing away with the areas they feel they get the most complaints about. I asked if my type of jewelry (obviously paranormal, as still in that section of the category), is still permitted to sell. I was told yes. Then, I was told not to use the words MAGIC, BLESSED / BLESSINGS, HAUNTED, SPELLS, POTIONS, PSYCHIC, etc. I was told that ENCHANTED (ING), SPIRIT (UAL), WICCA (N), CHARMED, GIFTED, MYSTIC (AL), are all ok, as well. She even read over some of my newly revised listings and told me they were good. In my testimonials, I did an underscoring of prohibited words, as to not change their original testimony (i.e. : ble__ed be, ma__ck, sp__ls) That too was approved from an ebay rep. This is really all I know at this point and I am worried that they will take the category away eventually. It's going to be mighty difficult, especially with Samhain around the corner, to eliminate the word Witch, Magic, etc.....but, more power to them. It's a wonderful idea to branch out and protect ourselves under this uncertain time. I am going to check out ebid, myself. Banding together is all we can do right now and stay positive / strong, together. Sharing ideas is great. I too have also considered changing categories to religious items, other, etc. The main thing is to know what to put in our titles to direct our traffic. Again, let's not panic but be pro-active and clean up our wording in our listings as to abide by their rules. AND, this COULD be a good thing in the long run. We all know there are many charlatans out there that are just in this for $$, never blessing anything. For those of us who are doing this for real, maybe this will weed out the others....IDK, but, I'm trying to stay positive. I will continue to come here and read everyone's ideas. And, when a new site comes about, you can bet I'll be one trying it out. Good luck to us all and blessed be......
ReplyDeleteABC NEWS, LA TIMES, UPI, the Examiner and many more all talking about our petition and the eBay ban. Who would have known! Good job! Click here to read through the links: http://thirdeyecoven.ning.com/profiles/blogs/people-started-to-talk-about-the-ban
ReplyDeleteI was relisting a "buy it now" item in my store lastnight, which was previously in the spells / potions cat. I received a message at the top of the page, explaining that this category will be removed on the 30th, and all listings will be removed by the 10th of Sept. This was not the case with jewelry or "other".
ReplyDeleteI also received my first inquiry from a customer, if I'll still be around after the end of the month. Have any of you contacted your customers yet, with info on your plan b, or are you waiting to see what exactly happens? I've already drafted a letter, which I was going to print and mail, as well as email to their paypal email addresses. Just don't want to put the cart before the horse.
Anyone else started an eBid store? I've got three items listed, directed from my .net domain, and so far, no sales, as expected. I'm going to put a few more buy it now items on eBid, getting things ready if all goes wrong, but still hopeful that we'll be allowed to remain on ebay with talismans and tabernacles.
Lastly, just wondering, has ebay mentioned the word "haunted"... and how many of you still use the word in your title?
I'm not using haunted, Jason....seriously considering not using any obvious craft terms.....limiting to energized, charged, and words like that.....less easy to find. I'm hoping our customers will read between the lines and know what our items are. It's going to be harder to sell on ebay, even if we stay. I think I'm searching for a good plan B, too!
ReplyDeleteJason, I haven't emailed many of my customers, but I did send out sort of a "test run" email to all the ones who've purchased from me for the last month or two. I sent it out around midnight last night, and at 6 this morning, I had somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 hits on various items in my ebid store (no sales), and the same number approximately on ecrater, with one sale via ecrater and one via response to my email. My hits have been going up incrementally all day (though still very low numbers compared to ebay, of course). Like you, I don't want to jump the gun before we find out absolutely what's going on and where everyone else plans to land, but I also want to get started and get some traffic in my alternate sites just in case everything does get pulled.
ReplyDeleteI use haunted in my titles. I loathe the word itself as it's an extremely poor descriptor, but my traffic is twice as high when it's there~some people search specifically for "haunted rings," so I want to be there in the results. I've relisted some pieces with both haunted and spirit in the title~so far no issues or comments from ebay, but again it's only mid August.
I plan to still be on ebay regardless of what they decide. If it turns out spirit vessels are not allowed, then I'll offer metaphysical "plain" jewelry, supplies and products, and let my clients know they can request any "additional endowments or presences." Or something similar, at least. :) Then direct them over to ebid for future purchases.
From---Jinnandtonics---
ReplyDeleteHi Jason,
We moved our items out of spells category, into religion or into paranormal - jewelry. However, because the limitations on keywords do not start for a couple of weeks, we are only change a few to test the traffic in other categories. Unfortunately, an unexpected situation from media attention when we contacted the news stations in San Jose, has led to a spike in our traffic, so it is difficult to know what is client based.
There are several of us with stores in ebid.net (just not turned on yet), we have not notified any customers of our move other than to say we will be moving to many places and more info will be released. We are going to both move to other locations AND stay on ebay with modified listings. The word "haunted" was not on the prohibited list, however, the CS we spoke to highly recommended we not use it. I suspect if we list our Samhain items with "haunted" or "hallowed" we should be okay if they are worded appropriately. But, it might not work well for gemstone jewelry. We replaced spell with Charm, spells with Enchantment, blessings with attributes, and avoided overstating the spiritual implications as an implication of endowment. Trying to refer to the "history" or "Folklore" which "inspired" the jewelry.
Well, that was clear as mud :\
like it Jinn....that's a lot like what I'm doing too. I just mainly don't want to wake up one day early Sept. to find that all of my listings have been pulled and I'm suspended. This little tidbit was buried deep in the fall seller updates. Also, the CS reps seem to be cloudy on the issues. Personally, I think it's going to be hard to decipher the Samhain items....what's decor vs. jewelry vs. enchanted, etc. Ebay better hire a few more folks to monitor all this prohibited wording. Hopefully, our voice will be heard and they'll ease up...but, having sold on ebay for almost 7 yrs, I find that unlikely.
DeleteCheck out a brand new website, created especially for us:
ReplyDeletewww.magickals.com Carlos is web designer's name and he is working out the kinks.... Looks good to me....if we direct our people there, who knows? It could be a real blessing!
Well, it resembles ebay in an entertaining way, but I'm not personally thrilled with a listing fee. Final value fee, sure--that's fair...but paying to list on an as-yet unproven site? I can't really see it. Also, no one else seems to be there yet.
DeleteIt looks good, but how will anyone find us? Will the site be subbmitted to google? I know we will bring out customers with us, but how will new customers find us?
DeleteI have gone ahead and hired some of my people to begin the process of building the mega meta marketplace. It will cost several thousand but will be highly advanced and unique. I will foot the bill, that is not a problem. Follow updates on its new facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/MagickMarket
ReplyDeleteMagickMarket.com is the name chosen by several of us.
That way in case something happens it can be ready. I will update all those that have emailed me shortly.
Everybody is playing a role in this and together we will strive. Especially want to thank Verna for her amazing work.
Good job Bewitched! It looks just like eBay (thumbs up)! Is it just for you guys, or any sellers?
ReplyDeleteSo, who will be allowed on your Market Methias?
Are you guys abandoning the idea of having a central, non-seller run Marketplace, and instead each creating their own and then we all just list on one anothers?
That would work too.
MagickMarket.com is open to everyone and anyone. The one that bewitched is talking about was created actually by one of our buyers who panicked to not having an outlet. It is a simple site but does not have the power and the knowledge behind it for my liking. I asked several questions about traffic, hosting, software, cc processing, all to no avail. I will not put my trust simply anywhere at this moment. I think many more might start popping up trying to take advantage of our plight. I especially don't like the fact that this person is going around to each meta seller and telling them that they are the first to know, and how should he do this, and that? I also asked several questions in which I knew the answers to and received the in-correct answer for reasons unknown to me. Be careful where we drive our traffic. We have the power at this moment.
DeleteTrue.....I wasn't sure who it was that created it...just got the message from Carlos via ebay. I do think it's an alternative to consider, however. We all need to be researching at this point. I listed one item on TopHatters yesterday but the forum is different.....the final auction is all at one time...not sure I like that. What if your buyer misses that one moment? Or, perhaps there's an alternative and I just didn't spend enough time there. At any rate, it's good we have options. I am for anything that works, at this point. I think we need to not panic, but be ready. Union is key....sticking together! I do have a personal website but it's not as easy to list there as ebay and clearly, not nearly the traffic. Auctiva offers a system that I need to look further into. It might not be a bad idea for those that don't use Auctiva to make an account (9.99 per mo) fot their stored templates / images. You can copy / paste your html and pics and have them ready for wherever we go (Lilith, I know you were having a problem saving yours.) Just an idea! Keep the ideas coming and communication b/t us all is key! Blessings!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI just received another email from ebay's Executive Office. Don't we all love the canned answers we get from these people every time we contact them? I asked for specifics, and got ambiguity.
ReplyDeleteHere's what I asked:
Thank you for your response, but I still have some questions. Please clarify the following points for me:
1) Can we sell jewelry or other objects with attached Spirits, Guardians, Djinn, and/or other types of Entities?
2) Can we sell jewelry or other objects that has been cast with spells, blessings or other types of energy?
3) Are there certain banned words, and what are they?
4) Do these banned words apply to Listing Titles only, or to the listing itself?
5) Can we use other "words" other than the banned words that mean the same thing?
There has been a lot of conflicting information coming from your customer service representatives about what will and will not be allowed, so I would appreciate you giving me a definite answer on each of the above so I can plan accordingly. My livelihood will be seriously affected by your decision.
Peace,
Aurora Sundberg
Ebay's Response:
Thank you for your response as well. I will be glad to clarify the additional points you raised:
#1 & #2
We are not exiting ALL of Metaphysical categories; 42 subcategories will remain. Items that have a tangible value (based on a physical object) but also may be used in metaphysical rites and practices (jewelry, crystals, incense, candles, books, etc.) are allowed, as long as the value of the item is not significantly based on the metaphysical claims of the listing.
Intangible items – things that eBay would not be able to confirm whether the buyer received or items where the value is placed on an intangible factor (someone’s “soul”, spells, potions, hexes, curses, prayers, blessings, psychic and tarot readings, remote healing sessions advice, etc.) aren’t allowed.
#3 & #5
We do not have a list of banned words regarding this change. The information I provided in response to #1 & #2 should hopefully help answer this question as well.
#4
While we don’t have a list of banned words, when reviewing listings for any policy violation, we review the listing in its entirety (description, product details, title, and more).
I would also like to apologize for your experience with our customer service: I am sorry to hear that a consistent message was not provided to you by our customer service teammates when you called in for clarification. I’ve shared this information with our Quality Assurance team, and we will be taking the appropriate action to ensure that our teammates are providing both an accurate and consistent message on this topic.
I hope I’ve been able to provide the clarification you were looking for.
Regards,
eBay's Office of the President
It's great to see more people working on solutions.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to keep working on my site of course, as I'm creating it specially for the metaphysical community and spirit keepers.
I'm not doing this in affiliation with any specific seller, it's me as a programmer doing this.
As the programmer building it from scratch I can also change things as the community votes on changes, additions, and common sense, and I will always be working on making it better and better (These things can generally not be easily done with a canned, downloadable software package, as you'd have to pay for every little change.)
So far I have created: Dynamic categories, category-listings, basic listings page, auction countdown function, rudimentary bidding system, and now I'm working on user registration and the message board.
You can follow my updates on twitter, @MarcusFernstrom
When the auction site is up and running proper, part of the profit made from running it will go to paying for various advertisements, this is done to give more exposure to the items sold by everyone who uses the site, and to grow public knowledge of where to go to find metaphysical items.
ReplyDeleteI now have a rudimentary user registration up and I'm working on creating a simple message board where anyone who wants can give their input on the site, how to improve on the site, and vote on features.
Once I reveal the URL where you can create an account I will also create another venue for updates, such as a specific twitter account or facebook group. And I of course keep updating my own twitter with updates on things I work on, among other projects this auction site.
I have updated creepyhollows question and answered many questions concerning magickmarket.com on the other page. Again if you want to be a part of the discussions that have started behind the scenes and get updates or voice your opinion please email me at: thirdeyemaster1@gmail.com
ReplyDeletehttp://community.ebay.co.uk/topic/Business-Seller-News/Psychic-Readings-Spells/18000466497?start=24
ReplyDeletePlease read this....I found it in the discussion boards. The posts made from James, Ebay rep of UK, are good ones. And, the final post, is made by President of Ebay. It's at least clarifying of what they expect from us.
Just read, the last current post, the reply to the second set of questions, makes it even more confusing. Looks like we're all going to have to re-learn how to describe our items if we want to list on eBay.
Deleteexactly right....it's a game...a foolish run around ebay is putting us through...and, as much $$ as I've paid them over the last 7 years, I for one, am not happy with it!
ReplyDeleteI have no problem folowing the rules, but we have no idea what the rules are? What I can;t seem to understand, is how do you know if ebay thinks the value of your item is infalted due to a spell? It could be I value a necklace at 10.00, but they think its worth .99, then I have inflated the value due to the blessings, ect. Does ebay make those decisions? I am pulling all mine before this starts, because I have no idea how to fix something when I do not know how to word it that it is ok?
ReplyDeleteFROM JINNANDTONICS
ReplyDeleteI think the misunderstanding in the interpretation might be this:
The value (worth) or reason (purpose) for buying the tangible item cannot be embellished to appear more important or special due to magick, curses, spells, spirits, or souls. Meaning, even if you have a tangible product (crystal, jewelry, candle, incense, wands) the value (worth) cannot appear to be specifically due to the spell, spirit, or curse.
Not allowed: $50 rings selling for $300 because an intangible spirit is "claimed" to be conjured. Ebay cannot prove the conjuring was done, thus they can't verify the spirit is there.
You can sell a candle used for rituals, in spells, if you write about it as if you are selling a tool used in rituals, and you are not focused on the intangible aspects like the value of the power in the spell.
Allowed: Wiccan Ritual tool alter candle for peace & prosperity.
Not Allowed: Wiccan money spell candle magick - makes you rich.
Allowed: Crystal quartz pendant metaphysical energy tool for health rituals.
Not Allowed: Healing Elixir Wiccan Spell - Cures baldness & gallstones.
Spell kits (borderline) will be allowed if they are promoted as tools, not magick.
Djinn conjuring, dragon spirits, khodam, angels, demons, NOT ALLOWED even if they have a tangible vessel. Not allowed because they can't verify the djinn is there. So, item not as described disputes can not be resolved and paypal or ebay gets stuck with it. Buyers say its empty no spirit - sellers say its inhabited w/spirits = ebay seller/buyer protection FAIL. Paypal has to refund the buyer and protect the seller due to the way the policy is written. If they change the policy it effects non-meta issues, so... Bye Bye Meta Sellers. This is how I interpret the policy.
Even IF I am wrong and I hope I am... Can we risk it?
We will maintain our presence on ebay for those straggling customers who only check in 1-2 times a year, so they can locate us,and so we can answer customer questions, and redirect the traffic off ebay. Consistent customer service will be important to re-establish some faith and security in the new market sites. Well... good customer service is a given in our profession, who doesn't love to dote on their clients? :) Tiffany
I am be wrong, but if this is the case, why not just list jewelry as jewelry? To me, its the only safe way to do it. My problem is beads, if I list them as beads, I will take a big hit. I have over 150 here I was planning on selling, but now Its plain I cant. I also wanted to let everyone know I am doing pretty well on artfire, over 250 in sales this past week. I am going to look at ebid, once the dust settles.
DeleteI just made my first sale on Ebid.net, and it was enough to cover their lifetime fees. It was one of my clients from the only 125 or so I sent a "test run" email to, so I feel very encouraged. I really think that if we all went together to another venue (my vote being Ebid) and sent emails to all our clients, had huge sales/promos/incentives to get them there, they'd go. Our clients want to buy these type of products, so once they're not allowed to be sold on ebay, logic dictates these people WILL go elsewhere. If a large number of us are in one place, then that's likely where they'll head, too.
ReplyDeleteI support all of you who are trying to come up with alternate plans, creating sites specifically for metaphysical offerings and whatnot. However, we are RUNNING OUT OF TIME. For those of us who are small volume sellers, we MUST have an alternate in place and hopefully already getting traffic when ebay stops allowing our products.
Let's organize a mass email project, full of POSITIVE ENERGY (This isn't a bad thing! We will still be on ebay, and you can choose what you like there and we'll customize it with the spell/spirit of your choice! We're actually EXPANDING our businesses, not disappearing!). Let's put up a slew of extremely well priced pieces to entice our clients to head in that direction. Let's offer buy one get one sales, or free shipping, or free gifts with purchases! Let's bombard our clients with deals they can't pass up, and they will come! Once they've made a purchase at the alternate site, they'll begin to see how easy and similar to ebay it is, and they'll be comfortable coming back for more. I'm ready to get started. Who's with me??
Congrats Aurora! I'm with you 100%. Already have my letters printed explaining it to the customers, have a few items on eBid.net, linked to my new web address (www.relicsandrunes.net). I am also going to stay on eBay, offering items that I think and hope will still be allowed.
DeleteI appreciate the efforts of those working on their own sites, but I feel that eBid is our best option at this time. I'm thinking about making coupons, free shipping with your order, redemption code for a free product, etc, to send with items. I'm optimistic, and really think we'll all do well, no matter what course each of us take.
I am having my 60,000 plus saved emails(and aren't I glad i save everything! LOL) 'crawled' for customer addresses. Something I SHOULD have done long before now. So far my helper has 3,000 plus potential/past customer email addresses ready. These are from eBay, our website and other sources.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to post items on both eBid and Artfire and send out announcements. We have had a website, three actually, for years. We never pushed customers much to go over there but am starting now by putting a note in each package mailed.
I also plan on listing some items in the CH Marketplace and adding to my Etsy listings. I also will re-up Bonanza soon.
Of course we will stay on eBay as much as possible too
I have not edited ANY of my listings yet because I've been busy as some of you know.I will wait till the last week to do this to see how this plays out with eBay. I'm putting MORE listings up till then.
I think if we offer eBay some type of compromise they might be swayed. Perhaps they could give us our own section or make buyer protection not apply to our listings-something like that. They DO have the adult section totally segregated and always have. Not ideal for us but an option to keep us on eBay.
I believe if we keep up the pressure on eBay they might cave or compromise. I think the two pronged assault of discrimination and the severe financial issues this causes thousands of people(us)is good.
Many of those who may not believe will still empathize with us and our plight of a big corporation taking away our businesses we built over years. Consider the 99%er protests.
I agree. Continue bombarding ebay. Make sure you point out the religious discrimination angle as well as the big corporation ruining the little guy angle. Suggest solutions.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Ebid goes, JinnandTonics suggested a few days ago organizing a big sort of Blitz Day. Any other thoughts on that? I'd like to begin seriously emailing my clients as soon as possible. If any of you would like to contact me personally, my email address is themysticocean@yahoo.com.
Sent my first letter today, with a few items that I had to ship. New business cards printed (vistaprint), will be working on an email list of customers tonight and tomorrow. I'm going to make it blitz month, special offers, (free manna sugar with every fairy, free energy crystal with every Djinn, etc).
ReplyDeleteI think we all have a lot of work ahead, promoting whatever avenue we choose, but I believe it will be worth it, and all shall be well.
Blessed be,
Jason "Relic" Bryant
relicsandrunes@gmail.com
I have spoken, now, to 5 different eBay reps and I have basically come to the conclusion that it's going to be to eBay's discretion what they remove. I had two of the reps tell me that everything in our store looked fine because they were tangible items... THEN, I had 3 reps tell me that it doesn't matter if there is a tangible item because there is something INTANGIBLE attached to it! ARGH! I'm sorry guys, I thought I could get you all some straight answers, but in typical eBay fashion, there aren't any.
ReplyDeleteI would leave all of your stores just as they are, just move your things out of the categories that are going away, obviously, and let everything ride. See how it goes.
I still would NOT stop from pursuing other outlets for your listings. It is possible they are still planning on something and this was just a precedent they are setting to remove listings that their discretion.
Oh boy, guys, I don't know, I guess we'll all have to wait for the new doomsday... September 01, 2012. Hopefully, like all predicted doomsdays it will come & go without event.
Thank you for trying, Creepyhollows. It's so frustrating to get multiple answers like that! BTW, I just signed up for your marketplace in addition to the other venues I'm trying out. It looks great~thank you for your hospitality! :)
ReplyDeleteI have spoken to 3 reps, with absolutely no clarity at all from anyone of them ! I have persevered with Bonanza & truly feel its a waste of time , i like the look of eBid also , im very happy to go there in a mass with you all , each of us contacting our client base via emails once we all have eBid store addresses would be a very powerful way to help our clients find us , i agree stay with eBay if we can , taking down spells & waiting until " the day " to see whats left really all we can do ....lets go with eBid , lets have the BLITZ DAY to let everyone know untied asap & turn this mess around !
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Aveda!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear Aurora
ReplyDeleteWord of warning with eBid , we cant list non tangibles on there , must indicate something is be to be posted or they take listing off immediately , however psychic readers on the site are offering their readings to be sent via letter in the post or if " preferred" email of reading can be arranged ? Best not to aggravate them i guess & from the word go put something attached to our spell casts / at least they have "spells" as a category !
Yes, we want them to be as receptive of us as possible. I think printing out a reading is a great way to get around the "intangibles" rule. I've had one buy it now sale and I have bids on 2 items over there (all from prior customers I've sent that way), so I'm feeling encouraged! Once ebay has shut us down, I'll bet we get a lot more traffic over there.
ReplyDeleteHi, I was thinking about what if our listings do get pulled and we can all help each other on this. If you have one pulled share it right away with everyone so we know to alter ours. That will be a good way to let people what is okay and what is not okay.
ReplyDeleteI am going to offer only a few things and I promise to let you know if one gets pulled.
If Wicca is the only religion to get banned I am really really thinking about talking to a lawyer. I feel like I got fired because I cast rather then pray.
Anyway, if one listing gets pulled please let us all know so we can run and change ours.
Blessings and Hugs ~ Jamie
For those that are having problems and are getting pulled. Bonanza is rated G, no images of men with no shirts, no women, in bathing suits, camisoles, no underwear photos. I had a booth there about 6 months ago, and got listings pulled. All clothing that is not suitable for children, cannot be used in the photos. For those who need it, there is no importer, it is a lot of work, and there are no auctions, it is all fixed price, artfire allows us there. I have a post from last december from the ceo of artfire that tells what is allowed and what catagory they should be in. I also have a copy of the email, I got from AF staff, I am putting it here, so you can all see.
ReplyDeleteTo: lilithslair@hotmail.com
Subject: [#ABY-780560]: are psychic readings allowed?
Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:42:57 -0700
CC:
From: service@artfire.com
Hi Lilithslair,
ArtFire has no requirements or guidelines for specific services like this, you're welcome to offer your services in any way that you and your buyers see fit.
I did see that you had previously contacted us about the Certified Handmade Artifact. Services do not meet the definition of "handmade" as established in the requirements for that Artifact. Just wanted to make sure you are aware.
If there is anything else I can help you with or any other questions I can answer please let me know.
Thank You for your continued support of the ArtFire community,
Caleb Daniels
Director, Search Engine Optimization
ArtfireMarketing
POSTS: 15275 | VIEWS THIS TOPIC: 12164
STUDIO | BIO | BLOG
Posted On: Jan 5, 2011 at 10:52am MST
For clarity.
Handmade/Fine Art - made by the seller ( glued, screwed, attached, stitched, knitted, stuck, boiled, melted, fired, thrown, cut, welded, grown, baked, built, painted, sculpted, bent with your psychic powers etc.)
EITHER by hand or using a machine/computer/wheel/torch/kiln/microwave/blender/oven/death ray/
If you attach one thing to another it is handmade ( charm on a chain, flower on a hair bow)
Media - you wrote/edited/produced/filmed/programmed/recorded/animated etc. the music/book/software/film/cartoon/CD/DVD etc.
Design- You did not make the product but DESIGNED it ( drawings, prototypes, guide purchasing, selected fabrics, altered the manufacturing etc.)
Likely Design would expand to include fashion ( specifically indie designers)
Supplies - The item is intended to , listed as and described as a supply to be used to create something in handmade/fine art/or media. This includes educational materials, patterns and all traditional art/craft supplies as well as upcycle objects listed for upcycling.
Vintage - original objects older than 20 years and UNALTERED by the seller. Not virtual, digital (put that in media or supplies), vintage style ( put that in handmade or commercial), or altered vintage art ( put that in handmade)
Commercial/Resale (whatever it is to be called) - products that are not made by you, designed by you, authored/filmed/programmed by you and are not vintage, or not supplies.
Regardless of if they were handmade by someone, If you purchased them and want to sell them they go here. Anything that is not clearly a fit in other categories gets moved here.
Prohibited items still apply ( autos, laptops, electronics and accessories, OTC drugs, mass produced food, and whatever else we decide)
We go in design services, it is all lumped together, I would advise you to not post in the forums! They are awful! And be sure your photos are not to erotic.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any of my eBid listings pulled (yet...). I offer spell cast and spirit bound jewelry, but all my items have tangible, shipable pieces, so perhaps that's why. This really is discouraging because I've had 5 sales there, and have been feeling really good about them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jamie~let's all make sure we let everyone know immediately if we have a problem with a site.
I had listings pulled from eBid due to non tangibles ...okay lesson learnt fixed this issue with tangibles & new listings, once again offering different items & they have been pulled , i cant see why at present , there's no reason for it "as far as i can see" ....im waiting for them get back to me (ill let you all know) , their not in any hurry to respond ive found
ReplyDeleteWhat are you offering as a tangible with your spells? All the ones that are up now have either a ring or a stone or crystal. Perhaps a bag of river stones you purchase at Walmart or Hobby Lobby or similar (only a couple of dollars per bag, and easily incorporated into your spell work) would do the trick?
DeleteI don't have any quick fixes or answers...but I do know if ebay pulls all the avenues to purchase meta services and items the buyers will still need a place to shop. If we all stick together and move to the same place/places then that will give us the traffic we seek. Problem is...where???
ReplyDeleteSpell Bound Magick offers items on many sites, none of what produces the sales of ebay.
DO NOT USE EBIDS FOR SPELLS OR SERVICES
ReplyDeleteAfter trying to list only 5 of my spells in the spell casting category on ebids I found that my auctions started getting pulled for reasons such as "adult content" and "information only" prohibited items. I knew that my items did not contain these things so I emailed them back...with no reply. After all five auctions were pulled and sending them several emails asking why, 3 days later I get this email today:
Hi Katerina,
We do allow the listing of physical paraphernalia in this section.
However we do not allow the following type of intangible listings:
Email and telephone readings such as Tarot, Astrological Charts and Spellcasting. Land mailed results of such readings are also not allowed.
We will still allow the sale of physical items such as crystals, and spiritual paraphernalia etc.
We are currently updating our Help Section to reflect this policy.
We have made this decision after consultation with our legal advisors due to difficulties resolving disputes between the counterparties of this type of listing.
We will happily refund your subscription fee if you wish. Please let us know by reply if you wish us to do so.
Best Wishes
eBid Support Team
Hi Kat!
DeleteI have been listing on ebid more more than a week and haven't had anything pulled. However, all my items are either spell cast or spirit bound jewelry or other tangible objects. I was looking at the items that are in the spells category there (how idiotic to have a spell casting category then disallow spells, but I digress), and all of them have some form of tangible object with them, a ring, a stone, a crystal. Could this not be a simple way to get around this "intangible" rule? A simple river stone or crystal could easily be incorporated into spell work and shipped, so there is something tangible offered. I've made 5 sales over there in a week, so I'm feeling it might be a good place for us to land IF they will work with us.
e-mails sent to all customers from the past 20 months. I'm staying on eBay with items that I think and hope they allow, and moving all spell and spirit bound offerings to eBid, hoping they don't share eBay's new policy. If eBid doesn't work, I'm going to graciously accept CH's generosity and post on their market. Looks like we need to have a plan C now on top of plan B.
ReplyDelete~Relic
www.relicsandrunes.net eBid store
www.relicsandrunes.com eBay store
relicsandrunes@gmail.com e-mail
I'm staying on ebay as well, and moving my spell/spirit offerings to ebid, ecrater, etsy and creepyhollows. I want plans C, D and E already working in the event A and B fail. :)
Deletehttp://mysticoceans.ebid.net
www.mysticoceans.ecrater.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mysticoceans
does ecrater or etsy have auctions, or just a "name your price" option? 99% of my items are listed in auction format, as I really don't want to have to put a value on spirits or spells, I let the bidders decide.
DeleteUnfortunately, they're both buy it now formats.
DeleteMy newest idea is to create a "homepage" with links to all my outlets, so I con't have to give out a bunch of .coms and .nets. I have been working with godaddy.com for years for domains, and talked to them today about it. They actually offer free homepages to all domain subscribers. Will make for a better looking business card, just one www and one email, then I can have all my "click heres" for various sites that I sell on listed on the main homepage, even an email me link. I'm also going to be working on my CH store this weekend. My prototype homepage is at www.relicsandrunes.org for now. I may be changing all my domains to that page if the moving gets too crazy and confusing. Just a thought to all the other sellers, get a domain, so at least your customers have a constant way to find you on whatever sites you end up on. GoDaddy.com is only like 17.00 per year, and that includes a free homepage, easy to set up too.
ReplyDeleteJason, with free you usually get what you pay for.
ReplyDeleteIf you want a website for a decent price and fast, drop me an email.
I'm a web developer, I've worked with metaphysical sellers before, and I'm currently working on a big metaphysical project.
Appreciate the offer, but what I want for a homepage is something very basic and simple. Just a place to have links to my various outlets. Thank you though.
DeleteNo worries Jason, sometimes all one needs is something simple, if you change your mind you know where I am.
DeleteWhat's on tap for "blitz day" (Aug 30)? Any plans so far?
ReplyDeleteI'm going to offer free shipping on eBid for the month of September. Also sending free gifts, samples of Fairy Manna, maybe a "conjuring card" or some other products with each shipment. Setting up on Creepy Hollows this weekend, same deals there.
ReplyDeleteI'm offering a free pendant with purchase, but I'm thinking of adding free shipping as well. I'm also thinking of putting a 15% or so off your next purchase or free shipping card in with the package.
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ReplyDeleteSIMONS
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