Ebay listing removed for violating rules

[canadian_horse]

This morning, I listed Similasan Allergy Eye Drops Homeopathic 10mL.

Almost immediately, I received a message that my listing violated Ebay Prescription Drug and OTC products policy and my listing was removed, I am guessing by the algorithm and not by an actual Ebay employee.

But I followed all the Ebay listings policies - ingredients listed, expiry etc., and I see that many big-time sellers (much larger than my store) have been listing and selling the exact same item without their listings being removed. So, I am once again confused as to why they are allowed to sell the product, but I am not allowed to sell the exact same, identical product.

Currently, there are about 10 - 15 sellers selling this product on Ebay right now, many with multiple sales of the item. My listing has all the required information, yet my listing was removed. There was nothing that was out of whack with my listing. I checked it many times before I pressed the final button to make it go live.

Let me say, I don't want to cause trouble for other sellers. I never want to focus on other sellers and I am happy to let them list whatever they want to list. My point in making this thread is to figure out how to list items that other sellers are currently listing and do it in a way that my listing doesn't get removed. The Ebay software allows some sellers to sell things but removes identical items from other competing sellers.

Problem with this experience of mine is that I have no idea what is allowed to be listed and what isn't because there is a lack of consistency in how the Ebay software algorithm removes some listings but allows others to remain up - even on identical products with no variation.

I have appealed the decision and am waiting for a review.

Any Ebay employee that could shed some light on this issue, please do so. I am sure others have experienced the same thing.

Again, not trying to cause trouble for anyone else, I am just trying to figure out what I can sell and what I can't, and if I can't, figure out why.

The Similassan product I am referring to is not restricted in any way. Any person - even a child - could buy it at a store in Canada for their own use. It is not a prescription and is not restricted as such. Moreover, I tried to list it only for the Canadian market so I wouldn't run afoul of any US import restrictions.

Thanks in advance to all those that read or reply to my posting.

[canadian_horse]

Just now, I had another Similasan product removed by the Ebay software - Similasan Pink Eye Relief.

The message from Ebay said the Pink Eye Relief item was a recalled product, but I think that is inaccurate because it is being sold right now at major retailers across Canada - they have not pulled the product.

I also checked on Ebay once again and there are 8 other sellers listing the exact same item - my item was removed, there items are still for sale.

I really would love to find out why this is happening because it affects other potential listings that I might try to sell in the future. I need to know why I can't list items that other sellers can, otherwise I might receive policy violations in the future, which of course is something I want to avoid.  I want to keep my account in good standing but I also want to sell items that others are selling.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[lotzofuniquegoodies · Accepted solution]

@canadian_horse 

According to a google search this comes up.

Yes, there was a recall of Similasan Pink Eye Relief Drops. Bartell Drugs issued a recall on November 15, 2023. This recall also included other Similasan eye drop products. The recall was initiated due to concerns about potential eye infections from the use of these products. The FDA issued a warning about the potential risk of eye infections associated with several over-the-counter eye drop products, including Similasan, on October 27, 2023. 

SANTA MONICA – On Wednesday, September 27, Dovel & Luner filed a class action lawsuit against Similasan Corporation. Filed on behalf of consumers nationwide, the lawsuit alleges that various Similasan Eye Drops are dangerously defective and fail to warn consumers of the risks they pose.Sep 27, 2023

Much of what is pulled is generated thru eBay AI. The above info is 2003 so unsure if any similar items are just getting blanketly tagged as being not allowed.

As for why similar items are not being pulled, that is a question for eBay. Have you looked through the other sellers listing specifics for differences compared to how yours was created?

[canadian_horse]

Thank you very much for your reply lotzofuniquegoodies. Your answer helped me solve my issue.

I read the notice regarding the FDA and Silver Sulfate. I realized that my listings were removed most likely because the Ebay software picked up on my use of the word Silver Sulfate when I was listing the ingredients in the listing form.

I am not mad at all - I am glad I learned what was likely wrong with my listings.

I have kept two Similasan products for sale because they don't contain Silver Sulfate and likely won't violate any Ebay listing rules or FDA notices.

Thing is that Simalassan is still for sale in Canada and most likely not going to be recalled here. I only listed my Simalassan products for sale in Canada...............but oh well, I still removed them for sale to take a proactive approach.

I don't want to cause any trouble with Ebay, so it's better to be proactive and take the listings down before they get flagged.

[canadian_horse]

Btw, how do I cancel an appeal of the first violation I received? I appealed the first listing that was removed, but now I realize why it was likely removed, so I want to cancel my appeal. How to do that? When I try to do it through my account, the remove listing button and appeal button are both unclickable.

[john_koenig99]

I think you just need to let it run its course. It won't change anything.

[reallynicestamps]

So the "homeopathic" product was not actually distilled water like most homeopathic remedies.

Huh.

[canadian_horse]

Many homeopathic remedies have natural ingredients like chamomile or eyebright etc.

They put numbers such as 6X after an ingredient name (on the back of the box) to indicate that a particular substance has been diluted 6 times from it's original concentration.

[reallynicestamps]

 Whether the "natural ingredient" is effective or not, diluting means adding water .

I can buy a gallon of distilled water for $10 at the supermarket.