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Listing Policies

Proper category listing
Items must be listed in the appropriate category.

Policy: Items that don't belong in a category will be moved to the appropriate category. Item listings that belong in the Mature Audiences category that are found outside of that category will be ended. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing.

Choice Auctions
A Choice Listing occurs when a seller allows bidders to choose from a selection of items. Choice Listings can be problematic because the item agreed upon is negotiated offline and can lead to either misrepresentation or fraud.

Policy: Choice Auctions are not allowed and will be ended. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing.

Duplicate Auctions
A Duplicate Auction occurs when a seller lists multiple identical items in more than one listing. The best method to list identical items is through our Dutch Auction (Multiple Item Auction) format. We understand sellers have reasons to list identical items at the same time. This is permissible as long as the seller can complete the sale of all listings. However, there is a limit to the number of identical, or duplicate, listings allowed.

Policy: A seller can have up to 10 identical listings at one time. If the seller lists in more than one category, the categories must be relevant. Any additional identical listings may be ended. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing.

Advertisements and Credits

AllAuto does not permit sellers to place within their listings advertisements for 3rd party companies, products or services unrelated to the item being sold -- listings may only describe the item for sale on AllAuto. Please visit section 5.1 of the AllAuto User Agreement for clarification on permissions to your listing description.

AllAuto recognizes that many sellers use 3rd party services to help perform essential functions related to their listing and that there are legitimate reasons for identifying such companies in listings. For example, some companies offer picture hosting, counters, listing software and payment facilitation services. In exchange for providing their service, some third party services require or request that they receive "credit" or recognition for their service within the AllAuto listing. We will allow such credit within the following guidelines.

AllAuto will permit listings that contain a small, discrete identification or "credit" to third parties that provide services or products directly connected with the particular listing. The credit may only contain text (HTML font size 3) OR a logo (88x33 pixels) identifying or crediting the company offering the product or service. It may not contain promotional material or other information about the company.

• If credit text is used:
  • The font size may be no greater than the example below (HTML font size 3) and may contain no more than 10 words.
  • It may contain clickable text links (which otherwise comply with AllAuto policies).
  • It may only contain information about the company or the service they provide, such as: "provided by Company X" or "I accept payment through Company Y."

  Example of a text credit permitted within an item page:
  

  "This image was provided courtesy of Company A"

• If a logo or icon is used:
  • The logo size may be no greater than 88x33 pixels (see examples below)
  • It may link only to the third party company's web site
  • It may NOT provide promotional statements or information - it may simply be an identifier of the company/affiliation

  Example of a logo credit permitted within an item page:
  

  Listings that do not meet AllAuto's policy on advertisements and credits may be ended. The continued practice of placing advertisements in a listing may result in suspension from AllAuto.

  If you have questions about this policy, view the Advertisements FAQ.

  Want ads or trades
  Listings advertising a desire to buy or trade items are not allowed. However, AllAuto does provide a forum for users to advertise their want for a particular item on the AllAuto Wanted Board.

  Policy: All listings with want ads or trades are not permitted and will be ended, except for listings within the Non-Binding Bid Category. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing.

  Bonuses, giveaways, raffles and prizes
  Listings that promote bonus items, giveaways, or random drawings or prizes as an enticement for bidders are not permitted on AllAuto as these promotions are illegal lotteries in many states.

  Policy: These types of listings are not permitted and will be ended. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing.

  Listing Techniques that Circumvent AllAuto's fee structure
  Users may not use systems or techniques to circumvent AllAuto fees. Some examples include:

  • Offering in a listing the opportunity to purchase the item or other merchandise outside of AllAuto.
  • Listings with low prices but unreasonably high shipping or handling costs
  • Listing an item that requires or offers an additional purchase
  • Dutch Avoidance - listing a single item and offering additional identical items for sale in the item description. In these situations, the seller typically instructs bidders to indicate the number of items they want, and states that they can get the same price as the item in the listing.
  • Listings with an e-mail address or domain name in the title. Exception: This will be permissible only in listings that are offering a domain name for sale.
  • Catalog Sales - listings of catalogs from which buyers may directly order items are prohibited. In these situations, the seller will typically offer the catalog for low bid prices and complete sales outside of AllAuto for items found in the catalog. Old, collectible catalogs (i.e., those that you cannot order from any longer) are permissible.
  • Offering items for sale in a manner that circumvents AllAuto fees (click here for more information - reference section titled fee avoidance.)

  Listings that circumvent AllAuto fees are not permitted and will be ended. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing. Disciplinary action may result in the indefinite suspension of a user's account, temporary suspension, or a formal warning. AllAuto will consider the circumstances of an alleged offense and the user's trading records before taking action.

  Reserve Price listing violations
  

  • Reserve price stated in the description of the item when not listed as a reserve listing.
  • Seller states high bidder is obligated to purchase when reserve is not met.

  Policy: These types of listings are not permitted and will be ended. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing.

  Terms and Conditions contradictory to any AllAuto Policy
  

  • Misleading listing titles
  • Key word spamming
    Excessive use of key words, including (but not limited to) brand names, which are referenced for the purpose of attracting or diverting bidders to a listing will be considered key word spamming and is not permitted. Please click here for further clarification on this policy.

    Policy: These types of listings are not permitted and will be ended. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing.

  • Links
    Users may place a simple link to another web page in the description portion of their listing to help provide more information about the listed item. However, the following links are not permitted:
    • links to other auction-style trading sites
    • links to sites offering the same merchandise for the same or lower price
    • links to sites offering merchandise prohibited on AllAuto

    Policy: The links described above are not permitted and will be ended. The insertion fee will be automatically credited for that listing.

  Repeat offenses
  If a seller repeatedly lists items that violate the terms of the User Agreement, that seller is subject to suspension.

  Payment Surcharges
  An AllAuto seller may not charge a fee, often called a "credit card surcharge," when accepting credit card payments. This surcharge, which is an added cost to the buyer over and above the final sale price and shipping/handling, is not allowed under the laws of many states, including California. For more information, see:

  http://www-s2.visa.com/fb/merch/biz/govt/surcharge.html
  http://www.mastercard.com/consumer/cust_serv.html

  Please be sure to check our Prohibited, Questionable & Infringing Items pages.