eBay has policy guidelines that prohibit the sale of counterfeit items, replicas, or "knock-offs." The most common counterfeit items sold on eBay are handbags, jewelry, pirated software, designer apparel, and watches.
Authenticity is critical on eBay. Why? First of all, the sale of replicas and counterfeits devalues the originals. Manufacturers of the original items feel that the replicas decrease the value of the original. The manufacturers understand that many buyers would just as soon pay $20 for a pretty good replica, than pay the full $200 for the original. The manufacturers lose business when too many fakes are sold to consumers.
The problem here is supply and demand. The larger the supply, the lower the demand, and ultimately, the lower the price. If eBay allowed counterfeit Louis Vuitton items to be sold on their website, thousands of these items would be for sale to anyone in the world who wanted one. Many customers would choose to purchase a cheap imitation instead of the authentic item. Consumers are already purchasing replicas on street corners in busy cities like New York and Washington DC.
Furthermore, the underground economy is often fueled by the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit items. In recent years, organized criminal groups have emerged as the principal distributors, producers, and shippers of counterfeit goods, especially computer software, DVDs, CDs, and other digital goods. Trafficking counterfeit goods is a serious crime, punishable by fines and imprisonment. Counterfeit goods trafficking rings are often linked to organized crime, drugs, prostitution, gangs, and terrorism. eBay really wants no part of this situation.
The sale of counterfeit items is such a problem, that there are attorneys who specialize in prosecuting the manufacturers and distributors of the replicas. If you are caught listing counterfeit items on eBay, your account can be suspended or terminated. Many large companies and manufacturers such as MicroSoft, Tommy Bahama, and Coach regularly monitor items listed on eBay. Your item can be reported through eBay's VERO program and removed if it does not appear to be authentic.
Final thought - when selling expensive designer goods, make absolutely sure that the item is authentic before listing it. If there is any doubt, do not list the item.
