Autumn McClain  |  May 21, 2020

Category: Covid-19

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Why are masks banned on eBay?

The lockdown surrounding the novel coronavirus has impacted the economy in countless ways. Broadly, most essentials are harder to get ahold of, and many people are struggling to make ends meet. Due to these two facts, the practice of price gouging is not only increasingly common but also increasingly painful for American families.

In an effort to combat this issue, many items have now been banned on eBay and other sites like Amazon. In fact, eBay has gone so far as to ban all hand sanitizer, face masks, and other items that may be price gouged.

Price Gouging Definition

According to the United States Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG), price gouging is the practice of raising prices extraordinarily or excessively high due to an emergency that increases demand.

Price gouging is a way to take advantage of the increased need of consumers. Laws vary from state to state, but a raise in price of 20 percent or more may be seen as price gouging. Price gouging laws may also be violated if a product is priced significantly higher than similar products.

Is Price Gouging Illegal?

The question of whether or not price gouging is illegal depends on where you are. In some states, price gouging is illegal, but many states have no legislation in place. Usually, a declaration must be made by a state’s governor before price gouging laws can take effect. In some places, price gouging may be considered illegal if a state of emergency has been declared while in others a specific type of emergency must be declared, according to the Food Industry Association (FIA).

What Are the Price Gouging Laws?

Why are certain goods banned on eBay?The laws regarding price gouging differ widely across the U.S. In California, for instance, a price raise may be considered gouging if it exceeds 10 percent. In Alabama, on the other hand, the increase must exceed 25 percent. In some states, the types of products that may fall under price gouging laws are specific to those products which are in increasing demand during the emergency. In Tennessee, prices cannot be excessively raised for food, repair services, emergency supplies, gasoline, etc.

Many states have no laws regarding this practice at all, but the list of those who don’t is still shorter than a list of those states that do have laws in place. Even in states without legislation in place, consumers may be able to file a complaint with their state’s Attorney General. According to the FIA, the following states do not have price gouging laws in place:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Wyoming

Which Items Are Banned on eBay?

The items being banned on eBay may be obviously essential or not. That is to say, according to eBay’s policies, “items that are considered essential must be offered at a reasonable price”, but any item may be found to be essential. In one example that has drawn significant attention and criticism, eBay banned the sale by a seller of a video game that is no longer made because it said the price was excessive.

“Concerns related to price gouging are not limited to items related to life and health – any attempt to profit from tragic events is in violation of our listing policies,” an eBay moderator said in a thread on the subject. “Though a video game may seem like a luxury compared to other items, I’m sure there are many over-burdened parents who would disagree.”

How Can You Report an eBay Seller for Price Gouging?

According to eBay Customer Service, getting a price gouger banned on eBay begins with a report. To report the item, simply select “Report Item” from near the description and payment and shipping options. To specifically report nefarious pricing, select “Price Gouging” from the Report Category field. This report may result in the seller’s account being suspended or the item being banned on eBay. Reporting an item is not sufficient to get any sort of refund from eBay.

How is eBay Monitoring Price Gouging?

In order to combat price gouging, the sale of face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes has been totally banned on eBay. This applies to both existing and new listings. This ban extends to any listing which mentions COVID-19 or the coronavirus in any way. So far, eBay has removed more than 20,000 listings. The company is now going so far as to ban any item which it sees as especially vulnerable to the practice of price gouging.

Should You Join a Price Gouging Lawsuit?

Reporting a seller or item or having an item banned on eBay is not a way to get any sort of refund or compensation for the predatory practices of the seller. In order to find relief, you may need to file a price gouging class action lawsuit. In many states, consumers can file a complaint with the Attorney General to seek compensation, but others will require civil action.

Join in a Free eBay Coronavirus Price-Gouging Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you were charged exorbitant prices for products online, we invite you to join in our Coronavirus price-gouging class action lawsuit investigation. 

Get a Free Case Evaluation

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.

We tell you about cash you can claim EVERY WEEK! Sign up for our free newsletter.


Online sellers are taking advantage of buyers who are in need of certain products that have become scarce due to the Coronavirus pandemic by charging exorbitant prices for them.

These products include the following:

  • Cleaning wipes
  • Cleaning products
  • Face masks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Medical gloves
  • Paper towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Others

The law firms running this investigation have filed a class action suit against eBay on behalf of an Uber and Lyft driver who said that she purchased a face mask at a 300 percent markup on eBay. California state law requires that the price on certain goods not be marked up by more than 10 percent within 30 days after a state of emergency has been declared.

Join in a Free eBay Coronavirus Price-Gouging Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you were charged exorbitant prices for products online, we invite you to join in our Coronavirus price-gouging class action lawsuit investigation. 

Get a Free Case Evaluation

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.

We tell you about cash you can claim EVERY WEEK! Sign up for our free newsletter.


2 thoughts onWhich Items Are Banned on eBay Due to Price Gouging? 

  1. Annette Barnes says:

    Add me please

  2. Robert Goudin says:

    add me

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