This week, eBay distributed a notice to all merchants limiting each seller to 25 coupons, or $100 in coupon value, per month. This policy change will effectively end coupon clipping as a service available through eBay beginning September 1, the date when enforcement begins and non-compliant listings will be automatically removed.
According to the revised manufacturer’s coupon selling policy posted on eBay, no one will be allowed to sell coupons for free items, including buy one get one free (BOGO) and similar coupons. eBay is also closing the loophole whereby sellers previously could claim that they were simply selling their time or clipping services, not the coupons themselves.
Based upon Dusty Wallet’s research, in the past 30 days over 900,000 lots of coupons have been sold via eBay. The impact on eBay’s revenue will be huge. Further, once the new policy is enforced, millions of Americans will be harmed. Most of eBay’s coupon sellers are individuals who are just trying to support themselves and their families, including military spouses and many retirees. On the flip side, coupon buyers will find themselves without access to clipped coupons, thereby forcing many consumers to pay more at the grocery store!
Let’s hope that coupon clippers rapidly set up alternative websites so that we can continue to enjoy their services!
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