As quoted by eBay announcements…

***Listing Policy Clarifications: Apple iPhone 3G Pre-Sales and Post-Launch Sales***

June 12, 2008 | 04:15PM PST/PT

The following listing policy clarifications will be implemented effective immediately:

Apple iPhone 3G Pre-Sales are prohibited. This highly-anticipated device will be in high demand after the US release on July 11th, 2008. Prior to the release of similar high-demand electronics, we saw a high number of well-intentioned sellers unable to meet their pre-sale obligations to buyers due to restricted supply, as well as an increase in fraudulent listings for these items. To prevent similar problems with the iPhone 3G, eBay is prohibiting all pre-sales of this device.

Criteria for Apple iPhone 3G Post-Launch Sales. In order to continue to ensure protection for our Community after these items are made available by the manufacturer, the following requirements have been put in place for the sale of the iPhone:

-The listing must include a unique photograph of the item or items
-Your User ID must be clearly displayed within the photograph (watermarks will not be accepted).
-To ensure buyer protection, PayPal must be the only accepted form of payment

Sellers will also be notified of these requirements during the listing process when using the Sell Your Item form.

!!!!End eBay Quote!!!!

So it appears that eBay is bracing itself and looking to protect us (and itself) from possible 3G iPhone Pre-sales. They did the same thing when the first generation iPhone was released so I guess this shouldn’t come as any surprise really.

But what do you think?

Is this fair?

Does it protect us or restrict us?

Does this policy go far enough or is it just a waste of time?

Have your say in the “Something To Say” section below.

Regards,

Michael Sherriff

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