eBay seller using my pics, what can I do about it?

piecesofme · March 28, 2014 9:01AM

This eBay seller is using pics of the exact coin I sold on eBay just days ago and was also referenced here when I was asking what you all think it grades

Is there anything I can do about this?

mrpotatoheadd · March 28, 2014 9:06AM

From eBay:

Member reports

Members can't copy pictures or text from another member's listing unless the owner, its agent, or the law has authorized them to do so.
If you believe that another member is using your photos or text in violation of these guidelines (for example, the pictures aren't included in the eBay product catalog and you, your agent or the law hasn't authorized the member to use them), please follow these standards when contacting us:

- Make sure you are the original owner and creator of the picture or text.
- If reporting text, the copied text needs to be in the description. Because of the limited space in which to describe items, some similarity will occur in titles and subtitles for the same merchandise, so we won't typically remove a listing for similar text in these areas.
- Provide an item number from your account that clearly shows you were the first to list an item with the photos or text you created. If you reuse your photos and text in many of your listings, give us the item number of the earliest possible instance of using the photos or text.

If you believe that you have a valid report for someone using your image or text, you can contact us to report it.

Bodin · March 28, 2014 9:08AM

WOW, and they edited out the scratch ALMOST completely that runs under the "L". That's no good. I don't know what you can do though.

crypto79 · March 28, 2014 9:12AM

I wonder how many coins hit eBay just days after having threads made about them? Not nessicarly directed at the OP but the old "if I had a nickel for every time" def applies to the phenomenon

piecesofme · March 28, 2014 9:16AM

This seller cannot be the same buyer that won the coin from me on eBay just earlier this week. Not even in the same State and the coin has not arrived yet according to tracking info.
This may not be a big deal to some but I take offense to this sellers actions and have reported it, but with only 3 hours left, I doubt anything will happen on a Friday night at eBay lol.
eBayers never cease to amaze me on how low they'll stoop

mkman123 · March 28, 2014 9:22AM

hmmm kind of suspicious

DollarAfterDollar · March 28, 2014 9:45AM

Aside from reporting him/her it's up to E-Bay (this time). I'd send this person a note indicating I'm watching them and should I see them using pictures that are not their own E-Bay will be notified.

It might be an honest mistake but if they know their listings might come down, they should worry that might affect their business.

lcoopie · March 28, 2014 10:18AM

perhaps next time put a watermark on the photo and then no one will want to use it

piecesofme · March 28, 2014 10:23AM

perhaps next time put a watermark on the photo and then no one will want to use it

As I understand it, that's not allowed anymore and eBay will take the auction down.

lcoopie · March 28, 2014 10:27AM

watermark rules

If you'd like to create your own watermark on your photos, follow these guidelines:
We only allow watermarks for ownership and attribution
Watermarks shouldn't distract from the image
Watermarks can't serve a marketing purpose, such as specific details about your item or customer service
Watermarks should be no bigger than 5% of the total image area
Watermarks should have an opacity of no more than 50%
Links aren't allowed in watermarks

bsshog40 · March 28, 2014 10:29AM

<< perhaps next time put a watermark on the photo and then no one will want to use it

As I understand it, that's not allowed anymore and eBay will take the auction down. >>

I've never heard of this. Is it an Ebay policy? I was actually thinking about this yesterday, creating a watermark to put on my pictures. I've seen pictures with logo's or names on the pictures and that was just a bit ago when I checked.

USASoccer · March 28, 2014 10:31AM

Hi, it happens to me about once a month. Its a pain in the azz to take some of the photos I use for my listings. Especially large items.

piecesofme · March 28, 2014 10:37AM

Good info. lcoopie, thanks. I think I will consider that going forward as i feel I take pretty decent pics and don't feel it's right for others to use them.

Of course, this still does not prevent someone from still using a picture, they simply can just crop out the watermark and copy "like" background in its place. But still good to know.

Casman · March 28, 2014 10:37AM

I'd send him a message and ask him if the pictures are of the actual coin? I did that once when my pics got lifted, and I got a Yes back...LOL...

bsshog40 · March 28, 2014 10:38AM

Found this:

What are the guidelines?

Allowed
Include large, clear photos of the item for sale
Include pictures of any flaws so that buyers can see what they are getting
"Watermarks used for ownership or attribution"

Not allowed
Including photos that don't accurately represent the item for sale.
Placeholder images used to convey messages, such as no image available, stock availability, or other marketing messages
Stock photos for used, damaged or defective items
Adding borders to your photos
Using a picture that is less than 500 pixels on the longest side
Adding additional text, artwork or other marketing materials to photos
Watermarks used for marketing
Watermarks that obscure or interfere with the item in the photo. We suggest that watermarks be smaller than 5% of your listing, and less transparent than 50%
Watermarks that contain specific information about your product or service.

Casman · March 28, 2014 10:40AM

I asked the seller if the coin was real and stated that the one in the photo looked fake...

Lets see if they respond back...

bsshog40 · March 28, 2014 10:40AM

<< watermark rules

If you'd like to create your own watermark on your photos, follow these guidelines:
We only allow watermarks for ownership and attribution
Watermarks shouldn't distract from the image
Watermarks can't serve a marketing purpose, such as specific details about your item or customer service
Watermarks should be no bigger than 5% of the total image area
Watermarks should have an opacity of no more than 50%
Links aren't allowed in watermarks >>

Oppss, I missed your post and basically reposted what you did. Lol

lcoopie · March 28, 2014 10:56AM

You can put the watermark right over the photo, with a very low opacity

Then it cannot be cropped out easily

bsshog40 · March 28, 2014 11:13AM

A person can remove a watermark but it is a little tedious and needs to know a little about photoshop. I think one centered in the original photo with about 50% opacity may work without violating ebays policy.

Bodin · March 28, 2014 11:20AM

again, no one noticed that he photoshopped the scratch under the "L" almost completely out?
My point is, they know what they're doing

piecesofme · March 28, 2014 11:29AM

My point is, they know what they're doing

And clearly knowingly and intentionally did it.

bsshog40 · March 28, 2014 11:56AM

<< again, no one noticed that he photoshopped the scratch under the "L" almost completely out?
My point is, they know what they're doing >>

Editing a picture is fairly easy to do. I think removing a watermark is actually harder than just spot fixing a coin. In fact, I think I'm going to go experiment with one of my pics that I watermarked.

bsshog40 · March 28, 2014 12:02PM

And I proved my statement wrong. I added a watermark to one of my pics using photoshop. I just opened the picture back up in photoshop and took the spot healing tool and it took the watermark right out.

AMRC · March 28, 2014 12:03PM

Report it, play the game. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not, but we always have to play it.

piecesofme · March 28, 2014 12:17PM

Hah! I just got this reply from the seller.

"sorry for the mistake. i paid a guy to photo this for me and apparently he did copying. i will not use his services again."

derryb · March 28, 2014 12:21PM

<< This eBay seller is using pics of the exact coin I sold on eBay just days ago and was also referenced here when I was asking what you all think it grades

Is there anything I can do about this? >>

Yes, provide him better pictures next time. Sorry, couldn't resist.

piecesofme · March 28, 2014 12:24PM

I expect nothing less than cheap shots from you derry, 'cause you're just that kind of guy

Bodin · March 28, 2014 12:27PM

<< Hah! I just got this reply from the seller.

"sorry for the mistake. i paid a guy to photo this for me and apparently he did copying. i will not use his services again." >>

Since this is all wrapped up....

SaorAlba · March 28, 2014 11:51PM

<< A person can remove a watermark but it is a little tedious and needs to know a little about photoshop. I think one centered in the original photo with about 50% opacity may work without violating ebays policy. >>

It involves more trouble than most casual coin flippers are going to know about, let alone bother with.

bigjpst · March 29, 2014 1:08AM

FWIW ebay adds a watermark to all my pictures when I upload them. It is just my ebay id, and it is small and in the lower corner. I can't remember when they started doing this, or whether or not I checked some box in my store preferences. Since it is out of the way in the corner, I doubt anyone would have any trouble cropping it out most of the time.

eBay seller using my pics, what can I do about it?

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