Policy overview
The sale of stock or security interests isn't allowed on eBay. The Financial Conduct Authority - opens in new window or tab and Prudential Regulation Authority - opens in new window or tab in the UK and the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority - opens in new window or tab in Ireland regulate the sale of stocks and other security interests that represent a current investment ownership interest in an entity. They also regulate efforts by individuals to raise money or find investors for businesses.
What are the guidelines?
Allowed
Some business-related items are not "investments" and may be listed on eBay. Here are some examples of items that can be sold:
- 100% of the assets of a business (inventory and plant) where no transfer of stock is involved
- Information about how to start a business
- Any sale of inventory or fixtures
- "Turn key" businesses, such as vending machines or windshield repair kits
Restricted
Examples of stocks and securities that are restricted on eBay:
- Collectable stock certificates must be cancelled or represent an interest in an entity that no longer legally exists and can't be redeemed for cash or securities in any other company.
Not allowed
Examples of stocks and securities that aren't allowed on eBay:
- Documentation that represents proof of a current investment interest in any entity; for example, stocks, bonds, or investment interests. This includes, but isn’t limited to, corporations or partnerships.
- Credit. As an example, you can't sell £1,000 in credit.
- Solicitations to invest money in any business venture.
- Any ongoing business if the sale involves a transfer of any shares or interests in shares or any loan stock or other form of indebtedness in that business.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Why does eBay have this policy?
Since the Financial Conduct Authority - opens in new window or tab and Prudential Regulation Authority - opens in new window or tab place restrictions on Internet sales, we don’t allow the sale of these items on eBay.