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Multi-level marketing, pyramid, and matrix programs policy

Policy overview

We don't allow listings and advertising of multi-level marketing programs (including online payment randomisers), matrix, pyramid, Ponzi schemes, and all similar programmes on eBay. These programmes are often regulated or illegal.

Make sure your listing follows these guidelines. If it doesn't, it may be removed, and you may be subject to a range of other actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.

What are the guidelines?

Not allowed

  • Multi-level marketing:

    • This includes any business where you receive income from your own sales and income from your recruited members.

    • Online payment randomisers (because the majority of commissions are paid for recruitment of new members, and typically operate by random placement within the programme.)

  • Pyramid schemes:

    • These schemes often ignore the actual selling of products and services, and concentrate on the income you can earn by recruiting new distributors. Pyramid schemes might not involve selling products.

  • Matrix programs:

    • These programmes involve the exchange of money primarily for being added to a waiting list for a product. If you're at the top of the list, you receive a product when a set number of people join after you join.

Since multi-level marketing, pyramid, matrix, and similar programs are illegal or regulated, you can't list them on eBay. eBay urges sellers and buyers to follow governmental laws and regulations.

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