Computer software is one of the biggest sellers on eBay - after
all, everyone using eBay has a computer, don't they? There can
be problems, however, if you try to sell certain kinds of
software that eBay doesn't allow. Used software is a minefield,
and you could end up buying something dodgy to resell without
even realising it.
Here are the various kinds of software that you're not allowed
to sell on eBay, and how to spot them. You should always try
installing used software before you sell it, as this might give
you a few clues.
Pirate Software.
This one is reasonably obvious, but pirate software can be hard
to spot. The biggest things to look out for are auctions that
don't have pictures or only have pictures from catalogues,
unrealistically low prices, and come with no manuals or
documentation. Microsoft software comes with a 'Certificate of
Authenticity', which you should check. Software that is on
recordable media such as CD-RWs is usually pirated.
If you see software that offered for download only, it is often
pirated - but not always. Some small software developers allow
download licenses for their software to be resold on sites like
eBay. Type the name of the software into a search engine, and go
to the manufacturer's site to check. Remember that software you
download is very unlikely to come with resale rights, though.
Beta Software.
Beta software is pre-release software, issued by companies for
testing purposes. Companies generally do not give permission for
their beta software to be sold or redistributed, as it won't be
as good as the final product. Do not buy anything that says it
is 'beta', and return anything you receive that says 'beta' or
'not for resale or distribution' anywhere on the CD or during
the install.
Academic Software.
Some companies sell special 'educational editions' or 'student
licenses' for their software, which are designed to make it
affordable to students and teachers. You can only sell this
software if you are a licensed educational reseller for the
company, and your buyers are educational users. Academic
software will usually say somewhere on its CD or in its
installation what it is.
OEM Software.
OEM stands for 'Original Equipment Manufacturer' - this is
software that is only supposed to be distributed with a new
computer, as it came pre-installed on the computer. The licences
for this software usually stop you from selling it without also
selling any hardware. Look out for the message 'for sale with a
new computer only', or similar. Note, though, that it's usually
fine to bundle any OEM software you come across with computers
that you sell on eBay.
If you sell any kind of software that isn't allowed, then eBay
might shut down your auction, or your sellers might realise what
they've bought and leave you bad feedback. It's not really worth
the risk.
Now that we've got that out of the way, how about we try to get
you a few more customers for the items you have that aren't
against the rules. In the next email, we'll take a look at the
real power of eBay store newsletters.
About the author:
Kirsten Hawkins is an Ebay and internet auction enthusiast from
Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.auctionseller411.com/ for more
great tips on how to make the most from Ebay and other online
auctions.
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