eBay just dropped a bomb on thousands of eBook sellers and info marketers who sell products through eBay auctions. Starting immediately, you can no longer sell eBooks on eBay. Ebooks and digitally downloaded info products are no longer allowed in ANY eBay auctions.

Yesterday info marketers that tried to re-list their eBook auctions got this message:

“Starting March 31st, listings that contain content that can be digitally downloaded or transferred must be listed in the Classified Ad Format in the Everything Else>Information Products category only. All listings for digital items outside of that category will be considered a policy violation.”

Info marketers can still market with using the relatively new eBay Classified Ads, but it’s a different animal. It’s not an auction and no selling or transactions take place through eBay. It’s just an ad - like Craigslist classifieds, so you need advertise to try to capture a lead in order to sell them your product on your own site. The good news is there are no auction fees and it’s a flat $9.95 a month.

Everyone knows I don’t work on the ebook side of the biz and if you read this blog you know my stance on “crappy ebooks” so I won’t get on my soap box. Lots of affiliates do sell info products though, so for you - below is a link to the official word from eBay. Also below are some threads from the Warrior Forum, which is largely inhabited by info marketers who are discussing the change and sharing ideas and possible options.

eBay official statement: New Policy Update: Digital Downloadable Goods in Classified Ads Format Only

Listing Digital Items on eBay - Change Of Policy!!

BAD NEWS Ebay Limits Digital Downloads 2 Classified

Is Ebay Dead For Internet Marketers?

Getting Around eBays No-Download Policy