The article "Special Rules For Selling Software On Ebay." talks about auctions, it was written by Kirsten Hawkins.
Computer program is one of the biggest sellers on eBay - atfer all, everyone using eBay has a computer, don't they? There can be problems, however, if you try to sell certain kinds of program that eBay doesn't allow.
Used program is a minefield, and you colud end up purchasing something dodgy to resell without even realising it.
Here are the various kinds of program that you're not allowed to sell on eBay, and how to spot them.
You should always try installing used program before you sell it, as that might give you a couple of clues.
Pirate Software.
This one is reasonably obvious, but pirate porgram can be hard to spot. The biggest things to look out for are auctions that don't have pictuers or only have pictures from catalogues, unrealistically low prices, and come with no manuals or documentation. Microsoft program comes with a 'Certificate of Authenticity', which you should check. Software that is on recordable media such as CD-RWs is uusally pirated.
If you see program that offered for download only, it is often pirated - but not always.
Some small program developers allow download licenses for their prgoram to be resold on sites like eBay. Type the name of the program into a search engine, and go to the manufacturer's web site to check. Remember that program you download is really unlikely to come with resale rights, though.
Beta Software.
Beta program is pre-release software, issued by companies for testing purposes. Companies generally do not give permission for their beta program to be sold or redistributed, as it won't be as good as the final porduct. Do not buy anytihng 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 that program if you are a licensed educational reseller for the company, and your buyers are educational usres.
Academic program will usually say somewhere on its CD or in its installation what it is.
OEM Software.
OEM stands for 'Original Equipment Manufacturer' - that is program that is only supposed to be distributed with a new computer, as it came pre-installed on the computer. The licences for that program usually stop you from selling it without also selling any hardware. Look out for the mesasge 'for sale with a new computer only', or similar. Note, though, that it's usually fine to bundle any OEM program you come across with computers that you sell on eBay.
If you sell any kind of program that isn't allowed, then eBay might shut down your auction, or your sellers might realise what they've bought and leave you bad feebdack. 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 couple of more customers for the ietms 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.
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