Understanding Platform Selling Rules: eBay, Mercari, TCGPlayer, and More

After 10+ years selling Pokemon cards across every major platform, I've learned this hard lesson: every platform has different rules, and ignorance isn't an excuse. Violate platform rules = suspended account, lost income, banned permanently.

Let me show you exactly what you need to know about each major platform's rules—how to stay compliant, avoid account suspension, and maximize your success on eBay, Mercari, TCGPlayer, and others.

Why Platform Rules Matter

The Stakes:

• Account suspension (temporary or permanent)
• Lost listings and sales
• Frozen funds (PayPal/platform holds money)
• Negative seller metrics (hurt future sales)
• Permanent ban (lose customer base built over years)

Real Story: In Year 2, I had an eBay listing removed for using "Pokemon" in a way that violated their policies (didn't realize it). Got a warning. If I'd ignored it, account suspension. One mistake can cost you your business.

The Solution: Learn each platform's rules, follow them religiously, and stay updated on changes.

eBay: The Biggest Pokemon Marketplace

eBay Seller Performance Standards

eBay Tracks 3 Key Metrics:

1. Transaction Defect Rate (Target: Under 0.5%)

• Counts: Cases, returns for "not as described," negative feedback
• Formula: Defects ÷ Total Transactions × 100
• Goal: Keep under 0.5% (1 defect per 200 transactions)

2. Late Shipment Rate (Target: Under 4%)

• % of orders shipped after handling time
• eBay tracks via tracking uploads
• Goal: Ship on time, every time

3. Cases Closed Without Seller Resolution (Target: Under 0.3%)

• When buyer opens case and eBay steps in to resolve
• Means you didn't resolve it yourself
• Goal: Resolve all issues before eBay intervenes

Falling Below Standard = Consequences:

• Lower search placement (fewer views/sales)
• Higher fees
• Account restrictions
• Possible suspension

How to Maintain Standards:

• Accurate listings (prevent "not as described")
• Fast shipping (upload tracking immediately)
• Proactive customer service (resolve issues before cases)

eBay Return Policies

Minimum Requirement: 30-day returns (eBay mandates this for most categories)

Your Options:

• Accept returns, buyer pays return shipping
• Accept returns, seller pays return shipping (eBay favors this)
• Cannot refuse returns (used to be allowed, no longer)

Best Practice: Offer free returns on high-value items ($100+) for competitive advantage.

eBay Prohibited Listings (Pokemon-Specific)

What You CAN'T Sell:

• Counterfeit cards (obvious, but eBay's #1 enforcement)
• Misleading titles (calling a card "PSA 10 quality" when not graded)
• Listings using unauthorized Pokemon imagery (official Pokemon artwork as main image)
• Pre-sales beyond 30 days (can't list cards releasing in 60 days)

What You CAN Sell:

• Authentic Pokemon cards (any condition, any year)
• Graded cards (PSA, BGS, CGC)
• Sealed products
• Pokemon card accessories (binders, sleeves, etc.)

Gray Area: Using "Pokemon" in title. Allowed for description, but can't use Pokemon logo or imply affiliation with Pokemon Company.

eBay Managed Payments (Must Know)

Since 2021: eBay handles payments directly (no PayPal required)

Key Points:

• Funds deposited to bank account (next day or daily)
• eBay collects sales tax automatically
• Fees deducted before payout
• Must provide tax info (SSN or EIN)

Seller Protection: eBay protects against fraudulent "item not received" claims if you:

• Upload tracking within handling time
• Ship to address on order
• Use approved carrier (USPS, UPS, FedEx)

eBay Promoted Listings (Optional but Effective)

What It Is: Pay % of sale price to promote listing in search

Rates: 1-20% (you choose)

How It Works:

• You set ad rate (e.g., 5%)
• eBay boosts listing in search results
• Only pay if item sells from promoted placement

When to Use:

• High-margin items (can afford 5-10% fee)
• Slow-moving inventory (boost visibility)
• Competitive markets (outrank competitors)

My Strategy: 5% on items over $50, worth it for visibility.

Mercari: The Fast-Growing Platform

Mercari 3-Day Shipping Requirement

The Rule: Ship within 3 days of purchase

Tracking Requirements:

• Must upload tracking within 3 days
• Failure = Order auto-canceled, negative rating

Best Practice: Ship same day or next day (buyers expect speed on Mercari)

Mercari Seller Protection

Mercari Protects Sellers When:

• Item shipped with tracking
• Buyer rates you 4-5 stars
• No return opened within 3 days of delivery

Funds Released: After buyer rates OR 3 days after delivery (whichever first)

No Protection If:

• No tracking used
• Item significantly not as described
• Prohibited item sold

Mercari Prohibited Items (Pokemon-Specific)

What You CAN'T Sell:

• Counterfeit cards
• Damaged cards not disclosed as damaged
• Bulk lots over certain weight (check current limits)

What You CAN Sell:

• All authentic Pokemon cards
• Graded and raw cards
• Sealed products
• Accessories

Mercari is More Lenient: Fewer restrictions than eBay, faster listing process

Mercari Fees

Selling Fee: 10% (lower than eBay's ~13%)

Payment Processing: 2.9% + $0.30 (if using Mercari balance vs. direct deposit)

Total Cost: ~13% all-in

Promotion Tools:

• Smart Pricing (auto-discount over time)
• Offers (buyers can make offers)
• Promote (pay to boost listings)

Mercari Best Practices

1. Fast Shipping: Mercari buyers expect 1-2 day shipping 2. Competitive Pricing: Mercari is price-sensitive marketplace 3. Clear Photos: Mercari is mobile-first (good photos critical) 4. Prompt Responses: Answer questions within 24 hours

TCGPlayer: The Specialist Platform

TCGPlayer Direct vs. TCGPlayer Marketplace

TCGPlayer Direct:

• You send inventory to TCGPlayer warehouse
• They store, photograph, list, ship
• Higher fees (10-15%) but no work
• Best for: High-volume sellers

TCGPlayer Marketplace (Most Sellers):

• You list, store, ship yourself
• Lower fees (8.5% + $0.30)
• You control everything
• Best for: Most sellers

I use Marketplace (more control, lower fees).

TCGPlayer Condition Guidelines (Critical)

TCGPlayer Has Strict Grading Standards:

Near Mint: Pack-fresh, no visible flaws Lightly Played: Minor wear, slight edge whitening Moderately Played: Noticeable wear, no creases Heavily Played: Significant wear, possible creases Damaged: Major damage, tears, bends

Key Point: TCGPlayer buyers expect strict grading. If you grade LP but buyer thinks it's MP, they'll complain and you'll get negative feedback.

Best Practice: Grade conservatively (when in doubt, grade lower).

TCGPlayer Seller Levels

Levels Based on Sales Volume:

• Level 1: $0-2,000
• Level 2: $2,000-10,000
• Level 3: $10,000-25,000
• Level 4: $25,000+

Higher Levels Get:

• Lower fees
• Better search placement
• Trust badges
• Marketing support

How to Level Up: Consistent sales, good ratings, fast shipping

TCGPlayer Shipping Requirements

Shipping Window: 2 business days

Tracking Required: Orders $50+

Packaging Standards:

• Penny sleeve + top loader minimum
• Bubble mailer or box
• Orders $50+: Extra protection

Pro Tip: TCGPlayer buyers are serious collectors—package professionally.

TCGPlayer Certified Hobby Shop Requirement

If You Want Level 4: May need brick-and-mortar shop or business license

Most Sellers: Can operate at Levels 1-3 without physical shop

Facebook Marketplace: Local Sales

Facebook Marketplace Rules

Allowed:

• Pokemon cards sales
• Local pickup or shipping
• Cash or Facebook Pay

Not Allowed:

• Counterfeit items
• Misleading listings
• Prohibited content

Best Practices:

• Meet in public places (police station parking lots)
• Cash preferred for local
• Ship with tracking if shipping

Pros: No fees, local market, fast transactions Cons: More scam risk, time-consuming meetups

Instagram/TikTok Sales (Growing Platforms)

Rules for Social Media Sales

Instagram:

• Can sell via DM and link to external platforms
• Use Instagram Shopping (if eligible)
• Follow commerce policies (no counterfeits, accurate descriptions)

TikTok:

• Link to external sales platforms in bio
• Can't directly sell on TikTok (yet)
• Use as marketing, drive to Mercari/eBay/website

Best Practices:

• Clear pricing
• Link to trusted platforms
• Build trust through content first

Platform-Specific Suspension Risks

Top Reasons Sellers Get Suspended

1. Counterfeit Items (Instant Ban):

• Selling fake Pokemon cards
• Zero tolerance on all platforms

2. Too Many "Not As Described" Claims:

• Inaccurate condition descriptions
• Wrong card sent
• Poor packaging (arrives damaged)

3. Late Shipping:

• Missing tracking uploads
• Consistent late shipments

4. Poor Communication:

• Not responding to messages
• Ignoring return requests

5. Circumventing Platform (eBay/Mercari):

• Asking buyers to pay off-platform
• Sharing external contact info
• Trying to avoid fees

How to Avoid: Follow rules, accurate listings, great service, communicate well.

Multi-Platform Strategy

Should You Sell on Multiple Platforms?

Yes, Benefits:

• Broader reach (different buyers on each platform)
• Risk diversification (if one account suspended, you have others)
• Platform-specific opportunities (eBay for vintage, TCGPlayer for competitive players)

Challenges:

• Inventory sync (don't double-sell)
• Different shipping requirements
• More accounts to manage

My Strategy:

• eBay: Vintage and high-value cards ($100+)
• Mercari: Modern and mid-range cards ($10-100)
• TCGPlayer: Competitive playable cards
• Instagram: Marketing and VIP customers

Inventory Management: Use spreadsheet to track where each card is listed.

Staying Updated on Rule Changes

Platforms Change Rules Regularly

How to Stay Informed:

1. Read Seller Updates: eBay, Mercari, TCGPlayer send emails with policy changes
2. Check Seller Forums: Reddit (r/eBay, r/Mercari, r/pkmntcgtrades)
3. Follow Official Accounts: eBay for Business, Mercari Sellers on Twitter
4. Review Seller Agreement: Annually, skim through terms of service

Set Reminder: Quarterly, review each platform's seller policies.

What to Do If Your Account Gets Suspended

Step 1: Don't Panic

Step 2: Understand Why

• Read suspension notice carefully
• Identify specific violation
• Check if suspension is temporary or permanent

Step 3: Appeal (If Applicable)

• Many suspensions allow appeal
• Write professional appeal explaining:
  • What happened
  • Why it won't happen again
  • Steps you've taken to prevent it
• Be humble, not defensive

Step 4: Create Plan B

• If permanent ban, focus on other platforms
• Consider starting fresh (new account with proper compliance)

Prevention is 1000X Better Than Appeals

Action Steps

1. This week: Review seller performance on each platform you use
2. This week: Read current seller policies on your platforms
3. This month: Audit your listings for compliance (accurate descriptions, proper photos)
4. This month: Set up system to track where each card is listed (prevent double-sells)
5. Quarterly: Review seller agreement updates
6. Ongoing: Monitor seller metrics weekly, address any issues immediately

Ready to Master Platform Rules?

This is Module 5.3 of Week 5 in the Pokemon Business Startup Course.

Complete course includes:

• Platform-specific compliance checklists
• Seller metric tracking spreadsheets
• Appeal letter templates
• Multi-platform inventory management system
• Platform comparison charts
• Policy update monitoring system

Enroll in the Pokemon Business Startup Course →

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Module 5.3 of Week 5 - Pokemon Business Startup Course