This policy was updated on 21 December 2023. Our policy guidelines have not changed, but the information about activity that doesn't follow this policy has been updated for clarity.
Listing current catalogues can also make for a bad buyer experience – the items within the catalogue complicate our site search, making it harder for buyers to find the items they need. For more details on when catalogues can be listed on eBay, please see our full policy guidelines below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my collectable catalogues?
Yes, you can list old or collectable catalogues, but your listing and product must include the following statement: "You cannot order products from this catalogue."
You can also list other types of catalogues that can't be ordered from, such as auction catalogues from places like Sotheby's or Christie's, that are often used as reference guides.
I'm a rep for a company that sells products directly to consumers. Can I list my catalogue?
No. If you're a representative for a company like Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware or Amway, for example, you can't list your catalogue on eBay.
If you're not a company's representative, then you can sell their catalogues, as long as you state in your listing that you're not an agent or reseller of the products shown in the catalogue.
In general, you can only list a catalogue if you won't benefit from sales of items shown in the catalogue.
Read our full policy
Catalogues policy overview
We don't allow listings or products for catalogues that buyers can order from. We do allow sellers to list old and collectable catalogues that can no longer be ordered from, provided they meet certain requirements.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn't, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
What are the guidelines?
Allowed
- Any catalogue of any year that products can't be ordered from – for example, a catalogue that shows a product line
- Sotheby's, Christie's, and other auction catalogues that are used as a reference, guide or collectable
Allowed in some situations
- Old or collectable catalogues that can no longer be used to order items may be listed, provided that sellers follow these guidelines:
- The seller can't benefit from any subsequent sales from suppliers in that catalogue
- The listing must state the following: "You cannot order products from this catalogue"
- The listing may not include extensive lists of specific brand names, items, categories or prices in the title or description (e.g. "Sony", "Prada", "Gucci", "Handbags for $29.95"). This is considered "keyword spamming" and is against our Search and browse manipulation policy
- Any additional information or categories sellers want to include should be linked to through a "more information" link in the listing. Before adding a "more information" link, please review our Links policy
- Old and collectable catalogues can't be combined as a bonus item with any other listing or product
- Avon, Tupperware, Mark Kay and Amway catalogues can be listed as long as the seller indicates in the item description that he or she is not an agent or resellers of these products
Not allowed
- Any other catalogue that can be ordered from. For example, a listing for "Current Spring Catalogue, Buy It Now (BIN) for $0.99" is not allowed because it is a current catalogue from which a buyer may order directly
Tip
Visit Seller Help to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.
Why does eBay have this policy?
Listings that offer catalogues clutter the site, making it harder for buyers to find relevant items and harder for sellers to sell actual items. They also encourage buying and selling outside of eBay, which violates our policies.