A new eBay policy and a new federal law could have a profound effect on eBay sales. While not likely, it is possible that sellers of series books could be affected.
In January, eBay will ban the sale of all ivory, including vintage ivory. EBay had already restricted the sale of ivory, but the rules were not consistently enforced. This should not affect sellers of series books, but sometimes eBay enforces bans by prohibiting mention of the word.
Many people sell fake knock-offs of Tiffany and Co. jewelry and other products. Sellers of items such as the film, Breakfast at Tiffany's, have had their listings blocked because of the name "Tiffany" even though their items have nothing to do with Tiffany and Co.
It is possible that eBay could block the word "ivory." If eBay should decide to block listings that mention the word "ivory," then people will not be able to sell items such as Ivory soap or the Nancy Drew book, The Mystery of the Ivory Charm. I am waiting to see what happens. It might get very interesting.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 was signed into law in August. It will take effect on February 10, 2009. This law has to do with stricter lead-testing standards on toys. The law will cause problems among sellers of toys on eBay. The question is whether vintage toys will be exempt or whether they could get banned. Some booksellers are concerned that the law could end up targeting sellers of vintage children's books. I tend to think not, but I'm going to keep my eye on this one as well. Go to this message thread on the eBay Booksellers board to read a discussion of the situation.
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