Ebay - why?

[TonyF]

Clamp down

Seems Ebay are clamping down. They have started pulling ads for markers, only in the last few days!
Markers fall foul of the restricted or banned items under
"Any item that is designed to propel a metal (or similar) projectile is covered by this ban, regardless of that item's present ability to fire."
This is a crazy situation, as the items for sale are perfectly legal in the U.K. and markers are still available on ebay.com
Maybe ebay would change these rules if some sort of disclaimer could be added, stating that they "are fully U.K. legal paintball markers, for sale to over 18's only. Anyone under the age of 18, but over 14, will need written consent from a parent/guardian before the sale can be completed"
If that were added you may have a good case for getting eBay to allow the add.

 

[QuackingPlums]

At what point are paintball markers "designed to propel a metal (or similar) projectile"?!

If my broken ankle has taken me out of the game for so long that you've all started using metal paint then I'm not sure I want to get back into it!

 

[TonyF]

Originally posted by QuackingPlums
At what point are paintball markers "designed to propel a metal (or similar) projectile"?!

Sorry thats what happens when you copy and paste without fully reading the wording!
U.K eBay defines a banned firearm as "Any item that is designed to discharge any shot, bullet or other missile is covered by this ban, regardless of that item's present ability to fire. Replica or imitation firearms may also not be listed on eBay."
Which covers just about everything including fishing bait catapults!
And if they don't get you with that this one will "Weapons which discharge noxious substances, liquids or gas, including tear gas or pepper spray dispensers, are also prohibited in the UK and may not be listed on eBay."
You may stll be able to sell them on the U.S. ebay site, only shipping to the U.K. though.

 

[JoseDominguez]

yup, they haven't allowed markers etc... for a long time, but you got away with it if you didn't mention gun, fire etc..... seems like they are actually manualy checking now.

Ever buy a PC from Dell? third question on the order form is
"will this equipment be used to produce weapons of mass destruction....."
Cool
I had to lie to get mine
Obviously a terrorist would say yes, and not gt a PC.

 

[QuackingPlums]

Isn't there a similar question on those green landing cards as you fly into the US?

Are you a terrorist? Yes __ No __ (tick one)

It's probably just a long shot, but if they catch just one it will have been worth it...

 

[JoseDominguez]

I wonder if it ever works? I'd love to meet the bloke who got caught. Is their some fundamentalist movement that's not allowed to lie? they'd probably get the question removed as it discriminates against their terrorists on religious grounds.
We could mop up loads of crimes.
A) Are you a terrorist
B) Are you/were you a NAzi war criminal
C) Are you, or have you ever been french?


Also, have you noticed that you fill in the form AFTER you leave the plane? a bit late really.
A) Are you a plane hijacker............... obviously.

 

[TonyF]

Originally posted by JoseDominguez
yup, they haven't allowed markers etc... for a long time, but you got away with it if you didn't mention gun, fire etc..... seems like they are actually manualy checking now.

They don't need to manually check. All it takes is an anti-paintball eBay regular to check and report all marker posts to eBay for them to pull the auction!
Technically, if you reaad the banned items listed a hopper, Co2 or air system is also banned! basically anything other than clothing is not really allowed.
Funny how eBay.com has a section specifically for paintball.
Maybe the UKPSF could contact them to put a case forward and try and get items accepted under a sports section??

 

[Silentbob]

Originally posted by TonyF
And if they don't get you with that this one will "Weapons which discharge noxious substances, liquids or gas, including tear gas or pepper spray dispensers, are also prohibited in the UK and may not be listed on eBay."
You may stll be able to sell them on the U.S. ebay site, only shipping to the U.K. though.

Ahem, paintball markers either use AIR or CO2, neither of which are classed as noxious, as for the paint, it is not classed as noxious either, so they cant have you on that one.

 

[JoseDominguez]

check the definition of "noxious" under English law......it can be extended to include anything liquid or gas and not covered by "projectile" if you water pistol someone and they report you.....that's what they charge you with (I know someone who was charged with administerring a noxious substance when he altered his car windscreen washers "for a laugh" so they hit pedestrians) . So paint would definately be covered. Noxious just means "causing offence" under the law.

 

[Silentbob]

Believe me

I have been right through this subject with the Isle of Man Constabulary, the noxious bit was withdrawn from our debate on the grounds that we use AIR (CO2 was a grey area).

If anyone has been done for that definition, then they have not done their homework.
(Btw our FA laws are taken from UK laws)