A Notice to Our Customers and Fellow Sellers
Over the years, I have rarely encountered a platform that changes its policies as frequently — and with such little regard for its sellers — as eBay. Their inconsistent approach to adult content has become increasingly frustrating and, in my view, detrimental to honest businesses.
Many years ago, Teresa and I successfully sold her photography on eBay after being explicitly advised that topless and nude images were permitted, provided they were non-explicit and did not show genitalia. This worked well until eBay began removing listings without warning, ultimately resulting in the closure of our account.
More recently, we returned to eBay and strictly adhered to their published rules, listing only non-nude images. After noticing other sellers offering explicit content, I contacted eBay for clarification. I was informed that topless and nude photography is allowed — but only within the Collectibles & Art > Art > Art Photographs category. When I questioned whether these images genuinely qualified as “art,” I was told that eBay does not determine what constitutes art.
Following this advice, we began listing Teresa’s topless and nude photographs, along with some of my own work featuring other models. Everything proceeded smoothly until recently, when two listings were removed and our account received a violation for “Morphing” (a term I had to research, as the images in question were completely untouched original photographs).
After spending nearly an hour on the phone with an eBay representative, it became clear that the platform has once again changed its policy on nudity. Bare breasts and nudity are now only permitted if “covered” in the image — and not with digital effects such as stars or overlays. The covering must be achieved using a physical object (e.g. coins, hands, or similar items) placed on the original photograph before it is re-photographed.
Importantly, eBay did not notify affected sellers of this significant policy change. Instead, listings are simply removed and violations issued, often leading to account suspension.
As a result of these repeated and poorly communicated policy shifts, we have decided to stop selling Teresa’s topless and nude photographs — as well as my own — on eBay.
We remain committed to producing and offering high-quality, tasteful photography to our loyal customers through platforms that provide stability and fairness to sellers.
Thank you for your continued support.