This is eBay's main rulebook for anyone who buys or sells on the platform. It sets out what you can and can't do, how disputes are handled (mostly through private arbitration, not courts), and what eBay is and isn't responsible for. Key things to know: you give up your right to sue eBay in court or join a class action unless you opt out of arbitration within 30 days of agreeing.
Technical Summary
eBay's User Agreement (effective February 20, 2026 for existing users) governs access to and use of eBay's marketplace services, including buying, selling, and ancillary tools. The agreement establishes a binding arbitration clause with class action waiver applicable to US users, with a 30-day opt-out window. Key provisions address seller and buyer obligations, fee structures, content licensing, intellectual property rights, limitation of liability, indemnification obligations, and a release of claims against eBay for third-party disputes. The agreement also grants eBay broad rights to contact users via automated means, record calls, and analyze message content, while permitting account suspension and fund holds at eBay's discretion.
Institutional Analysis
The agreement engages GDPR and UK GDPR through its data processing and communication monitoring provisions, and implicates the FTC Act via its unfair/deceptive practice exposure in arbitration and fe…
The agreement engages GDPR and UK GDPR through its data processing and communication monitoring provisions, and implicates the FTC Act via its unfair/deceptive practice exposure in arbitration and fee-disclosure frameworks. The mandatory arbitration clause with class action waiver raises compliance…
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If you have a dispute with eBay, you must resolve it through private arbitration rather than going to court, unless you opt out within 30 days of accepting the agreement.
By agreeing to eBay's terms, you consent to eBay contacting you via automated calls and texts, recording those calls, and analyzing the content of messages sent through eBay's platform.
eBay limits its financial responsibility to you to the amount of fees you paid to eBay in the 12 months before the problem arose, and disclaims liability for many types of damages entirely.
When you post content on eBay (photos, descriptions, etc.), you grant eBay a royalty-free, worldwide license to use, copy, modify, and distribute that content.
eBay charges fees for selling on the platform, and in some cases collects and remits taxes on transactions. Fee structures can be changed by eBay with notice.
eBay can change the terms of this agreement at any time, and your continued use of the platform after changes take effect means you agree to the new terms.