Questionable Listing Query

[JaBek1]

I noticed a relatively new seller listing what appears to be replicas of WWII German medals. As with much of the items from that period they bear the Swastika emblem of NAZI Germany and while I have no particular problem with such items myself, I noticed that the seller has included Germany as a country to where he is willing to ship. I may be wrong, but I thought that such items were prohibited from that country and possibly others.

Here is the dilemma with which I'm faced. I thought it would be helpful to warn the seller that offering shipping to Germany might be a problem, however, I find that it isn't possible to contact the seller without going through the ask a question on a listing which will become part of the listing. Personally, I don't see where it would be appropriate to bring the matter up and make it part of his listing. Anyone have any other options that might be used to warn the seller of the problem?

[damian_steele]

Send them a Private Message (PM) via the forum.

[JaBek1]

Send them a Private Message (PM) via the forum.

I would but haven't seen them on the forums. They've only been a member for less than 2 weeks.

[damian_steele]

That doesn't matter. They should still get the email notification and come to the forums to read the message.

[baconsdozen]

Perhaps you should warn Ebid.That sort of thing wont exactly enhance their reputation abroad (or here).

[RonOne]

"To maintain a safe trading environment eBid allows contact to be made between users via individual auction pages only. Browse to the live or closed auction product page you wish to contact the Seller about and you will find a Question & Answer facility. Just add your question and the other party will be emailed straight away."

As stated by ebid on their "Contact Them" bit.
So if they do not participate in the Forum's,
I presume you will have to use the Q&A on their auction listing.

[bluebedouin]

Similar thing arose last year.This post has clarification from support.

[HellsGrandma]

It is not illegal to OWN that emblem its what you do with it that is either legal or illegal.
The buyer may just want it for his own collection and do bear in mind that Germany DOES have many non Germans living there.

Please see this exerpt taken from a similar question posted elsewhere.

'Is it Really Illegal to Display the Swastika Symbol in Germany?

The answer to this question largely depends on the intended use of the swastika symbol. As a matter of public law, the post-war German law codes prohibit the display of a swastika in any form or fashion, even if used satirically or as part of an anti-Nazi political statement. This law is generally applied to the specific five-by-five grid swastika design used during the Nazi era, however. Several religious organizations have petitioned the German government for permission to display other forms of the symbol.'

[suesjools]

I'd try to e mail the seller via PM, and if you can't get through to him/her, contact eBid. As Nazi/replica paphernalia isn't illegal here or in many other places, the newbie might not be aware that such items are restricted in some areas.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[darklisruthven]

yep, personally I find Nazi-related stuff highly offensive and icky, however from an admin point of view, ebid have to allow things that are legal. The seller should be aware though that there ARE restrictions on such items in certain laces, if only enough to add a disclaimer to thier listings to state that sellers should only buy if it is legal in thier country - thus covering thier backs if someone buys from a country where it isnt allowed.

Yes, I agree, the swastika does appear in other quite legitimate, non-nazi related contexts (after all the nazis simply appropriated the symbol and reversed the "spin" direction of the arms). Hundu-ism, and theosophy, as two examples.