You may not be aware of this but "key word spamming" is not allowed on Details.at. Often times sellers are not aware that the way in which they have created their listing, or described their item results in key word spamming. Learn more about our policy by reading below.
What is key word spamming?
Key word spamming is the practice of including brand names or other "key words" for the purpose of gaining attention or diverting users to an auction listing. Key word spamming is unfair to users who may be searching for a specific item and receive search engine results of listings which are not selling the item. It is also a manipulation of our search engine. Users often are confused and frustrated by such tactics. Certain uses of brand names may also constitute trademark infringement and could expose sellers to legal liability.
Details.at Policy on Key Word Spamming
Excessive use of key words, including (but not limited to) brand names, which are referenced for the purpose of attracting or diverting bidders to a listing is considered key word spamming and is not permitted.
Here are some examples of key word spamming that are not permitted:
� Lists of Words
1. The inclusion of words that are simply listed to attract viewers via our search engines and are not part of a context based item description. For example, it would not be permissible to state the following in your item description: "oil reproductions, art recreations, gallery, art gallery, impressionist, impressionism, oil paintings, reproduction, painting, recreation, copy, quality, reproductions, recreations, realistic, copies, paintings, old masters, replica, posters, prints, video..."
2. The inclusion of words that are simply listed to divert viewers to your other Details.at items. For example, it would not be permissible to state "Please view my other Details.at listings for Beanie Babies, vintage Barbies, Rolex watches, and Chanel scarves." It would be acceptable to state "Please click here to view my other Details.at listings."
� Hidden Text
HTML included in the listing, such as hidden text (for example "white on white") or source tags (meta or header tags) are not permitted.
� Drop Down Boxes
Inclusion of a drop down box in order to provide buyers with a list of items offered in other auctions. Because the search engine will pick up words listed within the box, this interferes with the search results, and is thus not permitted. As an alternative, sellers may include drop down boxes on their About Me pages, as this would not interfere with the search engine.
Related to the key word spamming issue is the use of brand names in your title or description. Please bear in mind that the following will also not be permitted:
� Extra Brand Names in Title
Any use of a trademarked (brand) name in the title of a listing where products of that brand name are not being offered.
� not This, not That
A title or description for a listing that reads, for example: "Gucci Purse (not Louis Vuitton, Armani, Prada)"; or "I also sell Gap, Nike, Gucci, Rolex, etc."; or "Please see my other auctions for Beanie Babies, Pokemon and Star Wars items."
These are further guidelines to consider when using brand names:
� Improper Trademark Usage
Generally speaking, reference to more than one brand name in a description is considered key word spamming. Under some circumstances it may be permissible to refer to other brands for comparison purposes or if you are selling a group of items in a single listing. However, some uses of other brand names may be considered by the owners of the relevant trademarks to be infringements of their rights. For example, use of phrases such as "Chanel-like," "Movado-style," "Gucci?," "Prada" (in quotes) or "This "X" brand bag has leather just like a Coach bag" will likely lead to increased scrutiny of your listing by rights owners and the implication that the goods you are offering are not authentic. We realize that many of you prefer to use a brand name for comparative purposes to best illustrate your item's particular style. However, we encourage you to first contact the trademark owner in question for their guidance as to what they consider to be permissible, before making any questionable use of a brand name.