It appears that eBay member ReturnBuy is in violation of eBay's "no links" policy. The Item View page of Item #1603425052, for example, has a link to the ReturnBuy.com Web site, where they are collecting email addresses of visitors. The site states: "See a listing of all items currently for sale on eBay, which is the first site, or "channel" we are using. Later, you will be able to buy ReturnBuy-certified return "resales" from other consumer sites, and directly from ReturnBuy.com."

In addition, it appears that ReturnBuy does not maintain the required 98% positive feedback ratio to keep their "Power Seller" status. (It is 94.9% for the past 6 months, and 96.8% for the past week.)

Given that eBay has participated in ReturnBuy.com's financing rounds, many auction sellers are wondering if the "playing field," which eBay insists is "level" for all members, is really a slippery slope.