eBay has stirred up criticism with the latest issue of its newsletter for PowerSellers called PowerUp. The newsletter contained an article, "Sourcing for Profitability," which includes a tip called "Returns mean low risk."

"When sourcing at retail, check the return policy before you buy. If items are returnable, you can always return the inventory if you find it doesn't sell at a good profit."

Karen Dudnikov of Tabberone.com poked fun at eBay over the newsletter's advice in a parody article entitled, "Ebay Tells Sellers To Cheat Stores To Sell Merchandise On eBay!" The article states, "Retail stores are not in the business of consigning merchandise to eBay sellers." (http://tinyurl.com/ywl9up)

Chris Dawson of the Tamebay blog also wrote about eBay's advice on retail returns, stating, "I'm not sure just why eBay would give this advice in the current climate of retailers scrutinising eBay." (http://tinyurl.com/2z7ydd)

AuctionBytes has written about increasing restrictions from manufacturers, distributors and retailers on online and eBay sales, an issue that was also raised at eBay's annual conference in June.