After understanding affiliate marketing and the benefits of the eBay Partner Network (EPN), the next step is to register for an account. The process is relatively straightforward, but knowing the requirements and common pitfalls can ensure a successful registration and avoid unnecessary issues.
This article provides a detailed step-by-step guide to joining EPN, along with the necessary conditions and common mistakes to avoid.
I. Requirements for Joining the eBay Partner Network
To become an EPN affiliate, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- Age: Individuals must be 18 or older to enter legally binding contracts.
- Online Platform: You need a personal or business website, blog, or social media account (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Reddit, Instagram, or Twitter) where links can be posted.
- eBay Account: You must have an active eBay account in good standing.
- Payment Method: You need the ability to receive payments, typically via a bank account (Electronic Funds Transfer – EFT) or PayPal. This may restrict participation for residents of certain countries.
- Platform Content: Your online platform must not contain “adult, illegal, or restricted” content (e.g., pornography, violence, guns/weapons, illegal goods/services, gambling, discrimination, defamation, content targeting children, or misleading/obscene/hateful content).
A notable advantage is that platform traffic is not a requirement for joining EPN. This is a key differentiator compared to many other affiliate programs that often demand a minimum traffic volume or an established online presence. The absence of an initial traffic requirement makes EPN highly accessible to beginners, allowing them to join and start promoting even with a brand-new blog or social media channel. This significantly broadens the pool of potential affiliates eBay can attract.
II. Step-by-Step Registration Process
The process to sign up for an EPN account includes the following steps:
Step 1: Start the Registration
- Visit any page on partnernetwork.ebay.com and click the green “Sign Up” button in the top right corner.
Step 2: Sign In or Create an eBay Account
- On the registration page, select your preferred language.
- Click “Sign in with eBay.”
- If you already have an eBay account, you can use the same email address for your EPN account (as long as it’s not already linked to another EPN account).
- If you don’t have an eBay account or prefer to create a new one for EPN, select “Create an account.” Choose “Personal account” even for business purposes, as a “business account” is only necessary for selling on eBay.
- Fill in the name fields with the email address you want to use for EPN registration, then click “Create account.” You can also use an email linked to your Facebook, Google, or Apple account.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- On the “Sign Up” page, scroll down to the actual application section.
- Fill out all required fields in the “Your Information,” “Company Information,” and “Promotional Information” sections.
- Click the “Sign Up” button at the bottom of the page.
Step 4: Await Approval
- After submitting, you’ll see a confirmation message on the page.
- A separate email titled “Application Received” will be sent to your registered email address. The approval process typically takes a few hours but may take a few days.
Step 5: Access Affiliate Tools and Start Promoting
- Once approved, you’ll gain access to the EPN dashboard, where you can find promotional materials and link-building tools.
- With your account set up, you can begin promoting eBay products by sharing unique affiliate links on your channels and tracking performance.
A key recommendation after setting up your account is to add a secondary email address for enhanced security.
III. Common Registration Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Although the EPN registration process is straightforward, some applications may be rejected. Rejection reasons are often not detailed in notifications, but based on eBay’s policies, common mistakes include:
Issues with Provided Data:
- Inaccurate or incomplete information in the registration form.
Failure to Prove Domain Ownership:
- Inability to verify ownership of the registered website’s domain.
Inappropriate Website Content:
- The website contains adult, illegal, violent, discriminatory, or other restricted content.
Account Policy Violations:
- Attempting to re-register after a previous account was terminated without prior approval.
- Registering multiple accounts without written approval from eBay.
- Using an eBay account not in good standing.
Missteps in Promotion and eBay Brand Usage:
- Failure to Disclose Affiliate Relationship: Not clearly or adequately disclosing that content is promotional and may earn commissions.
- Using Outdated or Modified eBay Logos: Not using the current eBay logo or altering it (e.g., distorting, stretching, cropping, using low resolution, changing colors, applying effects, changing layout, using different fonts, or adding borders).
- Using eBay Brand in Domains or Paid Ads: Using domain names or social media handles containing “eBay” in a confusing manner, or bidding on “eBay” branded keywords in paid ads to direct traffic straight to eBay. Traffic must pass through the affiliate’s website first.
Misleading or Deceptive Advertising:
- Using misleading or deceptive methods to drive link clicks.
Cookie Stuffing or Roundtripping:
- Fraudulent technical practices like placing cookies without active user interaction or attempting to overwrite another affiliate’s cookies.
Purchasing via Your Own Affiliate Links:
- This is a prohibited practice.
Placing Links or Ads on eBay’s Own Platforms:
- Affiliate links must not be placed on eBay’s assets, such as product listings, “About Me” pages, stores, or eBay messages, unless using an EPN-approved browser extension.
This detailed list of prohibited actions and common mistakes highlights eBay’s emphasis on brand integrity, user trust, and fairness within its network. Successful affiliates must not only drive sales but also act as responsible brand ambassadors, strictly adhering to ethical marketing practices and disclosure requirements. Non-compliance can lead to account termination, even if sales are high. Therefore, regularly reviewing the EPN Network Agreement and disclosure guidelines is essential to maintain compliance and ensure a long-term partnership.
