Community Standards
MarketplaceAbandoned Hobby is a marketplace for real people buying and selling hobby-related items. These standards explain what’s OK, what’s not, and what we do when something crosses the line.
If you’re ever unsure whether a listing is allowed, don’t post it yet—reach out via Support.
Quick jumps
We want listings and interactions that are:
- Safe (no harm, threats, or illegal activity)
- Honest (accurate descriptions, real photos, no scams)
- Respectful (no harassment or hate)
- On-platform (payments + messages stay here so buyers/sellers are protected)
What to do if you received a removal email or your listing disappears.
If you received a removal email, it usually means the listing violated one of the standards below.
What to do next
- Find the category referenced in your email (or match it below).
- Fix the listing (photos, title, description, category, or item itself).
- Do not repost the same prohibited item—repeat violations can lead to account restrictions.
- If you think we made a mistake, submit an appeal (see Appeals).
Most hobby-related items are welcome, including:
- Instruments and music gear, pedals, parts, accessories
- Collectibles, toys, models, LEGO, board games, cards (authentic items only)
- Books, comics, zines, prints you’re allowed to sell
- Craft tools/materials that are legal and safe
- Used items (as long as condition is described accurately)
If your item is legal, safely shippable, and accurately described, it’s usually fine.
Listings in these categories will be removed, even if they’re “for novelty” or “just a joke”.
Some items are allowed only if they follow extra requirements. We may remove listings that are unclear, unsafe, or legally risky.
Examples (not exhaustive)
- Knives / blades / replicas: must comply with local laws; no “weapon” marketing
- Alcohol / nicotine: typically not allowed in many marketplaces; may be removed
- Hazardous materials: flammables, corrosives, pressurized containers (often not shippable)
- Batteries (lithium): must follow carrier rules; clearly disclose shipping limitations
- Medical items: no prescription meds; no claims that imply treatment/cures
If your item is restricted, your listing must be clear, legal, and safely shippable, and you must follow carrier + local rules.
Listings must be truthful and complete.
You must
- Use real photos of the actual item (not stock images as the main photo)
- Describe condition accurately (including flaws, missing parts, damage)
- Disclose what’s included (power supply, cables, case, manuals, etc.)
- Avoid misleading titles (no keyword stuffing, no “like new” when it isn’t)
Not allowed
- Misrepresenting brand/model
- Hiding defects or “surprise” condition issues
- Listing something you don’t have in-hand (unless clearly marked as a legitimate preorder with realistic timeline)
To keep Buyer Protection intact, transactions and communication must stay on-platform.
Not allowed
- Asking buyers to pay via Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, crypto, gift cards, etc.
- Posting contact info to move communication off-platform (email, phone number, social handles)
- “Fee avoidance” language (e.g., “message me to buy cheaper”)
- Shill bidding, fake engagement, or coordinated manipulation
Why we enforce this: off-platform deals remove protection for both sides and create a high scam risk.
We don’t allow behavior that makes the community unsafe.
Not allowed
- Threats, intimidation, harassment, stalking
- Hate speech or slurs
- Doxxing or encouraging others to target someone
- Sexual harassment or unwanted explicit messages
Keep it respectful—even in disputes.
Respect creators and brands.
Not allowed
- Counterfeit goods or replicas presented as authentic
- Unauthorized use of trademarks in a way that misleads buyers
- Pirated digital goods, keys, cracked software, or illegal downloads
- Selling reproductions of someone else’s art/design without permission
If you sell fan art or inspired work, make sure it’s clearly your original creation and not falsely branded as official.
Protect yourself and others.
Not allowed
- Posting personal data: phone numbers, emails, addresses, ID documents
- Sharing private messages publicly without consent (especially with personal info)
- Any attempt to expose (“dox”) someone
Use the in-app messaging system and let the platform handle disputes.
Depending on severity and history, we may take one or more of these actions:
- Remove the listing
- Limit account features (listing limits, messaging restrictions)
- Temporary suspension
- Permanent removal from the platform (for severe or repeat violations)
Zero tolerance categories
Some categories are zero tolerance (for example: exploitation, illegal weapons sales, child sexual content). Those can result in immediate account termination and reports to authorities where required.
If you believe a removal was incorrect, you can appeal.
Include
- The listing title/ID (from the email)
- Why you think it follows standards
- Any context that helps (clear photos, receipts/authentication, corrected description)
We review appeals, but we may uphold removals when a listing is high-risk, unclear, or repeatedly violates the rules.
If you see a listing or behavior that violates standards, please report it using the Report flow. Reports help us keep the marketplace safe and fair.
Thank you for helping keep Abandoned Hobby trustworthy.