Gumtree help required.
Discussion
Unfortunately Gumtree is where a great many of our customers have been found. It used to be cheap and good. Then it became more expensive and good. Now it has become even more expensive and absolutely useless. But we still need to work with it until we find an alternative.
The problem is that every advert we try to post gets immediately removed automatically.
Doing an Internet search suggests that many people are having the same problem with no real explanation regarding why.
I ASSUME our problem relates to earlier difficulties with Gumtree where our ads were messed up by Gumtree's software, Gumtree refused a refund (or credit) and where our card provider refunded us. I THINK Gumtree has blacklisted us somehow. However their support staff, who are trying to resolve the issue, have not confirmed as much.
We've tried a new account with different email address and phone number, but the ads are still being removed instantly.
We ARE actively sorting alternative advertising, however does anyone have any ideas regarding how to deal with the current issue?
The problem is that every advert we try to post gets immediately removed automatically.
Doing an Internet search suggests that many people are having the same problem with no real explanation regarding why.
I ASSUME our problem relates to earlier difficulties with Gumtree where our ads were messed up by Gumtree's software, Gumtree refused a refund (or credit) and where our card provider refunded us. I THINK Gumtree has blacklisted us somehow. However their support staff, who are trying to resolve the issue, have not confirmed as much.
We've tried a new account with different email address and phone number, but the ads are still being removed instantly.
We ARE actively sorting alternative advertising, however does anyone have any ideas regarding how to deal with the current issue?
IATM said:
New account
New email
From a different pc/tablet/phone
From a different location that will result in a different ip
Different name
Different bank account
Every single thing needs to be different for the new account otherwise they will link it and block it.
Thanks, I will give it a try.New email
From a different pc/tablet/phone
From a different location that will result in a different ip
Different name
Different bank account
Every single thing needs to be different for the new account otherwise they will link it and block it.
Steffan said:
Gumtree were acquired by Ebay a while ago. The blocking process is typical of the Ebay commercial approach. Scrupulous avoidance of any previous association should resolve this. Sadly I have no idea what alternatives may exist if any. Good luck.
I was aware of the acquisition. Gumtree's attitude is so abysmal I almost wonder whether Ebay bought Gumtree in order to kill it and in so doing protect Ebay.
Eleven said:
Steffan said:
Gumtree were acquired by Ebay a while ago. The blocking process is typical of the Ebay commercial approach. Scrupulous avoidance of any previous association should resolve this. Sadly I have no idea what alternatives may exist if any. Good luck.
I was aware of the acquisition. Gumtree's attitude is so abysmal I almost wonder whether Ebay bought Gumtree in order to kill it and in so doing protect Ebay.
Steffan said:
Eleven said:
Steffan said:
Gumtree were acquired by Ebay a while ago. The blocking process is typical of the Ebay commercial approach. Scrupulous avoidance of any previous association should resolve this. Sadly I have no idea what alternatives may exist if any. Good luck.
I was aware of the acquisition. Gumtree's attitude is so abysmal I almost wonder whether Ebay bought Gumtree in order to kill it and in so doing protect Ebay.
Eleven said:
We ARE actively sorting alternative advertising, however does anyone have any ideas regarding how to deal with the current issue?
Can you post an *exact* version of the ad here? A different set of eyes might spot something that falls foul of the million rules they have.Edited by bigandclever on Saturday 8th March 11:11
bigandclever said:
Steffan said:
Eleven said:
Steffan said:
Gumtree were acquired by Ebay a while ago. The blocking process is typical of the Ebay commercial approach. Scrupulous avoidance of any previous association should resolve this. Sadly I have no idea what alternatives may exist if any. Good luck.
I was aware of the acquisition. Gumtree's attitude is so abysmal I almost wonder whether Ebay bought Gumtree in order to kill it and in so doing protect Ebay.
Eleven said:
We ARE actively sorting alternative advertising, however does anyone have any ideas regarding how to deal with the current issue?
Can you post an *exact* version of the ad here? A different set of eyes might spot something that falls foul of the million rules they have.Edited by bigandclever on Saturday 8th March 11:11
He has manually made the advert live, however unfortunately for whatever reason the phone number doesn't show, he cannot actually amend the advert to add it and he advises that if I try to edit it, it will automatically remove itself again!
Crikey. Having had an email from them stating that categorically my advert did not breach their posting guidelines, I have just received an email stating that my advert definitely did, my account is suspended and they will not enter into any further dialogue about it.
They truly are a shower.
They truly are a shower.
Okay, I spoke to Gumtree's business support bods a few days ago. Helpful they were. They said that the account should have no restriction upon it and to write in to customer services detailing the exact problem and what I believed was the cause.
I have received one reply which missed the point so badly it could have been answering a completely different question. Today I have received another reply stating that our adverts breach their posting rules. Again no explanation as to why.
Two members of staff at Gumtree have already stated that our ads don't breach any rules. There is something very odd about all this. Here is one of the adverts:
Nottingham 1-bedroom self-contained flat £124pw includes all bills (except council tax).
The property comprises of: Double Bedroom, Lounge, Kitchen, Shower room.
The kitchen has oven, hob, washer, fridge (with ice box).
Double glazed.
Good condition
Convenient for bus, tram, train and city.
Easy on street parking (no permit needed).
This flat is suitable for singles or couples, NOT children or pets sorry.
Unfurnished but can be furnished at additional cost.
I am not an agent so NO FEES TO PAY. You will require a deposit.
Sorry no DSS / Housing benefit.
Call Mike or Janet on 07800 123456
I have received one reply which missed the point so badly it could have been answering a completely different question. Today I have received another reply stating that our adverts breach their posting rules. Again no explanation as to why.
Two members of staff at Gumtree have already stated that our ads don't breach any rules. There is something very odd about all this. Here is one of the adverts:
Nottingham 1-bedroom self-contained flat £124pw includes all bills (except council tax).
The property comprises of: Double Bedroom, Lounge, Kitchen, Shower room.
The kitchen has oven, hob, washer, fridge (with ice box).
Double glazed.
Good condition
Convenient for bus, tram, train and city.
Easy on street parking (no permit needed).
This flat is suitable for singles or couples, NOT children or pets sorry.
Unfurnished but can be furnished at additional cost.
I am not an agent so NO FEES TO PAY. You will require a deposit.
Sorry no DSS / Housing benefit.
Call Mike or Janet on 07800 123456
I have now had this:
Hello,
Your account has been reviewed and clearly shows non-compliance of our posting rules.
Therefore, our original decision to restrict your access is upheld.
We reserve the right to remove ads and restrict user access in accordance with our terms and conditions as seen on the website (http://www.gumtree.com/disclaimer.html).
This decision is final and not open to further consideration, any future correspondence will not be answered.
Hello,
Your account has been reviewed and clearly shows non-compliance of our posting rules.
Therefore, our original decision to restrict your access is upheld.
We reserve the right to remove ads and restrict user access in accordance with our terms and conditions as seen on the website (http://www.gumtree.com/disclaimer.html).
This decision is final and not open to further consideration, any future correspondence will not be answered.
Eleven said:
Your account has been reviewed and clearly shows non-compliance of our posting rules.
Which screams the question 'HOW'? and 'PLEASE ADVISE WHICH POSTING RULE IS BEING BROKEN SO I CAN COMPLY NEXT TIME'Problem is you're dealing with a very big computer, lots of low-level staff with no power to think, copy/paste 'policy' and no joined up communication.
Or just vote with your feet.
Simpo Two said:
Which screams the question 'HOW'? and 'PLEASE ADVISE WHICH POSTING RULE IS BEING BROKEN SO I CAN COMPLY NEXT TIME'
Problem is you're dealing with a very big computer, lots of low-level staff with no power to think, copy/paste 'policy' and no joined up communication.
Or just vote with your feet.
Trouble is, Gumtree is where most people look for our flats.Problem is you're dealing with a very big computer, lots of low-level staff with no power to think, copy/paste 'policy' and no joined up communication.
Or just vote with your feet.
Eleven said:
Trouble is, Gumtree is where most people look for our flats.
OK, work it from the other end. Find someone else's advert that is very similar to what you want (and presumably obeys all the rules). Adjust the details to suit, changing as little as possible. Then post and see what happens. If they ban it, report the one you copied from and see if it goes down. If not then somewhere there is a logic flaw.Alternatively, ask a friend to post an advert EXACTLY the same as the one that got banned. Same photos, same text, identical in every way but just a different seller. See if that gets banned too. Again, if not, there is a logic flaw.
NB: Reading your earlier post re blacklisting you may be right, and either the pawn at the other end doesn't know or it's Gumtree's rather cowardly policy to pretend it's another reason. The fact they can't define that reason when questioned does smell whiffy.
Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 20th April 11:05
Simpo Two said:
Eleven said:
Trouble is, Gumtree is where most people look for our flats.
OK, work it from the other end. Find someone else's advert that is very similar to what you want (and presumably obeys all the rules). Adjust the details to suit, changing as little as possible. Then post and see what happens. If they ban it, report the one you copied from and see if it goes down. If not then somewhere there is a logic flaw.Alternatively, ask a friend to post an advert EXACTLY the same as the one that got banned. Same photos, same text, identical in every way but just a different seller. See if that gets banned too. Again, if not, there is a logic flaw.
NB: Reading your earlier post re blacklisting you may be right, and either the pawn at the other end doesn't know or it's Gumtree's rather cowardly policy to pretend it's another reason. The fact they can't define that reason when questioned does smell whiffy.
Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 20th April 11:05
t intended to get rid of me.Because Gumtree is the place that 90% of our non-referred tenants find us and because we have done nothing wrong I am wondering whether ultimately trading standards would be interested. Gumtree is, after all, restricting our access to the market with no good reason.
I have a suspicion, though, that if I am sufficiently persistent I can get through to someone there with authority who can resolve the issue.
I had similar experiences with Ebay and Amazon donkeys years ago when they were quite new companies. They made ridiculous decisions that adversely affected me and I was left to deal with the very lowest grade of employee / human life who seemingly knew nothing at all about anything. In both cases I managed to get hold of a senior person who was so surprised that I had managed to track them down they dropped everything to deal with the problems straight away.
Gumtree, like Ebay, seems to go out its way to be ethereal and difficult to pin down. As far as I can make out Gumtree operates out a serviced office in London and its support staff are in another country. Gibraltar is my guess.
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