eBay places sensible (but ineffective) restrictions on iPhone sales

I'm pleased to see that eBay as put some sensible restrictions in place on iPhone sales.  Unfortunately, no one seems to be enforcing them.

Here are the highlights (my comments in italics):

• Apple iPhone Pre-Sales are prohibited. Sensible precaution that prevents customers being burned by sellers who can't deliver on the promise of an iPhone.  Unfortunately, these words alone don't prevent sales and I can find loads of iPhones for pre-sale.
• Criteria for Apple iPhone Post-Launch Sales. In order to continue to ensure protection for our Community after these items are made available by the manufacturer, the following requirements have been put in place for the sale of the iPhone: - The listing must include a unique photograph of the item or items - Your User ID must be clearly displayed within the photograph (watermarks will not be accepted). - To ensure buyer protection, PayPal must be the only accepted form of payment Looks to me like eBay is slowly learning how to prevent the kind of frauds and scams that have previously plagued the site (like people selling empty Xbox 360 boxes for incredible prices).  I'd like to see a fourth sale criteria - a clear photo/scan of a sales receipt.

Despite these restrictions, as of the time of writing I've still managed to find loads of iPhones for pre-sale on eBay.

To be honest, I'd give eBay a wide berth.  Not only is there still a chance of being scammed but prices are likely to be nuts - remember, the person who wins an auction is the one that's willing to pay the most!

While I'm talking about the iPhone, here are a couple of funny iPhone related cartoons.  Enjoy!