eBay is misleading its affilates

[signup1]

After several tests, I found ebay is one of the biggest cheaters. Here is the test I did:

1 click ebay.com link register with CA address
result: no credit
2 click ebay.com link bid on CA
no credit

Those two are acceptable

Here is what is not acceptable
The term for credit is register after link and bid within 30 days.
I did this:
1 click ebay.com link, register on ebay
result: registertration
2 clear all cookies
3 bid on ebay.com without going through link.
result: no active registeration is recorded.

So ebay only credit the registration if the same person register and bid from the SAME PC with the same cookie within 30 days. That is very different from what they say they are offering. I bet many people send active registeration and never got the credit.

[instinct]

I would check the exact wording of ebay's affiliate agreement.

It could very well be writen to allow for what you describe. (Although it's news to me personally, and a bit disappointing if true).

Let us know what you find out.