The rules currently state:

"No auction style sales are allowed, nor links to eBay auctions."

I understand the problem with auction style sales, it leads to thread bumping, becomes muddled etc.

But what if I wish to sell an item, post it here first and there is insufficient interest? Why not post an ebay link? It could actually be a great situation if the poster offers a shipping discount (or something similar) to members here. I see this happening quite frequently in the marketplace section of another forum that I frequent.

I imagine the person who has set up this website has his reasons. I can understand how conversations could become a little awkward when one party has an ulterior motive to sell something. Since there is already a classified area for the purpose of selling things, it seems to me you are not being disadvantaged in any way. You are still free to use that other site if you wish.