So eBay live - an annual conference for eBayers have concluded on Friday - after all those Google eBay drama (you can look up details about this yourself, its all over the internet). I’m here to inform you couple of the more exciting announcements they made during eBay Live which I believe would change your business tremendously. (I know it’ll change mine) Of all the changes, I’m most excited about the extra protection eBay will provide us powersellers against non-paying bidders. eBay is finally waking up and know that they need us powersellers to make eBay continue to be a vibrant marketplace.
Price + Shipping Sort
Bill also mentioned an important test underway. We’ve all been frustrated by excessive shipping and handling charges. Price + Shipping Sort is a new search option that sorts search results according to the total cost of the item, including shipping and handling charges. That way, buyers can choose to have the full price picture sorted by either highest total cost or lowest total cost.
Powerseller Program Changes
The PowerSeller program is a vital part of the marketplace. As we work to improve the buyer experience, we’re shifting the focus of the PowerSeller program so that it offers more value to our best sellers who consistently deliver a great buyer experience. While more changes will be coming over the next several months, Bill introduced several important initiatives we’re ready to launch this fall.
“Seasonal” sellers to be eligible. This long-requested change is finally happening! If you sell a high volume, but just during your particular selling season (such as if you’re selling skis, golf clubs, etc.), we want to recognize your contributions. We know you work incredibly hard, so soon you’ll have access to phone support and the PowerSeller icon heading into your peak selling season, right when you need it most.
High-volume, Low-Average Selling Price sellers to be eligible. Sellers who list items like trading cards or media or other items with low average prices will now be eligible for the PowerSeller program. Just like seasonal sellers, you work extremely hard selling a lot of product, and it’s time to recognize your efforts. We’ll be adjusting our eligibility requirements so each PowerSeller level can be obtained based on dollar OR unit volume.
Enhanced PowerSeller support for Bronze level. Later this year, Bronze PowerSellers that meet the annual sales requirement, either through consistent monthly sales or high-volume seasonal sales, will have access to phone support just like Silver PowerSellers.
“Unpaid Item Insurance” for PowerSellers following best practices. You’ve often asked us for protection against losses from non-paying bidders, and we’ve listened. I’m pleased to let you know that by August 1st, PowerSellers will get their money back for any listing feature fees when the buyer doesn’t pay for the item and you file an Unpaid Item claim. You simply need to follow these selling best-practices:
1. List in the auction format (since you don’t have the option of requiring Immediate Payment for auctions).
2. Specify reasonable shipping & handling charges.
3. Accept PayPal.
Summer discount
And on that note — before I close — I’m pleased to offer our sellers a little summer relief to your selling costs. Starting June 19th and continuing through August 5th, we will LOWER the first tranche of Final Value Fees from 5.25% to 4.5%. This applies to auction, auction BIN, or pure fixed price format listings. Consider it a little eBay Live! gift to our fantastic community.
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