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August 2008 Update |
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Seller Resources |
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Other Updates
We're taking steps to keep eBay the number one choice for buyers and the most dynamic marketplace for sellers this holiday season. We're making it faster and easier for shoppers to find what they're looking for and buy with confidence. We're optimizing exposure for Fixed Price and Auction-style listings. And we're making sure you get the insight, information, and support you need to succeed.
A more consistent buyer experience to drive more sales
Competitive shipping, a reliable payment experience, and trust in sellers are keys to preserving buyer confidence and the ongoing health of the eBay marketplace. Toward this end, and in advance of the busy holiday shopping season, we're taking these steps:
- Limits on shipping and handling charges for some categories: Starting in October, limits on shipping and handling charges will be in effect for select categories. These maximums apply to the first flat-rate shipping service within or into the U.S. Sellers are required to offer at least one shipping option within the maximum and may offer other options above the maximums for expedited or international shipping.
When listing in categories with limits on shipping and handling charges, the only time when sellers are allowed to charge more than the maximum is when using the shipping calculator to set the actual size and weight of the item, including packing materials, to calculate actual shipping cost. When using the shipping calculator, sellers should make sure the calculated cost isn't higher than the actual shipping cost or it will be considered excessive shipping. See FAQs for more details.
- EXTENDED THROUGH MARCH! Special incentives for free shipping: We're extending major incentives to sellers for offering free shipping beyond the holidays. From October 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009, for listings with free shipping we'll include a free subtitle upgrade—or Value Pack for just 35¢—to highlight this benefit in your listing. PowerSellers will get double their Final Value Fee discounts. As always, listings with free shipping get an extra advantage in search results.
- Checks and money orders no longer allowed: Beginning October 20, we will no long allow checks or money orders as payment methods on eBay. Only approved electronic methods will be allowed. In January 2009, all accepted payment methods will be integrated into eBay Checkout. For buyers, this change means a more consistent and secure payment experience. For sellers, it means faster payment and fewer unpaid items. (Note this policy will not apply to Vehicles and some categories in Real Estate, Mature Audiences, and Business & Industrial). See FAQs for more details.
- Seller Standards: new policy requires minimum DSRs to list on eBay: The vast majority of eBay sellers—some 96%—are at or above 4.3 on all four DSRs. To protect the interests of all these sellers, starting November 3 we'll begin taking the following action: Sellers will be evaluated on the past 30 days of DSRs. Sellers who've received less than ten DSRs in the past 30 days will be evaluated on their DSRs over the last 12 months. Sellers with any DSR below 4.1 will be restricted from listing. (Sellers with no DSRs will still be allowed to list). Sellers with any DSR from 4.1 to 4.3 may have their listings further demoted in search results. See the FAQs for more details.
More relevant search results to drive more sales
eBay's Best Match search technology considers a number of important factors including relevance of the item, the seller's detailed seller ratings (DSRs), and total cost (price plus shipping). We're making further enhancements to give buyers a good mix of the best Auction-style and Fixed Price listings on the search results page. Items within each format will be sorted based on the most appropriate criteria and then intermingled.
- Fixed Price—your listing's recent sales now factored into Best Match search results. Now, your listings that produce repeat sales can get a boost in its search exposure. "Time ending soonest" is no longer a factor for Fixed Price. The best way to build up a "recent sales" advantage is to combine similar items in one multi-quantity Fixed Price listing with the new 30-day duration option included at no extra charge. And as always, maintain good DSRs and price your items competitively.
- Auction-style—"time ending soonest" still key. Along with item relevance and seller DSRs, the time remaining is key for Auction-style listings. That means your Auction-style listings will continue to get an automatic boost in exposure as ending time approaches.
See the FAQs for more information about how Best Match search works. See Best Practices for tips on how to making these formats, listing upgrades, and search changes work for you.
Other announcements
- Closing eBay Express: The best features are now on eBay. We're continuing to bring the best features of eBay Express into eBay.com including more selection in Fixed Price merchandise, improved buyer protection from PayPal, and easier, more intuitive ways for buyers to find your relevant listings. So we're closing eBay Express and focusing our resources on improving and bringing buyers to eBay. See FAQs.
See Best Practices and the Seller Checklist for more information about how these important changes affect you. You're also invited to participate in—or view the archives of—one of several webinars August 20-26.
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