I’m in the process of setting up my first eBay listing for the new public domain products I’m producing. It’s been years since I’ve sold on eBay and I picked a time to get back in the game just when eBay is changing policies (again).
Note: This is related to eBay U.S. – I’ve spoken with Steve Poke (UK) and he has not seen these changes.
The “Griff” and M.J. of eBay talk about how excited they are with the new updates:
Danni Ackerman of Udderly Good Stuff and The Danni App has shared these video’s on YouTube. She has a subscriber list that I highly recommend.
Spring 2012 Overview
No more than .05% and 2 low DSR in any one of 4 categories:
- Item As Described
- Communication
- Shipping and Handling Time
- Shipping and Handling Charges
No more than .05% and 2 opened buyer claims
Opened cases: Cases your buyers opened in the eBay or PayPal Resolution Center that pass checks for buyer abuse or fraud. PayPal disputes are not counted until they are escalated from a dispute to a case.
Opened Cases without Seller Resolution .30% and 2 max
Closed cases without seller resolution:
Cases closed without the seller’s response or resolution. Cases found in the seller’s favor or appealed successfully by the seller are not included.
Average Detailed Seller Ratings of at least 4.6
Be a Powerseller
Have at least 100 transactions in 12 months
What Is Changing?
The $3,000 annual sales requirement will be lowered to $1,000.
The minimum average detailed seller rating (DSR) requirement (4.60) will be removed.
Powerseller status will no longer be required; however, an active eBay account for at least 90 days and postive feedback rating of at lease 98% are still required for Top Rated seller eligibility.
Tracking must be uploaded to at least 90% or more of all completed transactions with US buyers over the past three months.
Listings from Top Rated sellers that offer 1 day or better handling and a minimum 14 day return policy with a money back option will be eligible for the greatest exposure and the 20% final value fee discount.
Listings from Top Rated sellers that do not offer a 1 day or better handling and a minimum 14 day return policy with a money back option will continue to get the badge and some additional exposure but not the discounts.
When Do All These Changes Take Place
All of these changes/updates take effect June 1, 2012, with the exception of the tracking upload requirement. The upload requirement goes into effect with the June 20, 2012 evaluation cycle based on sales beginning May 1, 2012.
From March 1 through May 31, 2112, eBay will give a bonus 5% additional FVF discount on top of the 20% for TRS who change to the requirements early – 1 day handling and 14 day money back return policy.
Why Is It Important To Be A Top Rated Seller? (TRS)
Top Rated Sellers are those that are right in line for what today’s shoppers are looking for in a buying experience.
You will get increased exposure in eBay’s Best Match search.
A Prominent Badge identifying you as a TRS to potential buyers.
Eligible for a 20% Discount on your Final Value Fees.
Potential – Increase In Sales!
Shipping and Handling Times
An Error In Tracking Information Mentioned in the Above Video: Tracking Information Upload
Purchases made on Friday – Saturday or Sunday – Tracking Info must be uploaded by Monday at midnight.
Seller Protection
A few of the tips Danni shared in this video are really smart. Change the automatic reply that ebay sends to your customers and stop sending extra email. (who needs more email?). Plus… the best way to ramp up your customer experience is to create the best packaging! (This should lead to the most positive of feedbacks)
Skip McGrath also shared some information here http://skipmcgrath.com/newsletters-2012/2012_03_March_Special.shtml
Here is one of eBays “official” announcements:
