eBay’s 2017 Spring Seller Update and Changes

eBay surprised sellers by publishing their “Spring Seller Release” introducing some major policy changes which can enhance customer experience and ensure sellers’ success.

Here is a breakdown of the policy changes in the latest Spring Seller Update –

Seller Performance Standards

Previously, the top-rated eBay sellers required late delivery metric below 4%. Now, it has been changed to just 3%. The sellers are now supposed to improve the speed and efficiency in dispatching and delivering their orders.

From August 1, 2017, the ratings earned from sales done in global region (excluding countries – United States, United Kingdom and Germany) would be included in the sales performance metrics. This was done with the purpose to encourage sellers to expand their business out of their region without worrying about the seller performance metrics they earn in their home country.

Besides that, the late deliveries would not be counted when the sellers are delivering in some of the Global regions. Yes, this is applicable only if the dispatch is done by the seller on time and buyers’ problems are resolved at the earliest.

Before this update, the sellers were supposed to upload valid shipment tracking for at least 90% of the transactions done with the buyers in 3 months. From June 20, 2017, to qualify for top rated seller status, this tracking requirement of 90% would increase to 95%.

Specialized Search Filters Based on Returns Policies

Starting this summer, eBay would be providing additional filters to the buyers in which they would be able to view the products having 30 day and 60 day free returns facility. This will help buyers to search for products available with lenient returns policies. Also, the returns policies would be highlighted in product listings. The reason behind this change is – eBay believes that longer return duration is likely to increase sales conversion by 30%.

eBay would also be working towards unreasonable returns by the buyers. The sellers would now be able to offer partial refunds in case buyers return the products in damaged condition or out of packaging.

Changes in Product Categories and Classification

On June 13, 2017 the new product categories, item specifics and catalogue would be released by eBay. There would be drastic change in categories including removing, adding new and renaming existing categories. The complete changes in product categories can be checked on eBay’s category changes page.

Increased Fees for eBay Merchants

For many product categories, the fees charged from the store subscribers would rise by 0.15%. For non-store subscribers, it would remain the same 10% for all the product categories. The full list of changes in fee can be checked here. An additional transaction fee of 4% would be charged to the sellers with a below standard status.

From 1^st May, 2017, the discount on final value fees provided to the top rated ebay.com registered sellers would change from 20% to 10%.

Promoted Listings

From 1^st April, 2017 all top rated eBay sellers would be receiving a quarterly $30 credit to create promoted listing campaigns on eBay. eBay would be replacing third party ads with promoted listings. Even if you are not a US seller, you can take advantage of this opportunity by creating promoted listings for your products.

Links and Contact Information Policy

After September 2017, the sellers would not be able to display their contact information including phone number, email address, social media profile, website URL or any other links in product descriptions, in the form of images or even in seller profiles.

All this information can be displayed on “Business seller information” section available in the listings. In addition to that, sellers would not be able to provide any external links besides delivery information, product videos or other legal mandatory information. Also, the sellers need to ensure that all external links use target=”_blank” attribute so that these links open in new tab.

Shipping Information Tools

This summer, eBay is going to introduce new location-specific shipping rate tables. That would enable sellers to provide accurate information about shipping charges to the buyers. The sellers would be able to create around 20 shipping rate tables and specify shipping charges based on 100 regions and the distance between the warehouse and buyer’s location.