topic Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements". in Selling

★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

pyroyd — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 08:03:16 GMT

EBay has announced new requirement to their Top Rated Seller Program.

One of these requirements is that I now offer FREE POST.

I expect everyone is aware that there is no such thing as FREE POST, the postage const must be included in the item cost.

If postage is included in the item cost, Ebay also take their 10% Final Value Fee of postage and Paypal fees from postage, so my sell price must go up 10% as a result.

Another new requirement for to their Top Rated Seller Program is that I also provide a 30 day money back guarantee.

As Ebay expect the postage cost to be included in the item cost with a 30 day money back guarantee I am also expect to refund a buyers postage cost with the item cost if they ask for a refund, simply because they changed their mind about the purchase or for any other reason.

Another issue with this Free Post is that I am unable to list postage discount for the purchase of multiple items.

As if sellers haven’t copped enough price increases with Ebay recently increasing their Final Value Fee to a flat 10%, they now want 10% of the postage paid by buyers, to eliminate postage discounts for multiple items, and force me to refund postage if a buyer wants to return the item just because they changed their mind or used it for and no longer need it.

These new requirements increase costs to both buyers and seller.

The only beneficiary is Ebay.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

digital*ghost — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 08:17:52 GMT

I'm not all that keen on the new requirements for Top Rated Plus, and I on't be making any changes to achieve it unless I notice a dramatic difference in sales once it takes effect.

That being said, for those that can accomodate the changes, you can stipulate your own terms and conditions surrounding some of the requirements.

The 30-day money back return policy doesn't have to be unconditional, therefore you can stipulate that items must be in exactly the same condition as when sent, with any original retail packaging / tags in tact, and you can also have a re-stocking fee for returns, which is pretty much a different name for not refunding non-recoverable, out of pocket expenses for change of mind returns.

I agree that some of these new conditions benefit eBay more than anyone else, but you can work around the parameters a bit, like offering customers something for free if they buy X items or spend X amount.

TRS+ is listing-specific, as well, so you could have it on some of your listings for the (supposed) exposure boost, and keep other listings with P&H separate etc so that buyers can still take advantage of combined postage discounts, or on items where a 30-day return policy is not feasible.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

some999 — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 08:21:39 GMT

This already occurs in the US - search calculate final value fees on www.ebay.com & you will find this -

If your item sells, you're charged a final value fee. The final value fee is based on the item's total cost to the buyer which includes item price, shipping and handling costs, and any other fees the seller may charge, excluding any sales tax. If your item doesn't sell, you won't be charged this fee

This is totally unfair as ebay is not providing a service for postage so how can they charge commission on postage charges.
Paypal are usually acccepting the payment & take their share.

It is what I call unfair & we need to stop this happening here in Australia.

These new changes appear to be a "hidden" way of introducing this same scale for fees.

As pyroyd points out, you need to include postage in your item value - that also does not allow for postage to be combined at a lower price on multiple small items where the postage does not alter.

The buyer loses out by paying more - the seller loses by paying more in fees & losing business. Ebay get increased fees!!!

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

pyroyd — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 08:39:05 GMT

To: Mr Adam Savage.

TRS is NOT listing-specific!

It's seller specific!

I believe you and I will notice a dramatic difference in sales for anyone who looses your TRS benefits and listing promotion for failing to comply.

Ebay make no allowance for a restocking fee and PayPal will not recognize a restocking fee of any other conditions in my item description in the case of a dispute.

You think I should offer free items as incentive to purchase multiple item, what do you suggest, free steak knives???

You accept my post as reality but you reject it for your own, what?

That says it all to me.

How much is Ebay paying you for your posts???

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

k1ooo-slr-sales — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 08:46:28 GMT

the bit of a post that appears below a line is a posting 'signature'. In this case, it is a quote that has nothing to do with your thread, does not make comment about your topic, and does not identitfy the poster.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

putney32 — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 08:50:55 GMT

do you think you really really really need TRS Plus?

I'm guessing many sellers will just ignore this extra tier of 'goodness'

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

k1ooo-slr-sales — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 09:05:43 GMT

the bit of a post that appears below a the bottom line is a posting 'signature'. In this case, it is a quote that has nothing to do with your thread, does not make comment about your topic, and does not identitfy the poster.

see below for an example of what would appear below every one of my posts if I decided to keep it as a 'signature'

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

kopenhagen5 — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 09:10:33 GMT

Oh dear pyroyd. You just shot an innocent person.

As mentioned I reject your reality and substitute my own. ~Adam Savage is only a saying placed on the bottom of someones posts just like the avi picture.

Have a look at other threads and you will see many members have them. Mine is a heart with Life is Wonderful.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

foxette-in-sox — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 09:24:45 GMT

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

k1ooo-slr-sales — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 09:26:45 GMT

In this one they attack something that's not even an opinion but a quote.

without meaning to sound disrespectful to the OP, it is rookie mistake that happens every now and then.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

pyroyd — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 09:43:32 GMT

Be it quote, or opinion, or statement, or post or whatever you want to call it.

He rejects my reality and substitutes his own fantasy.

TRS is not listing specific for one and I'm not giving out free steak knives.

I'm glad someone finds this thread entertaining.

And as for the gramma or spelling errors, you got the message.

ATACK! ATACK!

This is a discussion boards and a place to debate issues.

Anyway, this is now getting of topic!

The issue is not me, my spelling or my seller status.

The issue is the new proposed TRS requirements to be imposed by Ebay.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

digital*ghost — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 09:48:13 GMT

To: Mr Adam Savage.

TRS is NOT listing-specific!

It's seller specific!

I believe you and I will notice a dramatic difference in sales for anyone who looses your TRS benefits and listing promotion for failing to comply.

Ebay make no allowance for a restocking fee and PayPal will not recognize a restocking fee of any other conditions in my item description in the case of a dispute.

You think I should offer free items as incentive to purchase multiple item, what do you suggest, free steak knives???

You accept my post as reality but you reject it for your own, what?

That says it all to me.

How much is Ebay paying you for your posts???

Oh. for Heaven's sake...

My post was trying to highlight that these new requirements suck a bit, but that you can still tailor them and use them to your advantage. Did you miss the first line, about me not liking them? Do you think eBay would pay me to say stuff like that? (I wish).

I wasn't being aggressive at all, I was actually trying to help you see that where there's a will, there's a way, or a loophole, even. I don't get why you're responding to me so aggressively?

Furthermore, TRS+ is listing-specific.

You have to qualify for the standard TRS, which will no longer show on listings or next to seller IDs, and that's all about the ratings your receive from buyers. Then it is individual listings that may or may not qualify for TRS+ and get the logo - they'll qualify if the conditions are met, but they don't have to be met and I will reserve my judgement about whether it will mean the end of sales for me until after the requirements come into effect, because I can guarantee you a lot less sellers will have that badge when it does.

Lastly, sorry my sig caused confusion. My name starts with A but it's not Adam (I'm female, so that would be a bit weird, probably). Adam Savage is co-host of the TV program Mythbusters, and I happen to enjoy and identify with the quote.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

digital*ghost — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 09:50:43 GMT

Oh, and if someone is returning something, why would a PayPal dispute come into it? The shouldn't need to open one if you are accepting a change of mind return. Then, all you have to do is give a partial refund - it isn't all or nothing.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

bigbrickshop — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 10:07:03 GMT

For more info on the difference between Top Rated Seller status and Top Rated Plus listings

http://sellercentre.ebay.com.au/node/168

1. What are the new criteria for Top Rated Seller?

The following changes to account level requirements will apply from late August 2013:

Minimum sales value will change to USD$1,000 in the past 12 months (from USD$3,000)

Maximum percentage or count of 1-star and 2-star detailed seller ratings will change to 0.5% or 2 (from 0.6% or 2)

Other criteria stay the same as the current Top Rated Seller program.

1. What are the new Top Rated Plus requirements?

From 20 June 2013, the following service standards need to be included for a listing to qualify as Top Rated Plus:

Free postage to Australian buyers

0 or 1-day handling time

Express postage option offered

30-day money back returns or better.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

rosiegrinsel — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 10:33:14 GMT

To Pyroyd re Top Rated Seller program.

I rang the ebay (NO)Help line late this afternoon to ask what is happening with the search engine for best match .

(My best selling item with 9,500 odd views, has now moved from around the 10th or 15th from the top of best match, to 420th today)

No views, no messages, no sales, no nothing.

The operator informed me that things have changed over the weekend (He's telling me!!)

He said I should apply to be a Top Selling Rated Plus seller and supposedly all would be miraculously back to normal.!!

He directed me to Seller Centre page where it showed me the 5 criteria to be a Top Rated Seller Plus personage.

Two of these I cannot comply with.

They are

*0 to 1 day handling time

* a return policy.

*As all of my items are "Personalised gifts" I have to make each individually (which takes time) *Also I only replace free of charge if there is a mistake in the text or damaged in transit.

If I had one returned, because the buyer changed their mind or didn't like it... How can I sell it to someone else with the original buyer's name on it.???

Fair GO ebay !!!!

PS Pyroyd What a great idea to spell 'Disgusted" incorrectly on the title of your post!!

It certainly caught everyone's attention.

I can tell by your beautifully articulated and clearly understood post, that you did that on purpose. Good on you !!!

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

digital*ghost — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 10:33:29 GMT

I like the quote too, so much that . . . . . . (see below the line)

Owl always remember that. :8} 😄

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

pyroyd — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 10:40:48 GMT

Paypal dispute may come into it if the item is listed as returns not accepted or if buyer broke the item through negligence and I dispute refund.

Myself, if I retuned an item for refund that I purchased with free post I would expect full refund, if I retuned an item for refund that I purchased with postage I would expect item cost refund only. (my opinion)

I expect buyers to think the same and not accept partial refund for free post item.

There's nothing stopping a buyer opening a dispute for the remaining portion of a partial refund and PayPal would support the buyer.

I really have an issue with having to provide so called FREE POST to meet TRS requirements.

I have to pay EBay 10% of my postage to maintain a TRS status.

And TRS is NOT listing specific!!!

Maybe after EBay impose these new requirements it will be but now its NOT!

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

digital*ghost — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 10:52:20 GMT

Pyrod - as I tried to explain, TRS is not listing specific, but TRS+ is. TRS+ will appear on the listings of TRS sellers when those listings offer the things eBay want them to.

You can qualify for TRS and then have some, none or all of your listings qualify for TRS+, depending on whether they meet all the requirements outlined. The TRS+ logo will be the only logo other members can see.

In the US"and UK, where the return system is automated (in some ways, as the buyer just selects "return this item"from the drowpdown menu in My eBay), there is a provision to select a re-stocking fee and set the amount (there's a maximum percentage of the sale price allowed, but I can't remember off-hand what it is), so there's a chance eBay may eventually catch up in that area.

I actually agree with you about free postage messing up expectations for change of mind returns. As a seller, I do provide full refunds - including postage both ways - if a faulty item is returned to me, however if it's a change of mind return, I only offer item price refunds, which seems to be more understandable and/or acceptable to some people than a re-stocking fee.

The main point I was really trying to make, though, is that even if I don't like it, eBay don''t get to drag me kicking and screaming against the grain (it's a waste of my energy to do so) - I'll comply with things where I can eke out a greater benefit than I would if I didn't. I hope that puts my initial post in better context.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

davewil1964 — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 11:25:37 GMT

I will be TRS when the new system comes in, but none of my listings will ever be TRS+.

I sell books - there is no way I will offer a 30 day return. That's longer than the library allow you.

Re: ★ I am DISCUSSTED with Ebay's new proposed "Top Rated Seller Requirements".

phorum_junkie* — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 11:37:10 GMT

Dis custard is not much different to dat custard and I have never given a toss if I have TRS status or not (I go in and out as I only sell for part of the year) so I am going to be completely uninterested to see if any of my items have a TRS+ badge next to them.

I already have free postage on most of my BIN store listings and I have no problem offering a 30 day return policy for change of mind, I already offer that without a specified time limit anyway! On my other selling ids I will never achieve any sort of TRS status which again bothers me not at all.