Anyone Else Noticed Drop Off In Sales Since New Top Rated Seller Program?

[arlottstreetstation]

Has anyone else noticed a drop in sales since the new program took effect? Only about 1/4 to 1/3 of my listings qualify for the new Premium Seller because I can't offer Free Post due the cost. I've noticed a pretty BIG drop in sales which I put down to my items now being virtually invisable. If this keeps up it won't be worth it anymore.

[js-evo]

Hi everyone, I found a smiliar drop since ebay started to work on their program  or upgrade their system or whatever since early Aug. Sometimes item even not searchable. I hv most my item qualify for ebay premium service. Do u guys feel the same or just the TRS?

[js-evo]

Did they get back to u? Any good news or new way to fix this. Hope u can share with us. Appreciate so much. 🙂

[buttonsvintageandnewstore]

No, I haven't heard back yet, but I will post on here when I do. I will ring them back tomorrow if I haven't as I will be asking them, what it is we need to do to have the listings ranking higer.

[buttonsvintageandnewstore]

Hi,

I have had an email from them which is below. Though I still can't figure out when I search 'buttons' that this listing here from a sellar that has had no feedback and does not qualify for premium buyer status, no free postage, auction finishes in 4 days etc would be on page 2

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Light-Pink-Teddy-Bear-Buttons-/251345025315?pt=AU_Sewing&hash=item3a8554b...

when this listing of mine finishes in 3 hours and is on page 10

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290967534013&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT,

another one that finishes is 3 days I couldn't even find, I searched as far as page 17, and they are all Premium Service have good key words etc.

Hello Kaye,

Thank you for Calling eBay earlier regarding your bestmatch search result, I will be more than happy to explain this further to you.

Because the algorithm for Best match is very complicated, we can't share exact information about what must be changed to shift listings to a higher placement. Meaning that the most appealing listings from sellers who deliver great service, value and products are likely to be higher up on the page.

• Seller track record

• Competitive pricing, including postage & handling costs

• Relevance of the listing to the buyer's search

To improve the visibility of your listing

1. Make your listing relevant to the buyer’s search 

2. Focus on customer satisfaction 

3. Offer competitive prices and low-cost or free postage 

4. Build a score based on recent sales relative to impressions

Be sure to include keywords that buyers will search for, unique or descriptive attributes, and always check your spelling.

There are many factors used in Best Match. Some, like how relevant your item is to the buyer's search are outside of your control. For example, if you're selling an evening dress and the buyer is looking for a power drill, you aren't going to be a match.

However, other factors like having a complete listing with a fair price and offering great customer service are completely within your control. This is the area that should be your main focus. Having a complete and high-quality listing will not only help you attract buyers, it will ensure your items are evaluated and ranked properly against the competition.

To learn more about this, please visit this link:

http://help.ebay.com.au/Help/Selling/Advanced_selling/Best_Match/Best_Match_FAQs#fifteen

Again, thank you for your call.

Warm Regards,

James F.

eBay Customer Support

[buttonsvintageandnewstore]

and this one finishes in a day and I can't even find it 😞

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290923449799&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

[digital*ghost]

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@buttonsvintageandnewstore wrote:

 For example, if you're selling an evening dress and the buyer is looking for a power drill, you aren't going to be a match.

---

I'm sorry, but what now?  

Do eBay think there are sellers who are expecting their listing for an evening dress to rank highly in a search for a power drill? 

[my_online_gift_shop]

I found the same problem too, my sales dropped almost 60% in September. There is anything we can do? It's not fair, we worked so hard to keep our TRS badge and we don't get any benefits but dropping in sales....

[daniellebradydesigns]

I'm having the same issue here. Massive drop in sales. Became TRS about a month ago. Sales were going really well. Then all of a sudden they pretty much stopped altogether. I've updated most of my listings to meet the premium service, and while traffic has picked up since doing that, sales are still slow. I do have seasonal lows, but not to this extent. My stuff used to come up on the first page. Now sometimes I can't even find my items. Is this related to the new changes? I'm thinking about opting out. Seems like more hassle than it's worth in my opion.

[buttonsvintageandnewstore]

I'm sure it's to do with the new changes. Mine just dropped off a few days ago, normally I'm getting sales regularly throughout the day, now I've hardly had anything. Are your listings Good till Cancelled? As mine all are, it seems that even if someone has a listing that say is a 7 day auction and finishes in a couple of days, that it will be ranked higher than someone that has a Good till cancelled listing that finishes in 1 day. I wouldn't be surprised if eBay are doing this to make more money, by making people choose shorter auction times instead and that way they can charge as they will be relisted quicker. With the store I have I think it is 200 listings I can list per month for free, I have just over 200 listings, if I started doing 7 or 10 day auctions I would have to start paying to relist them.

[daniellebradydesigns]

My listings are Good till Cancelled too. Your post makes so much sense. And doesn't surprise me if that is the cause.