More unwanted enhancements coming

[pnc75]

 From an email just now:

An update to selling on eBay

Coming at the end of April, we're introducing updates to improve our online marketplace and make selling easier. Learn more about the changes and what they mean for you below.

What this means for you

We’re updating our subscriptions for sellers who want more flexibility and control or who sell higher volumes.

This includes a new Pro Starter plan subscription for sellers who use advanced selling features, like multi-quantity and multi-variation listings.

Based on your usage of these selling features, we believe you’ll have the best selling experience with a Pro Starter plan.

• The Pro Starter plan reflects your current selling experience and includes access to advanced selling features, as well as expanded shipping and payout options and additional customer support. 
• This plan has no monthly cost and you will continue to pay final value fees, as you do today.

Free selling

We’re introducing free selling in late April for Australia-based sellers with up to $25,000 in sales annually. Eligible sellers will no longer pay transaction fees when they sell on eBay.com.au, across all categories.

Learn more about selling fees and how your sales are evaluated.

Free selling is intended for sellers with simpler selling needs and does not include access to advanced selling features or scheduled payouts. These sellers will have to buy labels on eBay for eligible items. A Buyer Protection fee will also be added to their listings and paid by the buyer to eBay.

Based on your current selling activity, you'll qualify for free selling.

You don’t need to do anything right now; we’ll confirm your eligibility in late April and explain how you can cancel the Pro Starter plan if you would rather take advantage of free selling. If you choose to cancel, you will lose access to the selling features available in the Pro Starter plan. 

[pnc75]

And some news from a friend who was at today's Roadshow in Melbourne: 

News from today's eBay Roadshow.
Apart from the new 'pro' accounts and 'free selling' accounts that have already been announced -
eBay is going to introduce its own postage integration service i.e. its own version of Sendle around mid-year with 3-4 carriers available to choose from.
eBay is going to introduce an Australian version of the global shipping program in the second half of the year.
eBay is going to go hard promoting eBay live and free casual selling.

I wasn't at it, but this is what someone in a seller group posted. Take it for what you will. 

[twyngwyn]

There’s a screenshot in this link: 

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/No-Fees-Plan-coming-to-Australia-for-Some-eBay-Sellers/m-p/355...

[twyngwyn]

Bingo…..otherwise they will be accused of a monopoly with A.P.

Will they undercut each other in another price war? 

Will they be the ‘useless’ others we already have or re-branded or new to market?

Would love to see the contracts…

I suspect they’re skimming off the top, hence free fvfs…..

[holdencaulfield2006]

The difference is you are now forced to use Ebay labels that you must print at home. That does not bother me personally but I have found that using Ebay labels for packages works out more expensive than paying at the post office. Printing labels for Flat Rate Satchels work out the same or a bit less than paying at the post office

[domino-710]

Just how many times does it have to be said - you do not - I repeat - do not need a printer to do labels.

Have a printer - will never print labels - will never use labels..........................eBay need to ' get a grip '.

[holdencaulfield2006]

I have dropped off lots of packages and satchels and none of the drop off places had a clue about printing labels for me. No idea whatsoever. So in theory you don't need a printer but in practice you do. YMMV.

[pnc75]

But he got this part right, I think dom (can't be sure as I rarely use flat rate satchels):

'I have found that using Ebay labels for packages works out more expensive than paying at the post office. Printing labels for Flat Rate Satchels work out the same or a bit less than paying at the post office'

I have found ebay labels for packages is more expensive too, despite their 'cheap' claims.

[twyngwyn]

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@grannytakesatrip17 wrote:

Hello, I have just been reading about these latest changes.

Perhaps someone can clarify this for me please.

I stocked up on ebay pre paid satchels some time ago, to save myself money in the future.

Are they seriously suggesting that I will be unable to use these?

Most items will be in excess of this proposed $20 sale price.

If this is the case, I am out of here after 16 years.

What am I supposed to do with well over $1000 worth of pre paid packaging?

I do hope that I have misunderstood this.

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Hi granny, I too have stocked up on prepaid envelopes, and satchels…..but…..I am going to continue with a paid store. I see you don’t already have a store…so your choices, are: 1)either go for a paid store, 2) bulk up your items now and sell before end April, using up your satchels 3) negotiate with your P.O. for a buy back 4) sell your satchels on eBay.

Sad, but true 😓

[domino-710]

Is it me .............

Granny can just go Pro Starter - everything stays the same.

[davewil1964]

Are they AP drop offs?

The easy solution is to sign up for Pro, where you can choose your postage method and pay the same fees you do now.