eBay Premium - Is it worth it from the sellers perspective?

[robbierobbie13]

On my main ID I trade in a fairly competitive market space on eBay with a smatter of good competition and some not so good.

I have experimented with listing some items which are especially competitive as an eBay premium listing. We were specifically told that this should see our listings sit "higher" in search amongst various other benefits which buyers rarely consider anyway.  The listings I chose to experiment with were specifically because others were not listing the items as an ebay premium listing. Having kept careful documented notes I can prove that since "upgrading" my listings they now sit lower in the lists than they used to and sales are down on these items. On the other hand my listings that I have not touched ( i.e. still charge postage) etc. sales have remained at least consistent. On newly listed items since eBay premium was created its too early to tell but signs so far are not encouraging.  I will be switiching all my ebay premium listings off and reverting to charging postage and a less favourable returns policy for buyers. It seems logical that if I am losing out on this then eBay are too as they could be collecting more in fees from me by virture of the "free" postage option I am obliged to offer. So eBay looks like you got this one wrong and I can caterogically prove it if required. Misleading advertising claim!

What are other peoples experiences?

Mary

[buttonsvintageandnewstore]

I am finding the same. A big drop in sales this week. Ebay have not been very helpful, I have had a series of emails back and forth. And basically they say nothing has changed apart form the Premium Badge sticker.

[daniellebradydesigns]

Also in the same boat.

Sales and traffic have dropped since they introduced the premium service. I'll be updating my listings and reverting back to charging for postage and a returns policy that makes more sense.

I and numerous people have contacted eBay regarding this issue, but they refuse to acknowledge a problem. Like you said this new "feature" seems more like a way to increase fees, by making people almost obligated to offer free postage. Ebay premium listings are advertised as being more visible. Top Rated Sellers seem to be losing out.