It's a bit of both:

What are the requirements?

To qualify for the PowerSeller program, sellers need to consistently sell a significant volume of items, provide a high level of service to their buyers, maintain a positive Feedback score, and meet the requirements for detailed seller ratings. Membership in the program is free.

You don't need to apply for the PowerSeller program. If you qualify, you'll automatically be included. Just check your Seller Dashboard to see if you've achieved PowerSeller status. PowerSeller levels include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium depending on the number of items you've sold or the dollar amount of your sales.

If you're not a PowerSeller yet, you can always work your way up by meeting these requirements:

• Be registered with eBay for at least 90 days

• Have a minimum of 100 transactions and $1,000 USD in sales with Australian buyers over the past 12 months

• Have a seller performance rating of Above Standard or higher on eBay.com.au

• Have a Feedback score of 100 or more, with at least 98% positive Feedback over the past 12 months

• Have an account in good standing (e.g. seller fee payments up to date)

• Follow all eBay policies

If your account falls below these requirements, you may lose your PowerSeller status.