eBay Keeping Sellers On Their Toes With More Changes…

As you might know in the past month eBay has made a number of changes to the cosmetic look of eBay however in July they are bringing in a number of changes that will affect how some sellers sell.

These are the 3 main changes they will be making in July:

* Accepted Payment options
* New Basic Store fees for Books and Music listings
* New Local Classifieds listing format

Accepted Payment options
From 14 July, the Accepted Payments policy will be revised giving sellers greater choice in the payment methods they are able to offer buyers. The revised policy requires sellers offer at least one of the following three accepted safer payment methods:

PayPal
Paymate
Merchant credit card

Increasing the number of accepted safer payment methods will help eBay develop an enhanced checkout experience in line with industry best practice. The introduction of the two new accepted safer payment methods have been discussed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), who have welcomed the initiative.

Paymate provides clients an ability to receive credit card payments online, with a limit of $5,000 per month with a Standard Account. They offer an eBusiness Account with a default monthly limit up to $10,000. This account has a monthly subscription fee which is debited to the bank account you registered in advance and is non-refundable.

There will be no change to other payment methods currently permitted on eBay.com.au.

New Basic Store fees for Books and Music listings

From 8 July, eBay.com.au will be introducing new Basic Stores fees for books and music listings (excluding memorabilia), making it cheaper to list items. Insertion fees will be a flat 5c with a final value fee of 9.9%. This will significantly lower the upfront cost for books and music sellers with a Basic Store and ensure that both the seller and eBay share in the success of a sale.

New Local Classified listing format
From 8 July eBay is also trialling a new, simple to use, local classified listing format for pick-up only items – with ZERO insertion fees.

The new format will be ideal for someone who wants to sell items from around the house quickly and easily, without the hassle of figuring out postage or courier charges. Items are listed using the classified listing format and must also include Best Offer. The sale takes place on eBay with buyers picking the item up in person.

The new local classified will feature zero insertion fees, free gallery and pictures with a flat final value fee of 7.9% capped at a maximum of $49.95. The new format will not be available for Store subscribers, PowerSellers, Business Registered sellers or non Australian account holders.

Other changes
As announced on 28 April, changes to Item Condition values come into effect this week, replacing the basic New and Used options. The new values are intended to help sellers better manage buyers’ expectations and increase satisfaction by clearly defining the condition of an item in a uniform way.

You should start to update listings as soon as possible to ensure you are well prepared by the time item condition specification becomes mandatory in late July.

So keep your eyes peeled for these new changes and keep up to date with your listings.

Matt & Amanda Clarkson