Sorry in advance, but we're all losing our eBay TSR discount

TonyC · February 28, 2012 1:15AM

Sorry to miff anyone for complaining about eBay but:

eBay issued a seller update today that states the following:

"Starting June 1, only those listings from Top-rated sellers that include 1-day or same day handling and a 14-day or longer return policy with a money-back option will qualify for the greatest average boost in Best Match and 20% final value fee discount. "

Full update

Anyone who offers a return policy for sports cards and memorabilia risks huge losses from fickle buyers and scam artists. I guess too many people qualified for the 20% and eBay's profit shrunk.

yankeeno7 · February 28, 2012 1:28AM

The continuation of ebay to bleed out sellers. Sellers are hanging upside down with ebay holding the knife to the throat.

mtcards · February 28, 2012 1:38AM

Just another play in a long game from ebay..Ebay is making the IRS tax code seem simple with all of its fees, DSR, free shipping, FVF, Paypal fees, etc etc

I think I have sold about 10 items in the past two years on ebay...not worth it

ndleo · February 28, 2012 2:07AM

Time to get most of your selling done before summer.

The one day handling is a joke. That will make it harder for part-time sellers like me to comply.

Aric · February 28, 2012 2:18AM

<< 
Anyone who offers a return policy for sports cards and memorabilia risks huge losses from fickle buyers and scam artists. >>

Buyers already have 30 days to decide they don't like an item and return it. All they have to is make up a reason that the item was not described properly. Having a 14-day return policy doesn't really change anything.

WinPitcher · February 28, 2012 2:30AM

I was a TRS for almost a year without selling an item (after losing it) this past month
I've sold over a 100 items without incident and 5.0 and 4.9 ratings across the board.

Yesterday Ebay informed me I no longer qualified, must be about the time of month
I was to get a payout.

I really don't care. Nothing they do surprises me.

thedutymon · February 28, 2012 2:31AM

Morning,

I'll go in and change m my 1500 listings to one day handling (Do You Have a Choice??). I have opened an account on E-Bid and have started creating my Ecrater Store, but just don't have time with working 50-60 hours a week and then doing my E-Bay stuff....only time will get me out of there, I'm working on it.

Who knows it may all be moot for me, I'm on double secret probation because I accidently had some Dup listings (Not really, just E-Bays interpertation), anyway fixed all of them but now have a Medium on Policy compliance until May 10th and one violation and I'm NARU'd, even though I have 100% positive Feedback, full 20% discount, and have sold $365,000.00 worth of stuff on E-Bay, with Sales last year of $40K.

But then I'm the Policy scofflaw that E-Bay can do without!!!

Tony,

My question for you is, if I go change 1500 listings to 1 day handling to keep my 20% discount (I already have the 14 day return, I thought they required that last fall), am I reading it that in otherwords, I sell an item while I'm at work on Mon, go out for beers on Mon night, don't want to package when I get home cause I'm lit, so blow it off till Tues, then I have one of my Boys Football games on Tues night, and don't get the package done until Weds, I am out of the one day time frame on one package, and even though I shipped 67 other packages in 1 day for that week then I am out of my 20% discount??

Neil

TonyC · February 28, 2012 2:35AM

<< Morning,

I'll go in and change m my 1500 listings to one day handling (Do You Have a Choice??). I have opened an account on E-Bid and have started creating my Ecrater Store, but just don't have time with working 50-60 hours a week and then doing my E-Bay stuff....only time will get me out of there, I'm working on it.

Who knows it may all be moot for me, I'm on double secret probation because I accidently had some Dup listings (Not really, just E-Bays interpertation), anyway fixed all of them but now have a Medium on Policy compliance until May 10th and one violation and I'm NARU'd, even though I have 100% positive Feedback, full 20% discount, and have sold $365,000.00 worth of stuff on E-Bay, with Sales last year of $40K.

But then I'm the Policy scofflaw that E-Bay can do without!!!

Tony,

My question for you is, if I go change 1500 listings to 1 day handling to keep my 20% discount (I already have the 14 day return, I thought they required that last fall), am I reading it that in otherwords, I sell an item while I'm at work on Mon, go out for beers on Mon night, don't want to package when I get home cause I'm lit, so blow it off till Tues, then I have one of my Boys Football games on Tues night, and don't get the package done until Weds, I am out of the one day time frame on one package, and even though I shipped 67 other packages in 1 day for that week then I am out of my 20% discount??

Neil >>

The way I read it, you need to have 90% compliance with the 1 day handling time in order to stay in compliance.

packCollector · February 28, 2012 2:40AM

the other addition is that you have to have tracking on 90% of your items. so much for selling cheap items. I ship all my raw cards that are less than 15 bucks in a PWE for a buck or buck fifty shipping. other sellers like 4 sharp sell 2 and 3 dollar cards with free shipping. those all fail now if you use a pwe.

I have received a discount once in the last 12 months not for lack of trying. now I don't have to worry about it at all and can and 50 cents to all my shipping costs without fear of not getting a top rated seller discount.

gemint · February 28, 2012 2:42AM

Skrew eBay. I guess they don't want the riff raff small sellers like me. Their model must be to cater to a handful of big volume sellers. You know, these are the ones that charge $4 to ship one card and have dozens of negatives, yet still maintain their TSR.

jeffcbay · February 28, 2012 2:42AM

Well that blows...

I have "No Returns" on all of my auctions, but I still accept returns if someone complains (hasn't happened yet). I only have it set that way in order to deter scammers. I guess I'll have to comply. I also have it set to 3-day handling because I'm also a casual seller. I don't want to be making trips to the post office EVERY DAY. If only people would PAY all on the same day. Oh well...

tribeman · February 28, 2012 3:14AM

it will be very interesting to see if sellers like newenglandsportscards keep their top rated status. This is a killer to the model of selling $2 and $3 cards with free shipping. Actually a killer to selling anything under about $8 with free shipping since all those free shipping sellers of low cost cards use pwe. I can't see newenglandsportscards being too thrilled with losing search exposure in best match not to mention the discount is probably very important to that low price high volume model. On the other hand NESC pays EBAY a bundle in fees so does EBAY want to piss them off? It will be very interesting because there is no way 90% of their shipments go out with delivery confirmation. Not even close to 90% I would guess. If ebay lets them retain TRS and discounts, best match etc it will be a dis-service to all the other sellers of low priced cards with free shipping. Eventually it is bad for all of us that enjoy being able to build sets by picking up inexpensive cards with free shipping.

CollectorAtWork · February 28, 2012 3:16AM

You know, this 1 day handling, I think that this is a soft enforce from ebay? That is, if you ship the card in 2 days, you really don't get penalized at all. The only thing would be when the buyer goes to fill out the shipping DSR, they may be more likely to nick you if they didn't get the tracking # within 1 day. However, ebay does not dock your DSR's automatically. Let me know if I am interpreting this correctly.

Oh, and in regards to the earlier post about 14 day return policy not affecting anything b/c buyers can claim anything around ~30 days for SNAD, it does affect ebay. It costs them more customer service reps to handle SNADs, so they probably want to reduce this overhead by forcing sellers to have more generous return policies.

TonyC · February 28, 2012 3:23AM

<< You know, this 1 day handling, I think that this is a soft enforce from ebay? That is, if you ship the card in 2 days, you really don't get penalized at all. The only thing would be when the buyer goes to fill out the shipping DSR, they may be more likely to nick you if they didn't get the tracking # within 1 day. However, ebay does not dock your DSR's automatically. Let me know if I am interpreting this correctly.. >>

The issue is not that you need to have one-day handling to protect your DSRs, the issue is that you need to have 90% of your items with one-day handling in order to qualify for the 20% TSR discount.

Where is Storm in the midst of all of this?

Probstein123 · February 28, 2012 3:23AM

lovely

fiveniner · February 28, 2012 3:38AM

You know what? I dont really give a F&^%&%$$*K. Policy This!!!!!!Whatever I need to sell I will resort to BST.I am a small timer.They could care less about me. BONFON GOUL EBAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am just buying from now on!!!!!

CollectorAtWork · February 28, 2012 3:47AM

<< 

<< You know, this 1 day handling, I think that this is a soft enforce from ebay? That is, if you ship the card in 2 days, you really don't get penalized at all. The only thing would be when the buyer goes to fill out the shipping DSR, they may be more likely to nick you if they didn't get the tracking # within 1 day. However, ebay does not dock your DSR's automatically. Let me know if I am interpreting this correctly.. >>

The issue is not that you need to have one-day handling to protect your DSRs, the issue is that you need to have 90% of your items with one-day handling in order to qualify for the 20% TSR discount.

Where is Storm in the midst of all of this? >>

I guess what I am saying is that it is really simple to change all of my listings to 1 day handling. It's just a couple clicks on Turbolister. However, once I change them, so what? If I get a few orders out a day late, does ebay actually check to see if the order was shipped late? I mean I can always print out the shipping label within one day, but just don't go to the Post Office until day 2.

ndleo · February 28, 2012 3:49AM

<< You know, this 1 day handling, I think that this is a soft enforce from ebay? That is, if you ship the card in 2 days, you really don't get penalized at all. The only thing would be when the buyer goes to fill out the shipping DSR, they may be more likely to nick you if they didn't get the tracking # within 1 day. However, ebay does not dock your DSR's automatically. Let me know if I am interpreting this correctly.

Oh, and in regards to the earlier post about 14 day return policy not affecting anything b/c buyers can claim anything around ~30 days for SNAD, it does affect ebay. It costs them more customer service reps to handle SNADs, so they probably want to reduce this overhead by forcing sellers to have more generous return policies. >>

I think in order to get seller protection you need to ship within 7 days in your listing. This could be a sneaky way to reduce their seller protection.

ga5150 · February 28, 2012 4:05AM

<< the other addition is that you have to have tracking on 90% of your items. >>

I read the policy differently, but I can see how it could be taken each way. The way I read this is that as a seller offering 1 day handling time, I must actually meet that goal of 1 day handling 90% of the time. It's not that 90% of your available items for sale have to show 1 day handling, but rather you must achieve 1 day handling 90% of the time is how I took it.

From Ebay-"Starting with the June 20 evaluation cycle, to achieve and keep your Top-rated seller status, tracking information or a Delivery Confirmation number must be uploaded to eBay on at least 90% of your shipments to US buyers within your stated handling time. Start uploading your tracking by May 1 to make sure you qualify on June 20."

Also, while we are quick to bash them (and I'm not taking Ebay's side on this) they are offering an additional 5% discount for meeting the criteria during March - May , so you can get a 25% discount total. It's not much, but at least its a little something. Also, the dollar and transaction amounts are lowered so there will be more sellers meeting the TSR program, assuming they jump through all the other hoops

From Ebay-"From March 1 through May 31, Top-rated sellers get a bonus 5% final value fee discount for listings with 1-day handling and minimum 14-day return policy with a money-back option. Plus your usual 20% Top-rated seller discount will still be applied on these and all your listings. So start adding these services now!"

It's also not quite 1 business day, but actually the time counter gives you until midnight of the next BUSINESS day. So if you sold something Friday night, you have until midnight Monday to ship and upload tracking.

From Ebay- "After a buyer has paid for an item, you will have until 11:59:59 pm Pacific Time the following business day to upload tracking. Weekends and holidays are not counted as business days. "

The part that I don't like the most is this-

From Ebay-

New way to manage returns right from My eBay
Starting the week of May 28, eBay will begin introducing a new optional way to manage returns that is intended to be the long-term return solution for all transactions on eBay. This new process virtually automates returns for you and your buyer—even automatically refunding your final value fees.

Here’s how it works:

To initiate a return, your buyer simply clicks “Return this item” next to the transaction in My eBay, chooses a reason, and prints a return shipping label and packing slip. You’re automatically notified.
eBay pays for the return shipping upfront and then either charges the buyer’s PayPal account or adds it to your next invoice, depending on who you specified pays for shipping.
When you receive the item, you simply click a button to issue a refund. Your final value fee for that transaction will show as a credit on your next seller invoice and a portion of your PayPal fees will also be refunded."

So, now buyers can just click return, print out a label and send the item back. This just made Ebay the easiest and worlds largest approval service. People can receive cards, replace them with something else, and return it back with a preprinted label. That's just wonderful, isn't it??

TonyC · February 28, 2012 4:08AM

<< The part that I don't like the most is this-

From Ebay-

New way to manage returns right from My eBay
Starting the week of May 28, eBay will begin introducing a new optional way to manage returns that is intended to be the long-term return solution for all transactions on eBay. This new process virtually automates returns for you and your buyer—even automatically refunding your final value fees.

Here’s how it works:

To initiate a return, your buyer simply clicks “Return this item” next to the transaction in My eBay, chooses a reason, and prints a return shipping label and packing slip. You’re automatically notified.
eBay pays for the return shipping upfront and then either charges the buyer’s PayPal account or adds it to your next invoice, depending on who you specified pays for shipping.
When you receive the item, you simply click a button to issue a refund. Your final value fee for that transaction will show as a credit on your next seller invoice and a portion of your PayPal fees will also be refunded."

So, now buyers can just click return, print out a label and send the item back. This just made Ebay the easiest and worlds largest approval service. People can receive cards, replace them with something else, and return it back with a preprinted label. That's just wonderful, isn't it?? >>

This is the worst part. One-day handling I could stomach, this I cannot.

ga5150 · February 28, 2012 4:22AM

Here's some more to raise your blood pressure:

If you select “All returns accepted” in your return policy, you should accept them for any reason—even if the buyer changes their mind—as long as the return occurs within your return window. You should select “No returns accepted” if you only intend to accept returns for items that are considered not as described.

If you have not opted in to the new managed return process, you can specify some conditions required for returned items (for example, the item must be unused or in original packaging). Include this information in the “Additional return policy details” text box.

No matter what....the buyer gets a full refund including shipping if they choose SNAD. Now, all the scammers will simply choose SNAD because they can't lose.

Here's the whole bit for those who want to get more irate:

New Return Policy

Aric · February 28, 2012 5:00AM

<< 
So, now buyers can just click return, print out a label and send the item back. This just made Ebay the easiest and worlds largest approval service. People can receive cards, replace them with something else, and return it back with a preprinted label. That's just wonderful, isn't it?? >>

Buyers can already do this and it happens quite frequently.

ga5150 · February 28, 2012 5:02AM

I know they return and switch things frequently, but I wasn't aware it was automated and made even easier for them by allowing the label printing and just a few clicks etc;

I've never returned anything I've bought on ebay, so I don't know firsthand how easy it is.

<< 

<< 
So, now buyers can just click return, print out a label and send the item back. This just made Ebay the easiest and worlds largest approval service. People can receive cards, replace them with something else, and return it back with a preprinted label. That's just wonderful, isn't it?? >>

Buyers can already do this and it happens quite frequently. >>

TonyC · February 28, 2012 5:11AM

<< I know they return and switch things frequently, but I wasn't aware it was automated and made even easier for them by allowing the label printing and just a few clicks etc;

I've never returned anything I've bought on ebay, so I don't know firsthand how easy it is.

<< 

<< 
So, now buyers can just click return, print out a label and send the item back. This just made Ebay the easiest and worlds largest approval service. People can receive cards, replace them with something else, and return it back with a preprinted label. That's just wonderful, isn't it?? >>

Buyers can already do this and it happens quite frequently. >>

>>

Right now, the buyer has to furnish the postage. This process just makes it easier from them to have buyer's remorse or have evil intentions.

swartz1 · February 28, 2012 5:49AM

find a better place to sell...

WinPitcher · February 28, 2012 6:48AM

This is so funny, I remember the days when the seller was king, he/she
could make almost any demand upon the buyer, and did. Fast forward
now the buyer is king, can do as he/she wishes. Selling the same item as you?
No problem, I'll buy yours, sell mine and then return yours and to top it off
I'll ding ya and neg ya too.

Where have I seen this before?

thedutymon · February 28, 2012 8:24AM

Afternoon,

I am sorry but to those who see the 90% percent having any bearing on your 20% dicount, I am just not seeing it. The laungauge is pretty clear:

•Starting June 1, ONLY those listings from Top-rated sellers that include 1-day or same day handling and a 14-day or longer return policy with a money-back option will qualify for the greatest average boost in Best Match and 20% final value fee discount.

•You can choose not to offer 1-day handling or a 14-day or longer returns on some or all of your listings. Based on your great track record, all your listings will continue to receive some additional exposure and a Top-rated seller badge. But ONLY your listings with both of these services will receive the maximum exposure and 20% final value fee discount.

Sounds to me that the 90% has nothing to do with this part of the discount! It only applies to the Tracking to keep your Top Rated Seller status.

Neil

bobbyw8469 · February 28, 2012 8:31AM

Neil....sounds to me like a bunch of horse s**t!!! The only way Ebay will change is if a bunch of users revolt. Look at what the banks did trying to charge people $5 per month just to access their own money!! The buyers aren't going to say anything, because they are getting their way. It is going to be up to the sellers to drop off the face of the earth. And that just isn't going to happen.....

msassin · February 28, 2012 9:25AM

I could care less about my top rated seller status. The 20% final value fee discount is some solid $$ I'm going to miss having.

Probstein123 · February 28, 2012 10:30AM

this popped up when I check my account:

A preview of the new Top-rated seller program
Starting in June, the Top-rated seller benefits you receive will also be based on how well you meet new listing requirements. Here’s a preview of how your current and completed listings would meet these requirements. Learn more.
Listing and tracking report Performance criteria
Your active listings
See whether your active listings would qualify for the new Top-rated service standards on eBay.com.

Number of Active listings (as of Feb 28, 2012) 17,049
Qualified listings 17,000 (99.71%)
1-day handling
17,032 (99.90%)
14-day money back return policy
17,013 (99.79%)
Starting in April, we’ll be able to show you specifically which of your listings would have to be updated to qualify for the new Top-rated service standards. You can also edit your listings now to get ready for these new requirements. Learn more about Top-rated seller best practices

Your completed transactions
See how your completed transactions with US buyers would have qualified for the new Top-rated service standards on eBay.com
Dec Jan Feb
Total Transactions 3,635 5,476 5,236
Qualified transactions 3621 (99.61%) 5474 (99.96%) 5228 (99.85%)
Your tracking upload report
Uploading tracking information will be required to be a Top-rated seller. See whether you would have qualified during the past three months.
Requirement Your performance
Tracking uploaded 90.00%
94.06% (13,495 of 14,347 transactions)
No Risk
You must have uploaded tracking within your stated handling time on at least 90% of completed transactions with US buyers during the past three months.
Example:If your buyer pays you on January 15 and you offer 1-day handling time, you would have until January 16 to upload tracking information.
We will not apply this metric until at least three of your transactions do not meet the tracking upload requirement.

grote15 · February 28, 2012 10:46AM

Rick, I'm curious from a seller's standpoint, how often do buyers try to scam you by switching cards and/or returning an item in the form of an empty box to steal the item and get a refund? Your selling practice is one of the very best out there and I'm just wondering how often people try to scam you under the existing rules and what effect if any you think these new regulations will have on your business?

Probstein123 · February 28, 2012 11:29AM

Rick, I'm curious from a seller's standpoint, how often do buyers try to scam you by switching cards and/or returning an item in the form of an empty box to steal the item and get a refund? Your selling practice is one of the very best out there and I'm just wondering how often people try to scam you under the existing rules and what effect if any you think these new regulations will have on your business?
==> less than 10 times out of 100,000+ transactions...so basically , its a non issue...I don't think these new regulations will effect my business so much, we have 2 full time shippers that work 6 days a week, so I don't think
the new provisions will be harmful...just a hassle....

grote15 · February 28, 2012 11:33AM

Thanks for the info, Rick, glad to hear it.

packCollector · February 28, 2012 11:48AM

Neil, here is the other part of the announcement

Starting with the June 20 evaluation cycle, to achieve and keep your Top-rated seller status, tracking information or a Delivery Confirmation number must be uploaded to eBay on at least 90% of your shipments to US buyers within your stated handling time.

Bigjohn69 · February 28, 2012 11:04PM

Safeguards protect your record of great service
New seller protections help ensure that your seller performance ratings and Feedback are the best possible reflection of the great service you provide:

•Get an automatic 5-star Communications rating for transactions where you offer same-day or 1-day handling, upload tracking information by the end of the next business day, and there is no communication between you and the buyer.
•Feedback left by a buyer with an unpaid item recorded for the transaction will be automatically removed from your record.
•Earlier this year, eBay started displaying an automatic message on the item page to buyers outside the US regarding customs-related delays and duties. Now any Feedback from international buyers that only references customs issues is eligible for removal.

Fabfrank · February 29, 2012 12:16AM

BONFON GOUL EBAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tony- I don't know if that's the way you spell it, but as a fellow "paisano", I can't agree more.

CollectorAtWork · February 29, 2012 4:40PM

<< Neil, here is the other part of the announcement

Starting with the June 20 evaluation cycle, to achieve and keep your Top-rated seller status, tracking information or a Delivery Confirmation number must be uploaded to eBay on at least 90% of your shipments to US buyers within your stated handling time. >>

This just means you need to use ebay to print out your shipping label. However, you could still go to the Post Office to drop off the package the day after you printed the label.

packCollector · February 29, 2012 8:37PM

<< << Neil, here is the other part of the announcement

Starting with the June 20 evaluation cycle, to achieve and keep your Top-rated seller status, tracking information or a Delivery Confirmation number must be uploaded to eBay on at least 90% of your shipments to US buyers within your stated handling time. >>

This just means you need to use ebay to print out your shipping label. However, you could still go to the Post Office to drop off the package the day after you printed the label. >>

but if you do not have tracking on more than 90% of your items, you will not be top rated which means you will not get the 20% discount.

TonyC · February 29, 2012 8:47PM

The be all and end all is that someone needs to create a new platform designs specifically for selling collectibles.

eBay is caught up in all of this new age "e-commerce" nonsense (competing with Amazon). However, e-commerce is designed for professional businesses selling consumer goods. Collectibles are an entirely different beast than consumer goods, and most of them are sold on eBay by weekend warriors. Collectibles do not fit the e-commerce mold, no matter how forcefully eBay will try to jam the square peg into the round hole.

The unfortunate thing--as has been discussed before--is that no new platform would generate the traffic eBay has for collectibles. Sellers will prefer to sell on eBay rather than something new because they will get more traffic, thus realize higher prices, even if they have to deal with all of the monkey business on the side.

So, basically, everyone selling on eBay is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Sorry in advance, but we're all losing our eBay TSR discount

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