New Updates to Seller Feedback and Free Shipping

Last week eBay announced some new updates to seller feedback. Now when you offer free shipping and your buyer chooses it after purchasing, eBay will automatically rate your DSR shipping costs with five stars! And.. in November when you specify one day handling time and upload your tracking info to your item, eBay will verify your shipment to your buyer and if it was received in your estimated delivery time, eBay will rate your handling time with five stars. Now we all know that offering free shipping is a great tool to attract buyers, especially during the busy holiday season. Glad to see this changed because I've actually heard from other sellers who have offered free shipping and still gotten dinged for shipping costs - why I don't know. Hate to admit it but there are some buyers out there that leave me scratching my head!

The handling time update I don't know about. Originally I believe buyers were to go by the time it took the seller to get the package to the post office. After that sellers wouldn't be responsible for the US Post Office delays but now I see they are giving the shipment 4 days to get where it has to go. This, no doubt, will leave some sellers upset. For more info on the most recent updates go to eBay's Announcement Page

eBay Video Tip: How to change Item Condition for your listings

Starting July 27th sellers will have to specify item condition on all new listings and relistings. Here is a short video from eBay to show you how to make those changes:

eBay Video Tip: How to change Item Condition for your listings

eBay has also made some changes to Item Condition in certain categories. Some are no longer applicable (i.e. antique tractors) and the definitions on others have been added and clarified. All of these changes should help buyers find what they are looking for and also help sellers get picked up in search with more details to their items.

eBay Selling Courses - Chicago, IL - eBay: On Location

If you live in the Chicago area and you're a registered eBay seller you'll want to come to eBay: On Location Friday and Saturday, July 9th and 10th at the Chicago Hilton. If you've ever been to an eBay Live you'll know about all the great information available to you through the classes, panel discussions and live demonstrations - not to mention the fun of connecting with other eBay sellers and employees.

For a low registration fee you get unlimited classes. The fun starts Friday night with a meet and greet welcome reception followed by all day activities on Saturday to help you get started selling and increase your sales and improve your business if you are already a seller. But.. don't wait too long, the Dallas event sold out before it started and rumor has it Chicago will too.


eBay Selling Courses - Chicago, IL - eBay: On Location

Liquidation Sales - Are they worth it?

With the economic downturn worsening for retailers and many filing bankruptcy and liquidating, there has been a lot of talk about whether there really are bargains to be found at going out of business sales. Some retailers have been accused of selling damaged or older merchandise. The liquidating companies are interested in making their money - setting prices and making up the ads. They might also add their own merchandise or leftover merchandise from a past liquidation to the current one. To the unsuspecting bargin hunter, they could be walking away with no real deal.

Before you go through the doors, do your research. Check the items they are selling with other stores and you might find their prices are the same or slightly higher. Also remember you won't be getting any warranty. These are as is items. Insist on opening the box or packaging to check for damage or missing parts. If at all possible pay for your item(s) with a credit card. You'll have a better chance of getting a refund if something goes wrong.

There are legitimate liquidating companies out there. Some have been favorites of eBay sellers for years. Just do some research and remember the old saying "if it's too good to be true....