eBay’s UK’s general manager, Murray Lambell, will be the first to admit that eBay hasn’t always got everything right during its 22 years in business. However, Lambell insists that the online marketplace listens to its community of sellers and constantly makes improvements.
In a recent post to eBay SellerCentre, Lambell highlighted how eBay has helped sellers overcome many challenges throughout 2021 and how the company is committed to making ongoing improvements to the platform in 2022.
Lambell said, “As we head into 2022, we know there’s more work for us to do. We really appreciate your business and know that eBay wouldn’t be the success it is without all your hard work.”
How has eBay improved the marketplace for sellers in 2021?
Sellers wanted to be paid faster
eBay now initiate payments to most sellers within one day (excluding bank holidays) of confirming the buyer’s payment. Sellers can also choose to receive their payments daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly – whatever suits their schedule.
Sellers felt frustrated by buyers not paying for their purchases
Sellers can now cancel an order four days after a listing has ended and automatically re-list their item. The marketplace has committed to reducing the number of unpaid orders in 2022.
Sellers wanted access to better quality data
eBay launched the Listing Quality Report in the eBay Seller Hub in response. The Listing Quality Report is a downloadable Excel document that provides sellers with an analysis of their ten categories with the most live listings at the listing and category level.
Sellers wanted better access to working capital to grow their businesses
In response, eBay launched Capital for eBay Business Sellers. Eligible sellers can apply for quick access to funds to help them keep growing and take advantage of that next business opportunity.
Sellers wanted better protection against false buyer claims
eBay expanded its seller protections for false buyer claims. More sellers are now protected when a buyer falsely reports an item as not as described. When the criteria are satisfied, eBay will subsidise the cost of the return label (up to £3.50 per return) and remove any negative and neutral feedback.
Sellers wanted reports of abusive buyers taken more seriously
eBay has ramped up the detection of abusive buyers. In addition to seller reports, eBay are also committed to detecting abusive buyer behaviour by looking at claims and returns patterns. If eBay determines that a buyer has violated its abusive buyer policy, they will take action against that buyer.
Sellers wanted options to have their fulfilment managed
eBay announced the launch of eBay fulfilment by Orange Connex. This fulfilment solution helps sellers offer an exceptional delivery service, including same-day handling, late cut-off times, and the option of next day and standard delivery to sellers’ customers.
Sellers wanted to show buyers how quickly they can deliver with free postage
eBay changed how they display fast and free delivery. It changed the old Fast & Free badge to a Free next day, 2, or 3-day postage message, which is automatically added to eligible listings.
Sellers wanted to learn how to be more successful on the marketplace
eBay announced the launch of eBay Academy to provide sellers with best practices on how to use eBay’s tools and features. eBay Academy is exclusively available to business sellers and offers self-paced learning, which can be accessed at the seller’s desk or on the go.
Is eBay listening to your problems?
How will these changes help you build a better business on eBay? What challenges do you currently face when selling on eBay? Does eBay need to listen more to their business sellers? Let us know by getting in touch below:
