"Do they have it as to where you can opt in individual listings?"
Not yet. It's one of the 2 big downsides (the other being no combined shipping yet). Supposedly eBay is working on both of those issues. In the meantime, the way to block EIS at the listing level is to set up country exclusions at the listing level (or biz policy level, depending on what set up you're using).
About the shipping measurements: Even if we have free shipping to the EIS hub, we have to enter shipping measurements and weight to the listing so they can know what to charge the buyer for shipping, correct? (None of my free shipping listings have accurate data for shipping at this time)
It's not mandatory, but it's strongly advised. Without any weight/dimensions, eBay will use category averages to determine rates for the international buyer. Inaccurate weight/dimensions that are filled out but inaccurate means buyers will be charged inaccurate rates. Both situations can result in grossly over or under charging the buyer.
Buyers will still be able to purchase - as long as your packages aren't exceeding the max dim/wt then they would go through the program without being blocked.
All that said - whatever listings of yours don't have dimensions, or don't have accurate dimensions, the most likely "issue" you'd face is those items may not sell internationally if buyers see an unusually high ship cost. And if you're not shipping internationally now, then it's really not a big deal.
I suggest entering accurate weight/dim go-forward with new listings and don't worry about backfilling the older stuff unless you're actively revising those listings for whatever reason, or unless you have a small number of listings to manage.
Have they moved past the minimum size box being ~7” x ~10”? Can we ship 6x6x4 etc?
A 6x4x4 box should be fine. I think 7x10 was referring mainly to envelopes. This is the last update I have on package size minimums:
- Regarding package size minimum which is published as "Packages must meet or exceed 7.25 inches in width and 10.25 inches in length" and whether or not that's being enforced: Amy Witmer from eBay said, "I will check on the minimum size -- we have been accepting everything from a standard size #10 envelope and larger. However, envelopes alone are not recommended for international shipping, we recommend using a rigid mailer."
What are the size and weight limits that you prefer to ship or not to ship?
As long as you're within EIS max limits then go ahead and ship. Perhaps consider contents rather than size. A large fragile vase would give me more pause than a 30 lb box of books. Make sense?
What countries are a “must need to avoid”?
I probably wouldn't avoid any countries using EIS unless it's an item that faces a lot of import restrictions. It's a totally different situation than direct shipping so worrying about specific countries where customs theft might be a problem isn't something you have to worry about. EIS would cover a claim of non-receipt.
Does eBay really take care of refunds on their dime for INAD’s? I read that somewhere.
For now, yes. Will it change in the future? Who knows? But I'm sure they'll be monitoring for abuse - sellers shipping wrong item, etc.
I did read thru the 5-6 page thread started in February by @wastingtime101 and the introductory verbiage from eBay. What are the other "must reads" that are available?
Aside from post 1 in that thread and post 32 in that thread, I suggest staying on top of the eBay policy pages that are linked in that first post.
I haven't yet had time to read the 2 monthly chats on EIS, so I'd suggest looking through those for any other info: March 8th and May 10th chats
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Monthly-Chat-with-eBay-Staff/bd-p/weekly-chat
There's an upcoming seller check-in on May 25, register here. The shipping team is not on the schedule, however the motors parts & accessories team is and I know a lot of sellers had questions surrounding motors & EIS so it might be a good opportunity to ask questions.
