eBay

tyler@ebay · ‎05-12-2020

Join the Community team here at 1 PM PT on May 13th for our Weekly Chat with eBay Staff. We don't have a specific topic this week, so please bring any general questions you may have about buying or selling.

The chat will be open for questions from 1-2 pm PT, at which point we'll close thread from additional responses. After this time, we'll continue to work on responding to any queries that might still be unanswered.

If you're new to the chat, welcome! Simply Reply to this post with your question from 1-2 PM Pacific Time and we'll be happy to look into it for you.

Tyler,

Anonymous · ‎05-13-2020

@gwzcomps wrote:

So in a previous chat it was mentioned that I can email eBay about issues with item specifics. I genuinely was going to, but the more I list the more problems I find. I don't understand what my incentive is to make sure you guys have the right stuff setup for your item specifics. I also question the competence of the people who set them up.

Example: Document scanners can't print and what do RAID levels have to do with networking switches?

Since these don't directly cause problems with selling there is no incentive for me to put the effort in to make sure they get fixed. At the same time the various problems with item specifics are annoying.

Hi @gwzcomps, the incentive for you to notify us of potential improvements to our catalog is so you and other sellers like you can receive the best possible visibility through both eBay search results, and third party search results. It isn't possible for us to create a catalog for every item that has been or is available on eBay, so we rely on our sellers do provide this kind of information and will make adjustments or corrections when needed. To be clear, the catalog is comprised of information provided by our sellers, so any errors you see would be related to incorrect information provided by another member of the Community.

It is up to you if you would like to share what you are seeing so we can make corrections. Providing a robust catalog greatly improves search results for buyers, leading to increased sales for sellers, so we greatly appreciate any time you can spare to pass along what you are seeing.

papermoneyforme · ‎05-13-2020

brian@ebay wrote:
@vrykalak wrote:
Someone made an offer on an item. I wanted to add another photo to show a flaw I discovered. eBay would not allow me to add a photo. I apparently could remove photos, but not add any. What's the logic behind that?
@vrykalak it's hard to say what may be happening without an item number to look at. The 'Revise a listing' help page states that sellers can, "Add additional photos (on an auction style listing), but not remove existing photos" when an offer has been received or sent. If you can share an example then I can take a look. Thanks!

Maybe it was not an auction?

brian@ebay · ‎05-13-2020

@sflovesall wrote:

how to permanently delete messages from deleted message file

Hi @sflovesall! Messages will remain in the deleted messages folder for six months. Currently there isn't a way to remove them prior to this timeframe.

Brian,
Community Team

gwzcomps · ‎05-13-2020

@Anonymous wrote:
@gwzcomps wrote:
So in a previous chat it was mentioned that I can email eBay about issues with item specifics. I genuinely was going to, but the more I list the more problems I find. I don't understand what my incentive is to make sure you guys have the right stuff setup for your item specifics. I also question the competence of the people who set them up.

Example: Document scanners can't print and what do RAID levels have to do with networking switches?

Since these don't directly cause problems with selling there is no incentive for me to put the effort in to make sure they get fixed. At the same time the various problems with item specifics are annoying.
Hi @gwzcomps, the incentive for you to notify us of potential improvements to our catalog is so you and other sellers like you can receive the best possible visibility through both eBay search results, and third party search results. It isn't possible for us to create a catalog for every item that has been or is available on eBay, so we rely on our sellers do provide this kind of information and will make adjustments or corrections when needed. To be clear, the catalog is comprised of information provided by our sellers, so any errors you see would be related to incorrect information provided by another member of the Community.

It is up to you if you would like to share what you are seeing so we can make corrections. Providing a robust catalog greatly improves search results for buyers, leading to increased sales for sellers, so we greatly appreciate any time you can spare to pass along what you are seeing.

I am not referring to the catalog. That is one thing I will put zero effort in to fixing unless I am getting paid. The whole catalog idea is too broken to salvage even people who sell on Amazon will admit that. I am more concerned about the item specifics directly. The example being with how document scanners apparently are capable of printing too? Last I knew document scanners only scan, no printing as that would make it a printer.

nuclearomen · ‎05-13-2020

@stylishbeauty wrote:
Many eBay sellers are currently dealing with USPS lost packages. Mercari offers $200 shipping protection when using their prepaid labels for lost or damaged items. Why doesn't eBay offer the same seller protection?

tyler@ebay I send a lot of packages media mail, USPS is having set backs in various distribution center location, Denver and Chicago especially. They are taking Media Mail packages and putting them to the side, disregarding deliver by dates. Last week I had to be on the phone with USPS over 6 hrs for one package that was 15 days late at date of first USPS call (media mail is 15 days til USPS will open investigation), the cases are being given a pre-fabricated covid-19 delay response and the cases closes automatically within a few hours of opening one. That particular package did finally arrive at the buyers address over 21 days later. However now I have 4 package sitting in Denver for a week now and 2-3 sitting in Chicago for about the same. I contacted the buyers and explained there is nothing I can do and just have to be patient as USPS will not do anything except give you the covid set back response. However, I have been placing insurance on most all package now in case something never gets delivered - but this is a cost of little under $2 average that I have to pay for because Ebay doesn't provide the option for sellers to have insurance as option on listings - simply been doing it cause the USPS system is slipping in various locations - mostly their largest and most busy distribution centers.

Some info for those having issues with packages being held up and sitting for days on end: First the packages are NOT lost, they are simply tossed to the side and thrown into bins where they sit till days/weeks later they decide to move them forward. If you call USPS you will be on hold a minimal of 2 hours to talk to a agent - use the call back feature they will then call you when it's your turn. If you open a case on a package know that within a few hours you will receive an email stating a general pre-fabricated response stating covid-19 setbacks and you case is automatically closed. To move the process faster and to rule out any actual lost packages open a case does not require USPS to search for the package and find out what is going on. You MUST file a separate Missing Mail report - done through USPS website only then will USPS actually try and find your package. There will be two options when you open the missing mail case - 1. for package to be delievered to buyer 2. for package to be delivered back to sender (you) - it's your choice - I always put option 1 and the package magically starts getting hits on the tracking and delivers within a week (maynot be for all but it seems to spark USPS to do something).

I have been mailing those buyers whom packages are delayed or late so they know I am keeping an eye on them and trying - but reality is nothing you or anyone can do but wait on USPS.

The great truth is there isn't one
And it only gets worse since that conclusion...
...There is something about the rigid posture of a proper, authentic blind
As if extended arms reached to pass his blindness onto others.

brian@ebay · ‎05-13-2020

@mam98031 wrote:

To enable more consistent service when providing eBay Top Rated Seller discounts or applying fees, we’re streamlining the seller evaluation timelines from July 2020.

Currently, the consequences of your monthly Seller Performance Evaluation apply to listings from the same month as the evaluation. Starting in July, these consequences will apply to listings in the month after the evaluation.The transition to the new timelines will begin on the June 20 evaluation.

There will also be changes to the evaluation rules for earning the Top Rated Plus badge and discounts.

Seller Performance Evaluation timelines

Seller Performance Evaluations on the 20th of the month will affect discounts or fees on transactions in the following month.

Top Rated Plus discounts for Top Rated Sellers will be applied to qualifying listings the month after evaluation.

Seller Below Standards Fees or Service metrics fees will be applied to qualifying listings the month after evaluation.

Top Rated Plus badge evaluation changes

From July, your domestic or international returns policy will be part of your Top Rated Plus badge evaluation. Discounts will be based on the country where the items are listed and the item location.

For more information on all of these changes, please go to our dedicated Seller Center page.

**********************************

There appears to be some confusion over this policy change by Ebay. Some are of the opinion that we are only being eval'd on the previous 30 day period and no longer the previous 12 months or 90 days depending on how many transactions you have in those periods.

Would you mind sharing what the above message does not detail that applies to this change? I personally think this change is long overdue.

Hi @mam98031! There hasn't been an announced change to the look back period that I'm aware of, so that should remain the same 🙂

Brian,
Community Team

tyler@ebay · ‎05-13-2020

@terrisattictreasures wrote:

1- I continue having issues with creating size variations for clothing. On multiple occasions, there is no size option available. Sometimes, I have to click "size type", meaning regular versus Big & Tall first, then the sizes will appear. Sometimes there is simply no size variation available anywhere. When I try to "add your own" and Size is shown as an example, I receive the error message "this is not an acceptable variation". Why is size variation not the first, most obvious, most accessible option?

2- I recently received notice that I am required to sign up for managed payments. I don't have a problem with that. However, when I started the process, you are requiring very sensitive information, including my SSN. I am extremely reluctant to release this over the internet and I don't understand why it is required, given the fact that I have already provided eBay with my personal information in years past when I set up my account. What measures has eBay taken to protect my sensitive data?

Hi @terrisattictreasures - my responses below:

1. Do you have any draft listings saved that are encountering the error you posted? I'm happy to report it as a potential technical issue, but the tech team will want to review it on your account.

2. We ask for a higher level of information about you as a seller registering for managed payments for a few reasons. One is verification of your identity for security purposes, and another is for tax reporting as required now that we are processing payments. Your information is kept secure, similar to financial institutions, and teammates will not have access to the sensitive information you provide. Thanks!

Tyler,

Anonymous · ‎05-13-2020

@my-cottage-books-and-antiques wrote:
I really should know the answer to this, but I'm not sure my memory is correct, so I'm asking:

As a seller, I get the nice discount for using ebay labels. I think it is on Priority and First Class packages.

What qualifies me for this? Is it my TRS status? or is it the fact that my listings qualify for TRS Plus?
The reason I ask is because TRS Plus requires me to offer same/one day handling, which I do. However, given the uncertainties of the pandemic, at some point I might want to extend my handling time to 2 days. That would disqualify me for TRS Plus. Would I still get the top shipping label discount? (I would still be TRS)

Hi @my-cottage-books-and-antiques, all sellers benefit from discounts on these labels, and Top Rated Sellers receive an increased discount. I would recommend experimenting to see the impact any changes may make to your bottom line or sales volume and deciding what is best for your business from there.

vrykalak · ‎05-13-2020

@vrykalak it's hard to say what may be happening without an item number to look at. The 'Revise a listing' help page states that sellers can, "Add additional photos (on an auction style listing), but not remove existing photos" when an offer has been received or sent. If you can share an example then I can take a look. Thanks!

Maybe it was not an auction?

----

True, it was not an auction.
But why should the rules be different for auction vs. fixed price listings?

vrykalak · ‎05-13-2020

To be clear, the catalog is comprised of information provided by our sellers, so any errors you see would be related to incorrect information provided by another member of the Community.

It is up to you if you would like to share what you are seeing so we can make corrections. Providing a robust catalog greatly improves search results for buyers, leading to increased sales for sellers, so we greatly appreciate any time you can spare to pass along what you are seeing.

-----

I would love to contribute to the catalog.
How exactly does on accomplish that?

creativecrisis · ‎05-13-2020

In the current situation, what protections are available for sellers against late shipping?

I've maintained my one-day shipping schedule, but am no longer standing in line at the post office to get manual acceptance scans. Frequently the post office is not providing an acceptance scan on the day I drop off packages. For example, some items I mailed on Monday 5/11 have yet to receive an acceptance scan as of this morning. (!)

I think the postal service is overwhelmed, and I'm very concerned about getting "late shipping" dings as a result. What, if any, protections are in place, and how will they be applied?

Thank you.

tyler@ebay · ‎05-13-2020

@maxoptical wrote:

My same day cut off time is 11:00AM . Right now at 4:05 PM eBay is telling my buyers I will be shipping out today. This can cause a bad buyer experience as there is a high chance it will not ship out today. I have been seeing this for many months now with no resolve. Is eBay using my historical same-day ship cut off time or the actual time I set on my account?

John Norman
Max Optical LLC.

Hi @maxoptical - this is a technical issue that is still being resolved.

If you'd like to provide me an example item number and the currently input handling time for the item I can get it added to the open ticket.

Thanks!

Tyler,

my-cottage-books-and-antiques · ‎05-13-2020

Trinton,

At present, I'll continue with my stated one day handling (which , in practice, is same day or one day, depending on when the item is paid for and how much time I have to package). I don't intend to change that, I just wanted to make sure that if for some reason it becomes impossible for me to adhere to that time line, I will still get the top label discount (as long as I remain TRS).

mam98031 · ‎05-13-2020

brian@ebay wrote:
@mam98031 wrote:
To enable more consistent service when providing eBay Top Rated Seller discounts or applying fees, we’re streamlining the seller evaluation timelines from July 2020.

Currently, the consequences of your monthly Seller Performance Evaluation apply to listings from the same month as the evaluation. Starting in July, these consequences will apply to listings in the month after the evaluation.The transition to the new timelines will begin on the June 20 evaluation.

There will also be changes to the evaluation rules for earning the Top Rated Plus badge and discounts.

Seller Performance Evaluation timelines

Seller Performance Evaluations on the 20th of the month will affect discounts or fees on transactions in the following month.
Top Rated Plus discounts for Top Rated Sellers will be applied to qualifying listings the month after evaluation.
Seller Below Standards Fees or Service metrics fees will be applied to qualifying listings the month after evaluation.
Top Rated Plus badge evaluation changes

From July, your domestic or international returns policy will be part of your Top Rated Plus badge evaluation. Discounts will be based on the country where the items are listed and the item location.

For more information on all of these changes, please go to our dedicated Seller Center page.

**********************************

There appears to be some confusion over this policy change by Ebay. Some are of the opinion that we are only being eval'd on the previous 30 day period and no longer the previous 12 months or 90 days depending on how many transactions you have in those periods.

Would you mind sharing what the above message does not detail that applies to this change? I personally think this change is long overdue.
Hi @mam98031! There hasn't been an announced change to the look back period that I'm aware of, so that should remain the same 🙂

I get that and I had no issues following the email. But some have construed this to mean that the look back changed. It might be help to suggest that Ebay create another email for everyone that also explains the look back remains the same.

As a side note, this email ONLY came to My Messages and did not drop into my personal email account like all my other Ebay emails do. If it wasn't for the Unread Message note on My Seller Hub I would not have even noticed this email. So it is possible that many members out there are experiencing the same thing and are unaware of the email all together.

mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999

brian@ebay · ‎05-13-2020

@vrykalak wrote:

@vrykalak wrote:

Someone made an offer on an item. I wanted to add another photo to show a flaw I discovered. eBay would not allow me to add a photo. I apparently could remove photos, but not add any. What's the logic behind that?

@vrykalak it's hard to say what may be happening without an item number to look at. The 'Revise a listing' help page states that sellers can, "Add additional photos (on an auction style listing), but not remove existing photos" when an offer has been received or sent. If you can share an example then I can take a look. Thanks!

---

Sorry: 383527289612

Thanks @vrykalak! I'm seeing the option to add photos in the revise page for that listing. Are you getting an error message when you try to submit the revision, or do you not have the add photos option at all?

Brian,
Community Team