Ebay has a serious problem on their hands with regards to how they are manipulating Service Metrics Defect Percentages.
During this last update we were PROJECTED at HIGH with a 1.71% (28/1663) Defect Rate and our PEERS were PROJECTED at .75%. When the PROJECTED RATE changed to CURRENT RATE on June 20/21st our rate was lowered to 1.65% (27/1663) and our PEERS rate was lowered down to .59%. In other words, we had 1 in 28 (3.5%) SNAD defects removed (However, we reported issues with 12 of the 28 SNAD returns as being abusive and only one was removed) and our PEERS were able to have 1 in 5 (21.3%) removed; 6x's as many removed for our PEERS. Now, after all month of describing us as performing at HIGH, Ebay bounces us into VERY HIGH and tags a 5% additional fee to the items we sell. There is no integrity, transparency, or justification given for this rating change!
How is it possible our PEERS had 1 in 5 defects removed? Especially when every CSR tells me they can never change a Service Metrics defect yet somehow that number was just mysteriously reduced 21.3% overnight.
Who monitors Ebay in order to prevent them from intentionally moving the line in order to snag a handful of sellers performing near the HIGH / VERY HIGH performance border level resulting in their ability to charge an extra 5% on fees?
We consistently sell $30k a month so an additional 5% Fee will cost us $1,500 until the rating comes down. How many other sellers are finding themselves victims of their last minute percent change(s) resulting in Ebay's additional 5% penalty fee? Seeing this is a variable risk for stock holders shouldn't Ebay be required to report what percent of Sellers had to pay the 5% Penalty Fee and what amount was collected?
Ebay states they are just comparing us to our peers (Sellers offering similar products under similar circumstances, including selling price, terms of sale, and shipping destination) but are they really our PEERS? What about other factors like selling an inventory representing over 90%+ of different brands and/or products (Clothing, Shoes and Accessories) versus an inventory representing 90%+ of the same exact brand/product items? If someone had a listing selling only one size white t-shirts versus someone selling a thousand different shape, sizes and color t-shirts there is inherently a greater risk of defect to the seller offering the variations yet Ebay sees them as the same if they meet the previously mentioned criteria.
Until Ebay shows some transparency AND consistency with their review process and sticks to a set standard each month questions into their self serving financial motives will and should continue to persist.
