08-21-2019 04:45 AM
Between 8/14/19 and 8/20/19 ebay eliminated the ability to list Used Fragrances. I discovered this when I went to change the handling time on my listings because I'm going to be unable to ship for a week. The system wouldn't let me save the changes on 53 items due to condition required, one of which I was able to do individually because it was new. There are three condition choices, blank, new with box, new without box. When I selected blank, they would not update/save in bulk or individually. So the blank choice doesn't work. I posted the problem in technical issues and the response I had from one of the blues was "we do not allow for used items to be sold in this category - the item condition either needs to be New with box or New without box." Thus I had no choice but to cancel 52 items.
Posted policy shows that Used Fragrances can be listed as long as they don't have an applicator that comes into contact with the body. https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/used-cosmetics-policy?id=4290
Eliminating the ability to list Used Fragrances will put me and many others out of business on ebay. How do big businesses re-market the returns on new items when a customer sprays it, doesn't like the scent, and returns the item? It's no longer new.
Won't this eliminating cause many to create misleading listings? ie selecting New, but putting Used in the description?
I'd estimate that Used comprises probably around 75% of my total sales. If this is really the new policy, then I'm stuck with several thousand dollars of inventory that I'll need to find a way to dispose of or find a different marketing channel. Of late my sales on ebay have been negligible anyway with the last two occurring because of a markdown sale (2 of 3 sales in August so far). Not that ebay cares about my piddly amount of sales. Seems that ebay is more interested in self-mutilation in recent months than increasing sales.
08-22-2019 04:45 AM - edited 08-22-2019 04:46 AM
@charity_scents wrote:@fab_finds4u @fern*wood
Read Department of Transportation (DOT), published Final Rule HM233-C. This regulatory rule change incorporates a Special Permit 9275 (SP9275) exemption into the hazmat regulations (CFR-49).
The following article gives a quick understanding. https://www.shippingsolutions.com/blog/a-dangerous-good-shipped-by-any-other-name-would-smell-as-swe...
If I've misinterpreted this ruling, then please let me know.
Keep in mind people are allowed to take perfumes in their luggage on flights.
BTW, this post wasn't about shipping methods. It was about listing categories. How about staying on topic?
So you have a special permit or is your perfume less than 70% alcohol? I didn't know that was possible, if that is the answer. Good to know for others selling perfumes.
08-22-2019 04:59 AM
Interesting result. I did a search "Balenciaga perfume". Ebay threw me into the "women's fragrances" category. I then clicked on "used". 78 results. Actually you don't even have to click on "used" to see this, on the left side where used is listed as a filter there are 78 in parenthesis.
So perhaps ebay hasn't updated the category yet to not include "used" as this is not the collectibles category.
Seeing as how seasoned ebay buyers know to watch ebay limiting the results by category without asking us first if we want to do that, then it would be the new or millennial buyers that are being trained to purchase only the new products (once the "used" subcategory is removed).
Since "used" fragrances will still be available, albeit in only the collectibles category, ebay isn't banning them outright. Yet the question looms why. I do believe it is the same as usual--search manipulation that new buyers to ebay purchase what ebay wants them to buy, which is the new products in the "fragrances" category. Why would ebay want to get away from selling "used" products? I think simply those of us who sell used items are looked down upon, as in eww, that item is used...let's continue to push and train our buyers to purchase the new and get away from the image of the "used" altogether, it will take time, but we will eventually not need to rely on those sellers at all, and then one day when they are a small enough percentage, we can throw them out and announce we, ebay, are no longer in the used item business. Can't do it yet though, even that 18-19% of sales is still crucial to our bottom line.
08-22-2019 05:15 AM
Perhaps abuse of shipping perfumes was ANOTHER reason they cracked down. I have some nice vintage Chanel perfume bottles (with too much perfume) I got from my mother in law's estate. I have do not want to dump the perfume (real perfume, not cologne) but it is old and do not want to sell it as usable either), so I have not figured out how to ship the stuff for a decent price. It is NOT allowed in regular 1st class or Priority, so it is on topic to bring this up as a possible reason for eBay making it more difficult to sell. That was the reason I even looked at this thread, hoping that shipping would come up.
08-22-2019 05:24 AM
I have sold lots of empty vanity items, perfume bottles, powder boxes, brushes, combs, etc. but all vintage, although there are newer items that would fit in there. That is where I sold vintage Avon bottles, but they were empty or I dumped the dregs in before shipping because I ship 1st class or priority and I know that perfume is restricted. I think putting partial bottles in there might work but if eBay is has key words they are looking for in listings they still probably will pick up the listings to remove.
08-22-2019 05:27 AM
I have not looked, but what to you bet the Chinese FAKE fragrances still make it through to be sold? I like vintage jewelry, and I cannot find real vintage past the Chinese trinkets for .99cents including shipping that are probably not even made yet and sold as Vintage. Funny how they get away with so much.
08-22-2019 05:44 AM
@eaux-de-vie wrote:Perhaps abuse of shipping perfumes was ANOTHER reason they cracked down. I have some nice vintage Chanel perfume bottles (with too much perfume) I got from my mother in law's estate. I have do not want to dump the perfume (real perfume, not cologne) but it is old and do not want to sell it as usable either), so I have not figured out how to ship the stuff for a decent price. It is NOT allowed in regular 1st class or Priority, so it is on topic to bring this up as a possible reason for eBay making it more difficult to sell. That was the reason I even looked at this thread, hoping that shipping would come up.
My post office has me bag up the perfumes in sealed plastic bags and ship via ground service only. I'm still not clear about what the OP does.
08-22-2019 08:07 AM
08-22-2019 06:45 PM
@fern*wood
Used to have to apply for a special permit, the SP9275 is an exemption. Why not read it? Not sure how you aren't clear about what I do. You brought up in message 17 on this thread that I ship via 1st Class or Priority.
I had to educate my local USPS. I printed out their own notice and brought it in to them.
@eaux-de-vie
You must have missed the part where the replies stopped addressing the issue and swerved to shipping. Check out message 17, then message 18 where I was accused of not being truthful, then my response in message 19.
08-22-2019 07:27 PM
I've read that article, and while it says that a special permit is no longer necessary (thus saving the retailer), it does not say that the item can travel by Priority or First Class and actually make no reference to USPS whatsoever.
It also states that the products are being sold for retail sale.
Furthermore, the ruling states that the DOT doesn't regulate those particular shipments anymore (not requiring permits), but it does not override USPS published policy which clearly states that perfume may be shipped, but must go by ground.
https://www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm
"Perfume containing alcohol may not be shipped internationally or mailed domestically using air transportation. Perfume containing alcohol, however, may be shipped within the United States by ground transportation."
08-22-2019 10:56 PM - edited 08-22-2019 10:58 PM
08-23-2019 12:54 AM
08-23-2019 12:57 AM
08-23-2019 01:09 AM
08-23-2019 01:23 AM
08-23-2019 08:48 AM
From your own link:
https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2015/pb22409/html/updt_005.htm
343.27 Authorization to Mail Ethanol-Based Flammable Liquids or Solids
Flammable liquids or solids that contain ethyl alcohol are eligible to be mailed via domestic air transportation only with prior written authorization.
Mailers must submit a letter of request to the manager, Product Classification (see 214 for address). The request must include a list of each specific product to be mailed under the authorization, an MSDS for each product, the office of mailing, and expected frequency and quantity of mailings.
Approvals are initially provided for the duration of one year. Subsequent approvals are performance-based and will be extended in one- to three-year increments.
If approved, the mailer must:
a. Present a copy of their authorization letter from the manager, Product Classification (to be kept on file at the office of mailing) at the time of their first mailing at any given Postal Service facility. Mailings not supported by an authorization letter will be refused.
f. Label each parcel on the address side with the marking “Contains Air-Eligible Ethyl Alcohol — Authorization Number #,” using at least 14-point type.
g. Ensure that the addressee of each parcel is notified that the addressee is not authorized to re-mail the contents of the parcel via air transportation. The mailer must include the following written notice:
“Flammable liquids or solids contained in these packages may be mailed only by consumers (the addressee) via surface transportation in accordance with USPS Publication 52, section 343. Full responsibility rests with the mailer to comply with all postal and nonpostal statutes and regulations regarding mail. Information regarding postal statutes, regulations, and mailing requirements is available from your local Postmaster or district manager, Business Mail Entry, and at the Postal Service’s mailing standards website, Postal Explorer, at pe.usps.com.”
I know you said you wanted to keep this on topic, but you also said to show you where you've misinterpreted that ruling.
I could be wrong as I don't know the scale of your business, but based upon your listings here and profile info, I don't this this ruling applies to you/your business model.