The eBay Summer Seller Update for 2018 is out. Like most of the seller updates, it’s a mixed bag.
You may have quite a bit of work ahead with the eBay Summer Seller Update.
To begin, the eBay Summer Seller Update is in four sections. They are Inventory Optimization, eBay Stores, Selling Metrics and Shipping and Returns. I will address key facts that impact the majority of people. I encourage you to read the entire update.
So, in Inventory Optimization, four categories now have mandatory item specifics.
The four are Coins, Comics, Pottery & Glass and Tires. In light of this, note what categories you sell in. Many sellers have Pottery & Glass listings. Look to start implementing the mandatory changes now. Be ready for the July 31, 2018 deadline. Furthermore, study the product categories that must list with Product Pages. I break down key points in the entire update for you HERE.
Equally important are the impacted categories of cardio equipment, cell phones, and smartphones. Included are computers/tablets, networking tablets, and ebook readers. Also counted are humidifiers, internet & media streamers and major appliances. Portable fans, programmable thermostat, and small kitchen appliances join the list. Space heaters, TV video, and home audio are included. As are internet and media streamer, TV’s, and voice-enabled home assistants too. More details on these changes are HERE.
Now, the next part of the seller update is for eBay store owners.
So, if you use the sales function of Promotions Manager and Sales event, heads up.
Items must be listed on eBay for a minimum of 14 days before they can be put on sale. I detail this new policy and other eBay Summer Seller Update facts in my YouTube Stop The Drowning.
http://https://youtu.be/6-XxWo1ejSg
Furthermore, Seller Metrics and Shipping will have new features.
With a few exceptions, as of June 25 sellers will need to list with zip codes. Additionally, in July eBay will add new seller metric data to Seller Hub. Sellers will be shown how they compare to other sellers in key data. The focus seems to be on returns. Of course, data is welcome. Let’s see if this will be helpful information. eBay will need to tightly compare apples to apples to give sellers data that’s useful. eBay Radio has great information on this and entire update HERE.
Good and bad news for sellers on Returns!
So, eBay is moving ahead with only five return policies allowed. There are a few exceptions. eBay makes it easier for buyers to return. A simplified return process will be in place. In light of this, sellers need to select an approved policy. If they don’t pick one, one will be assigned. Details are HERE.
In closing, sellers have work to do.
Goal Of eBay Summer Seller Update – Sales!
Studying the update, look at the categories you sell in. Are you impacted by the changes? Look at your returns policies. Are they compliant with eBay’s new standards? Starting in July, look at your new return seller metrics. Comparatively, how do you stack up? The update points sellers to data and policy compliance. The end goal is more sales from more shoppers. Now, that’s certainly welcome news to sellers!
