eBay Business Seller Update: October 2024

eBay marketplace has released its latest Business Seller Update for October 2024, and it’s a relatively concise update. With the UK government expected to unveil its budget this week, eBay’s minimal updates might be a relief for sellers as businesses brace for potential market changes. Plus, as we’re deep into Q4, a time of peak sales activity, significant updates are generally unwelcome.

This update includes news on eBay’s latest AI-driven tool and a policy revision aimed at strengthening seller protections.

eBay Tools

AI Background Enhancement Tool

eBay’s AI background enhancement tool helps sellers upgrade their listing photos by placing products on clean, professional backdrops. Available for free on the eBay app, this tool offers multiple AI-generated backgrounds, from solid colors to outdoor settings, helping listings appear more polished and attractive to potential buyers.

To use it:

• In the eBay mobile app, open the Selling tab, then choose to list a new item or edit an existing one.
• Upload your product photo and use the background removal feature to isolate your item.
• Choose from a range of AI backgrounds that best showcase your product.
• Apply the selected background and finalize your listing with the updated photo.

New Summary and Discounts Pages for Shop Subscribers

For Shop subscribers, eBay has redesigned the Summary and Discounts pages, making it easier to track and analyze promotional success. The updated Summary page provides a snapshot of your promotional activity, while the refreshed Discounts page includes visuals and performance metrics, giving you the insights needed to enhance sales strategies.

Product Research

eBay has introduced a new sell-through rate metric, helping sellers assess demand for items and set competitive prices. Additional insights include:

• Price trend graph
• Actual sold prices (including best-offer prices)
• Average sold price
• Sold price range
• Percentage of items sold with free shipping, average shipping costs, and the number of active sellers

Free Seller Clinics

Eligible business sellers can now participate in eBay’s free Seller Clinics, where they can connect with Marketplace Advisors for personalized growth support. This marks a first for eBay, offering business sellers direct access to expert advice at no cost.

eBay Seller Protection

eBay has updated its Feedback policy to protect sellers from receiving unfair negative feedback in certain situations:

• Cancellation Requests: If a buyer requests to cancel an order but the seller denies the request, any negative feedback received for this decision can be removed. For instance, if a buyer orders a set of golf balls, finds a cheaper option elsewhere, and requests cancellation, the seller can decline. Any resulting negative feedback is eligible for removal since the seller has the right to reject cancellation requests.
• Return Label Costs: If a buyer decides to return an item simply because it doesn’t meet their preference and complains about the cost of an eBay return label, eBay will remove feedback related to this complaint. For example, a buyer who buys a bracelet and later decides it doesn’t fit their style might complain about paying for the return label. Since this feedback is related solely to return costs rather than a transaction issue, it can be removed.

This October update streamlines tools and policies to help eBay sellers manage their businesses more effectively and ensure fair protection, especially during Q4.

Source: https://channelx.world/2024/10/ebay-business-seller-update-october-2024/