FAQs

Q: What are the changes to eBay seller fees?
A: We’re introducing a new fee structure that will allow sellers to select the pricing option that works best for them, based on their selling activity and preferred listing format. Beginning March 30, 2010, sellers will have the option to list with new eBay standard fees or, for a monthly subscription fee, choose an eBay Stores package with discounted Fixed Price fees and new low fees for auctions. See the new fee charts for details.

Q: In general, are eBay fees going up or down?
A: For most sellers, the new fee options will bring significant savings with dramatically reduced upfront cost. Across the board, Insertion Fees are being dramatically reduced. Final Value Fees for Fixed Price listings are for the most part staying the same. See the fee charts for details.

Q: What are the new standard (non-subscription) fees and who do they benefit?
A: The standard fees are tailored to help sellers who list primarily in Auction-style format and sell just a few items a month or throughout the year. We’re taking away the upfront cost to list items on eBay by making it free to list Auction-style with a start price under $1.

We’re lowering Insertion Fees for Auction-style listings that start at $1 or more. We’re also simplifying the fee sellers pay when their item sells to 9% of the final sale price capped at maximum of $50—regardless of start price or final selling price. For Fixed Price listings, the new standard Insertion Fee is 50¢ with Final Value Fees based on the category and final selling price. Standard Final Value Fees for Fixed Price listings will be the same as the new Stores subscription packages. See the fee charts for details.

Q: How do sellers subscribe or upgrade their eBay Stores?
A: Sellers may subscribe to a new Store here or upgrade a current Store subscription under “Manage My Store” in the “Account” tab in My eBay.

Q: What else do sellers get with a Stores subscription package besides the new discounted fees?
A: The new Stores subscription packages include other great benefits such as free pictures (up to 12 per listing) and, for Premium and Anchor subscribers, free Selling Manager Pro ($15.99/mo value) to help manage listings and sales more efficiently. Plus, sellers get all the great marketing tools included with an eBay Store.

Q: When will the new fee options (standard and new eBay Stores subscriptions) become effective?
A: All new fees become effective from 00:00 (midnight PT) on March 30, 2010. Listings that begin on and after midnight on March 30, 2010, (e.g. at 00:00:01 a.m. PST), will be charged the new fees, regardless of when they were created (e.g., through a listing tool or through the Sell Your Item form using the listing scheduler feature). Store Inventory Format listings will renew with the new fees only if the time of renewal is on or after March 30, 2010.

eBay Buyer Protection

Q: What is the new eBay Protection process?
A: The new dispute resolution process for when buyers claim their item was not received or the item they received was not as described in the listing is the primary avenue for settling eBay transactions and is designed to:

Help buyers and sellers resolve disputes in fewer steps, and provide buyers with a more familiar e-commerce resolution experience.
Offer an option to call eBay in the event buyers and sellers can’t reach resolution themselves. We’ll be taking a more active role in ensuring transaction problems are resolved, and in certain cases, at our discretion, we may refund the buyer at our own expense.
Keep most of the same definitions and policies that PayPal uses to resolve item not received and item not as described disputes.

Q: How does the new eBay Resolution process work?
A: If a buyer has been unsuccessful in resolving a problem directly with a seller, the buyer can contact eBay. An experienced Customer Support agent reviews the case, runs a fraud check and confirms that the buyer has already tried to work with a seller. If the buyer is in good standing, the agent reviews additional transaction information such as item description, members’ account details, seller location, payment and shipping method.   In some cases, we’ll tell the buyer their claim doesn’t qualify or to wait a little longer if, for example, they haven’t allowed enough time for an item to arrive. If the buyer’s claim warrants further investigation, eBay will contact the seller.

Q: What are the limits on coverage?
A: In general, there aren’t any limits on buyer protection. Coverage exclusions include the following:

Protection is offered only for payment methods specified in the eBay Buyer Protection Policy.
eBay Motors (except Parts and Accessories) and most categories in eBay’s Business and Industrial categories both have their own purchase protection plans and aren’t covered in the eBay Resolution process.
eBay’s Real Estate and Specialty items bought on eBay, Half.com and classified ads aren’t covered.

We also monitor closely claims rates and promptly address buyers abusing the system. Buyers found to have abused the system will be restricted or blocked from further usage. We also may impose other consequences such as account restriction or suspension.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about these changes?
A: If you’re a reporter and need more information about these changes or eBay in general, call our media hotline at 408-376-7458 or visit ebayinc.com.