June 15, 2007 | 03:12PM PST/PT
***News From eBay Live! – Updates to the PowerSeller Program***Hi...this is Edurne Jorda with our Seller Development team, and I'm having a great time in Boston getting to know many of our best sellers who are part of the PowerSeller program. As Bill Cobb mentioned, last night we shared some good news for our PowerSellers, and I'd like to provide a few more details.
The PowerSeller program is a vital part of the marketplace. As we work to improve the buyer experience, we're shifting the focus of the PowerSeller program so that it offers more value to our best sellers who consistently deliver a great buyer experience. While more changes will be coming over the next several months, Bill introduced several important initiatives we're ready to launch this fall.
"Seasonal" sellers to be eligible. This long-requested change is finally happening! If you sell a high volume, but just during your particular selling season (such as if you’re selling skis, golf clubs, etc.), we want to recognize your contributions. We know you work incredibly hard, so soon you’ll have access to phone support and the PowerSeller icon heading into your peak selling season, right when you need it most.
High-volume, Low-Average Selling Price sellers to be eligible. Sellers who list items like trading cards or media or other items with low average prices will now be eligible for the PowerSeller program. Just like seasonal sellers, you work extremely hard selling a lot of product, and it's time to recognize your efforts. We'll be adjusting our eligibility requirements so each PowerSeller level can be obtained based on dollar OR unit volume.
Enhanced PowerSeller support for Bronze level. Later this year, Bronze PowerSellers that meet the annual sales requirement, either through consistent monthly sales or high-volume seasonal sales, will have access to phone support just like Silver PowerSellers.
"Unpaid Item Insurance" for PowerSellers following best practices. You've often asked us for protection against losses from non-paying bidders, and we’ve listened. I'm pleased to let you know that by August 1st, PowerSellers will get their money back for any listing feature fees when the buyer doesn’t pay for the item and you file an Unpaid Item claim. You simply need to follow these selling best-practices:
1. List in the auction format (since you don’t have the option of requiring Immediate Payment for auctions).
2. Specify reasonable shipping & handling charges.
3. Accept PayPal.
We'll have more information on this rebate available soon.
Those are the highlights – keep an eye out for more information about these, and other, changes to the PowerSeller program coming soon!
Sincerely,
Edurne Jorda
Seller Development
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