eBay Welcomes Newbie Buyers with 'Guest' Program

[The Tavern Wench]

By Ina Steiner   AuctionBytes.com   November 06, 2007
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eBay is launching Guest Buying, a program that makes it easier for new buyers to make purchases on eBay. Shoppers can visit eBay and make purchases of eligible fixed-price or eBay Store items using PayPal without having to register on the site. eBay said it believes the new program will help increase the number of new buyers.

eBay stated in its announcement of the program, "We've done a lot of research about buying habits as the Internet has evolved, and have been told repeatedly that requiring new buyers to register before they have a chance to really interact with eBay is a barrier to them taking the plunge (this is the same reason we introduced My eBay for Guests awhile back). Today many online buyers expect to be able to visit a site and simply purchase and pay for an item with minimum hassle. Introducing Guest Buying will help encourage more first purchases by new buyers."

Guest Buyers must complete payment through PayPal and may only purchase items costing less than $2000. eBay has put additional restrictions on which listings are eligible for purchase by Guest Buyers: sellers must have a premier/business PayPal account and qualify for the top tier of buyer protection of $2000; shipping costs must be specified in listings; and sellers must use eBay's Checkout system (third-party checkout is not supported).


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[kevinatgrannys]

Today many online buyers expect to be able to visit a site and simply purchase and pay for an item with minimum hassle.

Okay, they said it and then decided that maybe just having them sign up with Pay Pal would be easier...seems to me this is one more push from them toward becoming Pay Pal only.  (Then again, I run around my house wearing a tin foil hat so what do you expect...) :tongue3:

(Darn, I wish there were a smiley with a foil hat...)

[The Tavern Wench]

I agree Kevin.  I think eBay is trying every way in the world to force everyone to use PayPal. 


I'll have Chiquita...our Smiley Queen...see if she can find ya one with a tin foil hat.   

[chiquita]

   

there are three tinfoil hats. Just use your favorite, or take all three for a spin

 

[kevinatgrannys]

 Hmmm...I still feel "waves" coming in...
This one feels better...
Absolutely no Ebay waves now! 

[2boysandtoys]

  - not only are they really pushing Paypal but they're pushing all ebaY tools.  Checkout must be 'their' way and other restrictions.  Quite frankly, if I were selling something valued at $1,500-$2,000 - I would NOT want a guest buying! Doesn't sound 'good' for the sellers, at first glance!!