Ina Steiner EcommerceBytes Blog
News and insight focusing on ecommerce.
by Ina Steiner, Editor of EcommerceBytes.com
Fri Dec 11 2020 23:02:44

eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles

By: Ina Steiner

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eBay General Manager of Collectibles and Trading Cards Nicole Colombo said eBay will be making some big changes in the trading card category next year. 

She appeared on a YouTube video on Tuesday discussing the new shipping option for raw trading cards that sell for under $20 that eBay recently announced, called eBay Standard Envelope. Beginning next year, eBay will offer sellers the option to print a shipping label through eBay for between 51 cents and 91 cents, depending on the weight of the package, and get tracking. Normally sellers of trading cards would have to pay over $3 in order to get tracking, which most sellers find unaffordable for low-priced goods.

The ability to ship low-priced trading cards with tracking means sellers can receive Top Rated benefits, including the badge, search benefits, 10% final value discount and protections. "That's something sellers of low-cost cards haven't had in the past," Colombo said.

She went on to describe another new benefit coming to the category next year. In early 2021, eBay will be changing the remorse return window for Top Rated requirements. 

Currently sellers must offer a 14-day return policy in the sports card category (and 30 days in most other categories) in order to receive Top Rated benefits.

"I don't even think that's enough because in this space price fluctuates so much, 14 days is a pretty long return window," Columbo said. Basically as a seller you'll be able to choose any window you want and still qualify for Top Rated benefits, she said. ("Buyers will still be protected," she noted.)

And significantly, Colombo said, "I'm also looking to change the Money Back Guarantee process as it relates to cards, but I don't have any announcements there right now."

eBay has been tweaking fees and policies in categories where they're facing competitive pressure, including sneakers. How much these new, more seller-friendly policies will spread to other categories is uncertain.



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Perminate Link for eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles   eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles

by: comments This user has validated their user name.

Sat Dec 12 04:05:51 2020

Such an odd thing to suddenly care about low cost sports cards unless it is part of a more wide spread roll out. There are so many categories with similar type size/weight items.  

Perminate Link for eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles   eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles

by: JoshMtG This user has validated their user name.

Sat Dec 12 21:52:52 2020

Notice how even when eBay tries to do something for sellers, they STILL gaslight sellers, and try to put the blame on them:

"Normally sellers of trading cards would have to pay over $3 in order to get tracking, which most sellers find unaffordable for low-priced goods."

The issue is not that sellers find it unaffordable, but that if you're selling a $1 card, a BUYER isn't willing to spend $1+$3 to have it shipped.

Also note that when you DO sell a $1.00 card on eBay, even if you charge as low as $0.50, eBay buyers are so trained to be terrible, that they message you minutes after the purchase "hey, do you have the tracking number for this?"

These are just some of the reasons eBay has lost so much marketshare in this sphere to TCGPlayer

Perminate Link for eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles   eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles

by: askeladden This user has validated their user name.

Sat Dec 12 23:04:21 2020

Meanwhile in Norway..
Cheapest letter with tracking sets me back $25.50

Perminate Link for eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles   eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles

by: Michael in BC This user has validated their user name.

Sat Dec 12 23:24:07 2020

I wish those of us in Canada could send items trackable for $3 !  If I send one postcard in an envelope with thin cardboard stiffeners, with tax charged by Canada Post, to an address within Canada, its $11.65 ($US 9.12)  for trackable  registered mail.   If I send the same card to, say, California, it would cost $13.92 ($US 10.90) via tracked small packet.  We just use regular letter mail and hope for the best.

Perminate Link for eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles   eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles

by: Chicago48 This user has validated their user name.

Mon Dec 14 05:26:50 2020

This is a new postage category that USPS is introducing.  Nothing new from Ebay.

Perminate Link for eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles   eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles

This user has validated their user name. by: Bidonmine

Mon Dec 14 08:29:54 2020

Would be nice to have this in Postcards and Photos as well.

Perminate Link for eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles   eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles

by: pace306 This user has validated their user name.

Mon Dec 14 09:20:12 2020

"I'm also looking to change the Money Back Guarantee process as it relates to cards, but I don't have any announcements there right now."

eBay needs to change the return rules/policies in EVERY category!

Perminate Link for eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles   eBay to Make Policy Changes Next Year in Collectibles

by: selling stuff This user has validated their user name.

Mon Dec 14 12:30:42 2020

So eBay thinks a buyer who purchases a sports trading card can determine if they want to return the item in less than 14 days. Meanwhile those of us who sell antiques, collectibles, OOAK items, clothing, etc. have to give our buyers 30 to 60 days for the darlings to make up their mind. WTH

Speaking of returns, I don't know if anyone else has ever noticed this but even after you leave positive FB for your seller eBay still offers a "return this item" option that you can click. I am sorry but once you leave feedback you have committed to keeping the item period.  



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