This year, May 1st brought higher selling costs to the eBay marketplace. Just a month ago, eBay announced higher fees (and more benefits) for operating eBay Stores, while last fall it told sellers they’d have to meet a stricter policy if they wished to receive the Top Rated Seller fee discount.
eBay announced the changes to Stores as part of the 2016 Spring Seller update announced on April 5th. Basic and Premium Store subscriptions increased 25% on Sunday, and Anchor Stores increased 75%, but Store owners get some added perks, including a coupon for eBay branded shipping supplies.
Some sellers had already been discussing the coupons – with some valuable tips on where to find them and how purchases using the coupons are processed.
Also changed as of May 1st: sellers who were used to getting Top Rated Seller discounts face the prospect of higher selling fees if they don’t adhere to new requirements.
Top Rated sellers must now provide a 30-day returns window for listings in order to receive “Top Rated Seller Plus” benefits, which include a TRS Plus seal displayed in listings along with a 20% discount on Final Value Fees for eligible listings. Many readers believe 30 days is too stringent a requirement, especially for certain product categories.
Given the short notice on the higher Store fees, eBay is giving sellers until June 4th to change their Store subscription tier without facing a penalty – but some sellers are being given misinformation.
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