eBay launched a program for shoppers last month in Australia modeled after Amazon Prime called eBay Plus. But with no warehouses or Amazon FBA-style fulfillment program, it was difficult to see how it could meet eBay Plus customer expectations.
This week, eBay announced a new deal with Australia Post to offer a seller fulfilment solution powered by third-party vendor Fulfilio.
Just as Amazon FBA helps drive Amazon Prime satisfaction, eBay is clearly hoping that by getting sellers’ inventory closer to customers in warehouses it controls, it can boost the value of eBay Plus. Fulfilio has warehouses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
eBay Plus costs buyers $49/year (with an introductory rate of $29) and offers “free standard domestic postage on all eBay Plus items paid with PayPal or a credit/debit card. If you choose an express delivery option or international postage, you’ll have to pay for postage.”
But not all items are eligible – the new Fulfilio-powered program will help it expand the number of items it can label “eBay Plus eligible.”
eBay is promising sellers who participate in the new fulfillment program increased exposure for their listings through eBay Guaranteed Delivery and eBay Plus, though it noted that “eligibility criteria applies.” Participants in the fulfillment program can also participate in eBay deals and retail promotions.
Why is eBay mimicking Amazon programs in Australia, and why now? Prior to late 2017, shoppers were only able to purchase digital goods and Amazon devices on Amazon.com.au, but it has quickly ramped up its presence down under:
– Amazon Marketplace launches in December 2017
– Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) launches in February 2018
– Amazon Prime launches in June 2018
The new eBay fulfillment solution offered in partnership with Fulfilio promises sellers a savings of up to 30% on fulfillment costs, with rates as low as $5.74 for pick, pack and delivery, cross-town (same city) service and $6.83 for interstate service.
eBay sellers can also use the program to fulfill non-eBay orders.
“Our eBay Fulfilment Partner is integrated with eBay and all major shopping carts (Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento etc.). Therefore, Integrating with your eBay account or any of your other carts can be done in under a few hours. We’ll guide you on how to get the access key, and then work in the background to connect your eBay cart with Fulfilio’s platform. From there, it’s just a matter of getting your stock to our warehouses and sending your first order.”
You can find more information on the eBay Australia website.
