eBay recently announced its upcoming amendments to their User Agreement for September (2013). The changes will come into effect for new eBay users immediately. For existing members, the changes will come into force from the 23rd of September.
So, what’s new?
Well, there will be some changed to the wording used in the agreement, but let’s stop and have a closer look. You will find that a new section has been added. This is to cover all of the changed associated with the new eBay managed returns process. Nevertheless, the most notable changes are in regards to the Buyer Protection Policy.
Changes to signature confirmation threshold
Currently, the threshold where sellers must provide a signature confirmation as proof of delivery stands at £150. However, that will increase by £600 to £750.
What does this mean? Well, say for example, you’re using Royal Mil’s relatively new Tracked service where items are scanned at the doorstep without a signature, you’ll be covered if the value of your item is under £750. We’re sure that many sellers will be over the moon about this five-fold increase!
All about reimbursements
Should a buyer decide not to engage with eBay’s Buyer Protection process in the case of an item not being as described, eBay may decide to carry out a reimbursement from the seller without requiring the buyer to return the item themselves.
So, basically this means that those rare but problematic sellers who suddenly become elusive when there is a problem will be thwarted. If a seller has already received an appalling service, they won’t have to go through the hassle of returning the item. We think this all sounds very reasonable, especially when you consider the fact that the seller will be obliged to offer a minimum 14 days return option and specify who pays for returns upfront.
A period of grace under exceptional circumstances
eBay reserves the right to extend the period for buyer’s eligibility and for sellers being responsible for resolving cases. Labour strikes, national holidays and even national emergencies could affect this. So, should this happen, eBay will publish these updates on the announcements section of its site.
So, this means that the compulsory 14 days returns period could be extended. Nevertheless, we don’t anticipate this happening often, as it has been designed to cope with exceptional circumstances. It is only meant to be a precautionary measure.
Reputable sellers stand to gain, but shoddy sellers what out!
As with many eBay policy changes most sellers don’t have anything to worry about. If you already provide a good service and look after your buyers, this won’t affect you. However, you do stand to benefit, as you will be able to ship items up to the value of £750 which will be fully covered under seller protection.
If you haven’t already seen the updated User Agreement and policies recently, we recommend that you take a quick look now and familiarise yourself with them.
