I don't have much of an opinion yet about the changes, but I think one thing is being overlooked:

Xaxaxe wrote:
Plus, as mentioned, there are times when flexibility is a good thing. Valuable media-related items probably should be shipped Priority, which is more sturdy, offers free delivery confirmation, and gets the item to the buyer much sooner. Hell, many buyers want their stuff sooner, and are happy to pay $5 for a quick, reliable form of shipping that has a much greater chance of protecting their first-edition book or whatever.

eBay still allows for that:



"These maximums apply to the first flat-rate shipping service within or into the U.S. Sellers are required to offer at least one shipping option within the maximum and may also offer other options above the maximums for expedited or international shipping."



From here:

http://pages.ebay.com/sell/August2008Up ... entBuyers/



So I don't see why you'd be precluded from also offering a higher-cost shipping method that's costlier because uses more materials to protect the product. You just have to include at least one shipping method that's cheap too.

Out of curiosity, how do I see a seller's (most importantly: my) numerical DSR.

On my My World page and my feedback profile page, I see the partially-filled stars, but I don't see a way to get the actual numbers.


One thing I'm concerned about is that a buyer of two items can take a perfect DSR of a new seller, and (accidentally or vindictively) make it drop below the 4.3 threshold, thus preventing the seller from selling for up to a year.

I suppose that's what the appeals process is for, but I'm in a more fragile state.

I'm only an occasional seller, with 11 DSR ratings total. Right now my shipping and handling is rated just over 4.5.

I knowingly brought that onto myself when I sold my last batch of stuff, and I even mentioned the fact that I wasn't willing to compromise on slow shipping in the auction descriptions purely for my own convenience. After all:

a) As an occasional seller of niche stuff, the DSR-based list orderings aren't particularly relevant to me, and

b) Inferior ordering was the only drawback for my actions.

Now I'm potentially being retroactively punished for my actions. That's kind of like changing the speed limit on Friday from 60 to 50 mph and then giving me a speeding ticket for last Monday when I was (at that point legally) driving at 55 mph.

Afraid of the Dark wrote:Out of curiosity, how do I see a seller's (most importantly: my) numerical DSR.

On my My World page and my feedback profile page, I see the partially-filled stars, but I don't see a way to get the actual numbers.


One thing I'm concerned about is that a buyer of two items can take a perfect DSR of a new seller, and (accidentally or vindictively) make it drop below the 4.3 threshold, thus preventing the seller from selling for up to a year.

I suppose that's what the appeals process is for, but I'm in a more fragile state.

I'm only an occasional seller, with 11 DSR ratings total. Right now my shipping and handling is rated just over 4.5.

I knowingly brought that onto myself when I sold my last batch of stuff, and I even mentioned the fact that I wasn't willing to compromise on slow shipping in the auction descriptions purely for my own convenience. After all:

a) As an occasional seller of niche stuff, the DSR-based list orderings aren't particularly relevant to me, and

b) Inferior ordering was the only drawback for my actions.

Now I'm potentially being retroactively punished for my actions. That's kind of like changing the speed limit on Friday from 60 to 50 mph and then giving me a speeding ticket for last Monday when I was (at that point legally) driving at 55 mph.

AOTD, I'd try one of these methods:  Sell a large amount of cheap items for the express purpose of pumping up your DSRS (say, a bunch of single plastic WOTC minis, or dice, or single discounted modules, or something you can ship cheap and easily and quickly), and include a plainative plea to give you a "5" on your DSRs if the buyer is happy with your service (which, if they get something cheap and quick, they probably will); or, simply start a new ID when you sell, as I believe "new" sellers are exempt from the rules, and use your other ID for buying only.  

Mike B.

Afraid of the Dark wrote:Out of curiosity, how do I see a seller's (most importantly: my) numerical DSR.

To see your numbers, go to My Ebay, scroll down the left hand column under "My Account", and click on "Seller Dashboard".  Good luck.

Badmike wrote:
Malc, the problem I see is that you really aren't paying cheaper prices. Ebay specifically states to just move the shipping/handling charges straight to your sale price.  All this changes is that ebay will be making more money as right now they get no piece of shipping costs, only FVF costs.  So, instead of a SW M5 for $40 and $6 shipping, you'll be getting it for $47 with $3 shipping.  The new policy doesn't make anything cheaper, quite the opposite.
Mike B.

Yes, but thats only for BIN items. Again, I actually buy very few of those - I'm an Auction Boy  

I always factor in p&p to any bids, but the problem is those sellers who dont list postage, and sting you when they send you a total.

Cheers,
Malc

Are these "PayPal discount coupons" valid?

Valid, as in legitimate. Never seen one before, so I thought it might be a ploy.

Well, it is only 10% which typically means "ooo, nothing" so I'm not likely to use it.

Naw, I think I'll auction it off.