New way to look at DSRs

How is eBay shifting the focus on Detailed Seller Ratings (DSRs)?
DSRs will continue to be an important measure for seller performance. We are evolving the way we evaluate quality by gradually changing the focus from a seller's average score to the instances of low scores—1s and 2s. Also, only transactions with U.S. buyers will count towards the requirements for U.S. sellers. Transactions and DSRs from repeat U.S. buyers will also count to reward sellers who cultivate repeat business by providing their customers with great service.

Why the change of emphasis from having a high DSR average to having very few 1s and 2s?
DSRs are an important measure for seller performance. We are gradually shifting the focus from a seller's average score to the rate of low scores (1s and 2s) for several reasons. First, buyers have different interpretations of what they consider a high score, but leaving a 1 or 2 is a clear sign of dissatisfaction. Second, monitoring their 1s and 2s gives sellers a clearer picture of where they need improvement—on item as described, communication, shipping time or shipping and handling charges. Third, many sellers have told us it's easier and more productive for them to focus on providing a level of service to buyers that minimizes 1s and 2s rather than on trying to achieve all 5s.

This sounds like a fix to exactly what everyone used to complain about - unrealistic expectations of almost all 5s.

Badmike wrote:Ebay just came out with their July Seller's update that details all the changes they will make in the next year or so...

Holy Crap!  In a good way (if you are a seller)...

Reading through the entire missive, it is a massive rejection of everything that has been done the last two years.  The rollbacks on policies are incredible; I kept thinking to myself as I read them "Ebay is in some deep, deep doo-doo.".  The huge slice Amazon has taken out of the market and out of Ebay's profits is very, very obvious in the types of concessions Ebay is now giving sellers.

Mike B.

Maybe, read the language, it's obtuse & Not Nearly; It embraces  the"Mega-Sellers" with a nod to small timers...Wall Street Journal seems to think so

New policy change listings that popped up this morning.



http://pages.ebay.com/sell/July2009Upda ... index.html



Updates that impact your listings are now being consolidated with lead time to adapt. Most of these updates are scheduled to launch between September 22 and October 1, 2009.



  1. Rewards for sellers delivering great buyer experiences

         * New way to look at DSRs: Avoid 1s and 2s; only domestic DSRs count

         * PowerSeller requirements and benefits—rewarding quality over quantity

         * New eBay Top-rated seller status earns the highest PowerSeller rewards

         * New minimum standard and new Selling Practices policy for all sellers

         * Optional buyer charges for shipping insurance no longer allowed

         * New Seller Dashboard with more insight to help you improve



  2. Enhanced search presents more relevant listings

         * Best Match now considers impressions and sales for Fixed Price; Search Visibility tool helps you optimize your listings

         * Auction-style listings still get a boost in exposure as they end

         * New guidelines for Auction-style listings with Buy It Now preserve the draw of auctions

         * Listing features discontinued to save you money and keep the focus on relevance

         * Product pages rolling to more buyers; get exposure for your product pictures



  3. Easier, more profitable selling on eBay

         * Unpaid items: Streamlined process, faster recourse, auto-option with no negative Feedback

         * eBay dispute resolution for buyer claims: Seller update

         * My Messages and post-transaction emails streamline buyer communication

         * More control over ship-to locations; upload tracking for more carriers

         * Faster ways to edit listings, even multi-quantity listings with a sale and listing descriptions

         * Selling Manager Applications boost efficiency for sellers of all sizes—try them free!

         * Category and Item Specifics changes now consolidated with the rest of updates

         * Stores subscribers—now you can put all your listings on vacation.

JohnGaunt wrote:Drifting off-topic . . .

Here's an odd eBay problem that I have not noticed before now.

I have bid on a lot with an asking bid of $50.  I am the only bidder.  Shouldn't the current price now be $50?  The current price is $51 and not $50.  My max bid is a few dollars more than $50.

. . . http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0334572293

I cancelled my bid and re-bid.  Same result.

Is this the way that bidding has always worked?  Or is this a new way that eBay is generating income?  *scratches head*

I've never seen this before.

TheHistorian wrote:Was there a BIN or a reserve?  Or was it just a starting price of $50?

According to the seller, a reserve was set at $50.  I don't remember if the auction had a BIN.

*scratches head and other bits, sighs, and accepts this new eBay magic*