eBay changes fees

Pushes sellers to offer free shipping

Changes are in store for collectors and dealers selling militaria -- well, anything -- on eBay.

eBay sellers will be charged 9 percent of an item's selling price plus the amount the seller charges the buyer for shipping under a major new selling change announced last week. The fee, to be capped at $100, is meant to encourage more sellers to offer free shipping.

On the flip side, listing fees will be dropped and sellers will now be able to list up to 50 items each month at any starting price. Sellers also may elect the option to add the popular "Buy it Now" selling option for free.

Abolishing listing fees is not a new move for eBay. The fees were levied far less starting last year across several promotional efforts. The move was designed to attract sellers and compete with the growing number of ecommerce websites as well as curb the monstrous growth of Amazon.com. Amazon announced early last year that antiques and collectibles sellers were welcome to the site, however the category has failed to take off.

Dealers and collectors have been vocal about eBay's fee policies. Join the chorus:

  • What do you think about eBay's current changes?
  • Do you think they will bring quality sellers back?
  • Will this be a blow to the number of eBay alternatives popping up online?

Send a quick note to john.adams-graf@fwmedia.com.

adminAuthor