If you're not prepared for eBay's forthcoming ban on Active Content, you could be negatively impacted if a buyer files a claim against you for Item Not As Described (aka a SNAD claim).
eBay held a chat session on Thursday where it answered questions about the
ban on Active Content, which includes third-party applications like JavaScript, Flash, plug-ins, and form actions.
eBay reiterated that in June, active content will stop rendering in eBay listings.
The good news: eBay will not be blocking or removing the listings, at least for this year, although "There will just be pieces of your listing that may not function properly for your buyers."
The bad news: "This could impact your sales and even post-sales if buyers open 'not as described' cases."
We take that to mean that if there are parts of your listing the buyer can't see because eBay shut off active content in your listings, you may pay the price.
So you'd think eBay would do everything in its power to ensure sellers are prepared. However, those who rely on video to help buyers understand what they're getting should be particularly concerned.
When asked if eBay had developed a workaround for YouTube videos, which are considered Active Content, an eBay moderator wrote, "We've heard the feedback, and are actively working on bringing forwared a solution for Youtube video. The solution may not be in place by June, however."
Sellers - especially those who use video in their listings, should be sure to
read the session in its entirety.
One observation: eBay is under-utilizing its
Seller News board by not announcing helpful sessions like the one held on Thursday. Chat sessions are usually held on Wednesdays, and few were in attendance for Thursday's session on what is an important topic. Thanks to ShipScript's participation, some important topics were covered (ShipScript
offers a tool to check your listings.)
eBay Active Content Ban Could Impact Claims