eBay is making it more challenging for casual sellers in the UK by reducing the number of free listings they qualify for and by eliminating the cash option for local pickups.
Earlier in August, eBay UK had notified some private sellers they needed to upgrade to a business seller (a distinction eBay does not make in the US). Some sellers disagreed with eBay’s designation of them as business sellers, and some expressed concern about eBay’s ability to keep their sensitive information safe for those it was requiring to provide their National Insurance number (NINO).
This week, eBay UK notified all private sellers of changes it was making to the program. Currently, private sellers on eBay UK can list up to 1,000 items a month at no charge; beginning October 1, 2024, eBay will reduce that number to 300 listings per month. “After you’ve used your monthly allocation of 300 free listings, you’ll be charged 35p for each new listing created,” eBay explained.
In addition, the notification explained eBay UK was removing cash on pickup for local listings, stating the following:
“Many sellers offer free collection in person, especially for large items which may be difficult to post. As we continue to make sure eBay is a safe and secure place to sell your items, we will be removing the option for buyers to pay with cash for items from 1 October. Instead, all payments for local items will go through the site – with a simple digital confirmation on collection – to ensure that you get paid securely and promptly by buyers.”
eBay also told sellers that if their registered address was in the UK, it would charge an international fee when the delivery address for the item is outside the UK. “Until now this fee has varied by region. Starting from 1 October there will be a flat rate of 3% across all shipping regions. This will be calculated on the total amount of the sale which includes the item price, any handling charges, postage, and any applicable taxes.”
The push to move casual (private) sellers to business accounts may be related to eBay UK’s decision to go fee-free in the UK clothing category in April for private sellers only.
