I lost my TRS status for the first time since 25 years ;-)
Summary: hansatrade shared their experience of losing their Top Rated Seller (TRS) status for the first time in 25 years, having sold 95 items internationally instead of the required 100. They decided to change their handling time from 1 to 2 days to save on gas, raising concerns about its impact on sales visibility. recped inquired about the rationale behind changing the handling time, and ricarmic and recped shared their experiences, noting that a longer handling time didn't affect their sales. hansatrade explained that losing TRS status meant they no longer had to offer 1-day handling. Meanwhile, intimewithmusic expressed concern over misinformation affecting Canadian sellers due to misconceptions around eBay tariffs, making TRS status harder to achieve.
It happened today. I sold only 95 items internationally, instead of 100 required.
A strange feeling... 😀
I have immediately changed my handling time from 1 to 2 days - at least I will save some money on gas 😁
recped
·1 year agoWhat is changing your handling time going to do for you?
hansatrade
OP1 year agoWill go to the post office less often, not everyday 😀
It makes a difference 😀
Especially, if I have to drive to ChitChats (+90 min.).
I still wonder what impact on my visibility will it have (still promoting at 9%).
ricarmic
·1 year agoI've never had TRS on the International .COM side since the rules changed decades ago because my shipping time was always 2 days (M, W, F my normal ship days).
When I decided to "slow down" last year, I changed my handling time to 5 days, so I really only have to go the the PO once a week to comply if too many fishing, Kayaking, travel etc days happen in a week. Normally I still ship M/W/F when my store is open.
I noticed NO change to sales volume by changing the shipping days from 2 to 5.
I noticed the "reduce your handling time by 1 day to improve sales" message remained the same, despite the fact I started on 2, getting that message all the time, and the same message when it moved all the way to 5.
Because the good rememberers here will know that half of my sales are to repeat customers, there has not been a change with the ratio, despite these changes either.
My theory is that the "payable" "promoted" fees much outrank the "old" (free) things that improved visibility, but then again I move a little more toward "grumpy old man" status each day.....
recped
·1 year agoOK, I thought it was in some way connected to TRS (or not).
I use 5 day handling and have for a long time, I don't think it makes any difference but it might depending on what you sell.
For most of what I actually sell I'm either the only one with those specific items or I'm a lot cheaper than my competitors. My opinion, price/condition are more important than anything else, almost everything I sell is from the 70's and 80's, delivery time is really not a consideration for virtually all my potential buyers.
hansatrade
OP1 year agoIt is. To keep the TRS Plus status (.com), you need to offer 1-day handling and tracking number in the US.
Since I lost TRS, it's not mandatory to offer 1-day handling anymore.
recped
·1 year agoAnother reason why I list on .ca, you get the fee discount with No Returns and any handling time you want.
intimewithmusic
·1 year ago@hansatrade I lost mine too due to last years 4th quarter postal strike. Assuming your TRS was earned thru US sales we're in the same kettle of fish. Unfortunately US buyers are getting gun shy with respect to buying from Canada. this will make it very difficult to get back the TRS.
If you're wondering what I mean here's a link to a major influencer who is confusing Americans about buying from Canada. He makes it as though potential tariffs are invisible to buyers. He doesn't clarify tariffs only have to do with the COO not the point of origin (Canada) . He also calls them "eBay Tariffs" and we all no eBay has nothing to do with them.
After 4 days 10K people have viewed this misconception of Canada. If you agree leave him a comment. I did in an effort to help customers. It is really sad for another seller (US or not) to mislead buyers like this.
At this rate the Top Rated Seller distinction is a long way down the road for us small selllers.
Rockstar Flipper "
9,813 views 17 Jul 2025 #eBayNews #eBayTariffs #eBayFees
Quote: "eBay buyers are furious after the platform started slapping tariffs on purchases — with no warning and zero explanation. Whether you’re shopping for collectibles, electronics, or everyday items, you might now be hit with surprise tariff charges at checkout. This sudden move by eBay is leaving customers outraged, especially online resellers and international buyers who rely on eBay’s marketplace. Are these new eBay tariffs a cash grab? Here’s everything you need to know before your next purchase.
#eBayNews #eBayTariffs #eBayFees #OnlineShoppingScam #eBayUpdate #eBaySellers #eBayBuyers #TariffShock #eCommerceNews #BuyerBeware #ResellerCommunity
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https://youtu.be/g0e1KsjcRrU?si=LXQva19GoVSt6uJB