eBay

raphael@ebay.com · ‎04-06-2016

Hello everyone,

Lots to talk about this week, it seems 🙂

Please go ahead and post your questions and comments. I won't ask you to restrict on the topics, although if you think what you want to ask about the retirement of USD selling or the 2016 Spring Seller Update could benefit others who may not see this thread, please consider posting in those respective threads as well.

Open issues:

Odd missing gallery picture in search results
Errors when uploading more than one tracking number at a time (repeated, erroneous numbers saved)

Updates:

Wrong tax rates applied to PayPal labels - I have asked PayPal and Pitney Bowes for an update
Missing Tracked Packet destinations -I have asked PayPal and Pitney Bowes for an update
Sold items going into Unsold container - Team is investigating
Combined shipping offers not shown to international buyers - under investigation with shipping team

xeposter · ‎04-06-2016

When I look at my listings on eBay.ca, I see the "No import charges thing..." is that a bad thing?

Alex

This is my POSTING id.

merritt-motorcycle-salvage · ‎04-06-2016

I have come realize since March / April 2010 I was unknowingly / mistakenly, call it what you will, subscribed to Selling Manager Pro for ebay.com on top of ebay.ca assuming they were one in the same all these years, free / included with the corresponding subscription offered at those times.

Getting 15.99 credited for ebay.ca Selling Manager Pro all these years, but I was also getting charged 15.99 USD (converted to CAD) for ebay.com Selling Manager Pro with no Credit.

Am I wrong to pursue a possible credit for this error, or would I be wasting my time, since this feature never benefited my sales in anyway, only cost me money for something that was never used on ebay.com.

rose-dee · ‎04-06-2016

raphael@ebay.com wrote:
Hi vintagenorth,
You can still write a full length description. Measurements and sizes charts aren't great in a summary anyway. Keep in mind that the summary is only meant for give a prospective buyer a more detailed, albeit still only general idea of what they are looking at. Think of it as a written equivalent of the item picture. Buyers should still go to the actual description to know about finer details like measurements.
@vintagenorth wrote:
And is a table considered "active"?
A chart isn't active content. Active content is things like interactive modules, script or code that executes when the page loads. Charts are still just text.

Two further questions related to the above (well, three actually):

1) Will there be somewhere in the listing feature/SYI form where a seller can write his/her own summary, rather than leaving this to the eBay bots to do arbitrarily, and will that seller-created summary supersede any automated summary?

2) I've used Auctiva for years, which has a scrolling gallery for listings and beautiful listing frames. Are these "active content" (I assume so). Sadly, this means that my most unique items, which sell especially well when featured in an attractive frame, may have to have "plain Jane" descriptions. Or will it matter if I continue to use this kind of content, if I know that most of my buyers are not mobile users?

Lastly, thank you for your detailed answer on my HTML question above. Although I speak three human languages, HTML scares the pants off me. I know virtually zero about it. I'm always afraid I'll make some idiotic error by just following a "template", which will totally jumble up some important text.

So my question is this: Is there somewhere on eBay (or elsewhere) where a dummy like me could go to get a glossary of typically-used codes for listings, or a one-day crash course? I'll save the example you gave earlier and try it out.

pocomocomputing · ‎04-06-2016

@rose-dee wrote:
raphael@ebay.com wrote:
Hi vintagenorth,
You can still write a full length description. Measurements and sizes charts aren't great in a summary anyway. Keep in mind that the summary is only meant for give a prospective buyer a more detailed, albeit still only general idea of what they are looking at. Think of it as a written equivalent of the item picture. Buyers should still go to the actual description to know about finer details like measurements.
@vintagenorth wrote:
And is a table considered "active"?
A chart isn't active content. Active content is things like interactive modules, script or code that executes when the page loads. Charts are still just text.
Two further questions related to the above (well, three actually):

1) Will there be somewhere in the listing feature/SYI form where a seller can write his/her own summary, rather than leaving this to the eBay bots to do arbitrarily, and will that seller-created summary supersede any automated summary?

2) I've used Auctiva for years, which has a scrolling gallery for listings and beautiful listing frames. Are these "active content" (I assume so). Sadly, this means that my most unique items, which sell especially well when featured in an attractive frame, may have to have "plain Jane" descriptions. Or will it matter if I continue to use this kind of content, if I know that most of my buyers are not mobile users?

Lastly, thank you for your detailed answer on my HTML question above. Although I speak three human languages, HTML scares the pants off me. I know virtually zero about it. I'm always afraid I'll make some idiotic error by just following a "template", which will totally jumble up some important text.

So my question is this: Is there somewhere on eBay (or elsewhere) where a dummy like me could go to get a glossary of typically-used codes for listings, or a one-day crash course? I'll save the example you gave earlier and try it out.

1) I do hope ebay modifies the Sell Your Item form to add a simple text box like Condition Description for the 800 character summary. It is simple coding even for eBay, lol.

2) Auctiva

Scrolling gallery is active. You will have to turn off the gallery eventually. It can be replaced by a simple link which should not be against the new policy.

The templates are not active so they should be okay.. But they are very busy with HTML, pictures and your "prose", lol. Not the direction eBay is recommending for descriptions even with eBay current recommendations. From what I understand, the listings will still work with the template, pictures and text but you would need to add the 800 character description for mobile users. ebay shows how to do it in HTML and I am sure Auctiva will make it a simple data entry box in their system. eBay should do the same on their Sell Your Item system. So I would not worry about this. It will not go into effect until 2017.

xeposter · ‎04-06-2016

@rose-dee wrote:
raphael@ebay.com wrote:
Hi vintagenorth,
You can still write a full length description. Measurements and sizes charts aren't great in a summary anyway. Keep in mind that the summary is only meant for give a prospective buyer a more detailed, albeit still only general idea of what they are looking at. Think of it as a written equivalent of the item picture. Buyers should still go to the actual description to know about finer details like measurements.
@vintagenorth wrote:
And is a table considered "active"?
A chart isn't active content. Active content is things like interactive modules, script or code that executes when the page loads. Charts are still just text.
Two further questions related to the above (well, three actually):

1) Will there be somewhere in the listing feature/SYI form where a seller can write his/her own summary, rather than leaving this to the eBay bots to do arbitrarily, and will that seller-created summary supersede any automated summary?

2) I've used Auctiva for years, which has a scrolling gallery for listings and beautiful listing frames. Are these "active content" (I assume so). Sadly, this means that my most unique items, which sell especially well when featured in an attractive frame, may have to have "plain Jane" descriptions. Or will it matter if I continue to use this kind of content, if I know that most of my buyers are not mobile users?

Lastly, thank you for your detailed answer on my HTML question above. Although I speak three human languages, HTML scares the pants off me. I know virtually zero about it. I'm always afraid I'll make some idiotic error by just following a "template", which will totally jumble up some important text.

So my question is this: Is there somewhere on eBay (or elsewhere) where a dummy like me could go to get a glossary of typically-used codes for listings, or a one-day crash course? I'll save the example you gave earlier and try it out.

Hello. eBay (US) user Shipscript has lots of cool HTML things at his website: http://shipscript.com/. If you scroll down (it is towards the bottom) you should see a section titled "HTML mini practice." It has a bunch of basic HTML codes, plus you can test them out! This is really helpful for beginners.

Alex

This is my POSTING id.

pjcdn2005 · ‎04-06-2016

@x..e wrote:
When I look at my listings on eBay.ca, I see the "No import charges thing..." is that a bad thing?
Alex

It's bad in that you are using the gsp which many Canadians try to avoid. Now that they have first class international with delivery confirmation to Canada and some other countries, I'm surprised that so many U.S. sellers do use it.

I understand the perks that some sellers say that they receive but it is basically very expensive insurance 'just in case' something goes wrong.

xeposter · ‎04-06-2016

@pjcdn2005 wrote:
@x..e wrote:
When I look at my listings on eBay.ca, I see the "No import charges thing..." is that a bad thing?
Alex
It's bad in that you are using the gsp which many Canadians try to avoid. Now that they have first class international with delivery confirmation to Canada and some other countries, I'm surprised that so many U.S. sellers do use it.

I understand the perks that some sellers say that they receive but it is basically very expensive insurance 'just in case' something goes wrong.

I only use the GSP because all I have to do it send it to the Global Shipping Center and they take care of it from there.

Alex

This is my POSTING id.

momcqueen · ‎04-06-2016

@x..e wrote:
@pjcdn2005 wrote:
@x..e wrote:
When I look at my listings on eBay.ca, I see the "No import charges thing..." is that a bad thing?
Alex
It's bad in that you are using the gsp which many Canadians try to avoid. Now that they have first class international with delivery confirmation to Canada and some other countries, I'm surprised that so many U.S. sellers do use it.

I understand the perks that some sellers say that they receive but it is basically very expensive insurance 'just in case' something goes wrong.

I only use the GSP because all I have to do it send it to the Global Shipping Center and they take care of it from there.
Alex

Again, pardon me for putting in but the 'care' they take of it is part of the problem for many buyers. I cite my own examples. Case one. Bought something from ebay.com seller who used the program. Bought two of the same item. Not combined shipping, exactly, and then got only one item. Refund process was a nightmare. Went through paypal. Had to file a POLICE REPORT to get my money back. Swore I would never use it again. And then I did. Case Two. Bid on something from ebay.co.uk from a seller who was enrolled. Got my item and it had been repacked and wrecked by the hub in UK. Again, had to ask for a refund. Got my money back fine. But what I really wanted was the item I had bought, undamaged as it had been before they repacked the item to 'save space' or shipping costs, or whatever.

Regrettably, my experiences are not unique.

xeposter · ‎04-06-2016

@mjwl2006 wrote:
@x..e wrote:
@pjcdn2005 wrote:
@x..e wrote:
When I look at my listings on eBay.ca, I see the "No import charges thing..." is that a bad thing?
Alex
It's bad in that you are using the gsp which many Canadians try to avoid. Now that they have first class international with delivery confirmation to Canada and some other countries, I'm surprised that so many U.S. sellers do use it.

I understand the perks that some sellers say that they receive but it is basically very expensive insurance 'just in case' something goes wrong.

I only use the GSP because all I have to do it send it to the Global Shipping Center and they take care of it from there.
Alex
Again, pardon me for putting in but the 'care' they take of it is part of the problem for many buyers. I cite my own examples. Case one. Bought something from ebay.com seller who used the program. Bought two of the same item. Not combined shipping, exactly, and then got only one item. Refund process was a nightmare. Went through paypal. Had to file a POLICE REPORT to get my money back. Swore I would never use it again. And then I did. Case Two. Bid on something from ebay.co.uk from a seller who was enrolled. Got my item and it had been repacked and wrecked by the hub in UK. Again, had to ask for a refund. Got my money back fine. But what I really wanted was the item I had bought, undamaged as it had been before they repacked the item to 'save space' or shipping costs, or whatever.

Regrettably, my experiences are not unique.

I have only had one thing go wrong with the GSP...the buyer claimed the item was destroyed...well, later I found out they destroyed it because they didn't like it AFTER I refunded them. They stopped eBay after that.

Alex

This is my POSTING id.

reallynicestamps · ‎04-06-2016

Active content is things like interactive modules, script or code that executes when the page loads.

I have a few more questions about this.

What is interactive?

What is modules?

What is script?

What is code?

What is executes?

block36 · ‎04-06-2016

@x..e wrote:

I only use the GSP because all I have to do it send it to the Global Shipping Center and they take care of it from there.
Alex

But with all this "convenience" you are losing very many Canadian (and probably other) buyers, myself included.

pacificwinds6875 · ‎04-06-2016

Thanks Raphael - I see my problem is here on the list. Just tried to do 8 all at once - each had individual Tracking Numbers - yup - problem is still there. 7 reflected the correct Track # and the problem 1 displayed 3 #'s (oh such fun). I got rid of that one and tried with the 7 that seemed fine - still won't work properly.

xeposter · ‎04-06-2016

@block36 wrote:

@x..e wrote:

I only use the GSP because all I have to do it send it to the Global Shipping Center and they take care of it from there.
Alex
But with all this "convenience" you are losing very many Canadian (and probably other) buyers, myself included.

What do you not like about the GSP? I mean, isn't it the same as normal shipping?

Alex

This is my POSTING id.

xeposter · ‎04-06-2016

@reallynicestamps wrote:
Active content is things like interactive modules, script or code that executes when the page loads.

I have a few more questions about this.

What is interactive?
What is modules?
What is script?
What is code?
What is executes?

Code (also known as HTML) is a programming language that some eBayers use to make their descriptions with...

Alex

This is my POSTING id.

block36 · ‎04-06-2016

Because Canadian buyers do not have to pay custom duties on items of $20 and below... sometimes customs may allow even more expensive.
But CSP system applies tax to everything

momcqueen · ‎04-06-2016

Hello again. Back on that other thread, the Spring Update one, I posted more about my concern regarding Product Reviews, including an example of what apparently passes for 'fine' elsewhere and I am looking for some reassurance that this won't be the case on ebay. Are you going back to that thread as well?

momcqueen · ‎04-06-2016

@block36 wrote:
Because Canadian buyers do not have to pay custom duties on items of $20 and below... sometimes customs may allow even more expensive.
But CSP system applies tax to everything

For me, honestly, with the two-for-two terrible experiences I had with the Global Shipping Program, it was less about paying (necessary or unnecessary) duty and more about stuff either not showing up or being wrecked. I simply won't use it any more. I gave it that second chance, and it too was terrible. What's that saying: "Fool me once, shame on you, but fool me twice, shame on me"? It's not my intent to hijack the Board Hour with a diatribe on the Global Shipping Program, XE, but so so so many Canadian buyers despise it. Maybe we don't amount to much in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps other intentional customers view it as a boon. I don't know.

pierrelebel · ‎04-06-2016

"all I have to do it send it to the Global Shipping Center and they take care of it from there"

Thank you for that post.

In a few words you have explained exactly what is wrong with the program from the buyers (Canadians) point of view.

The program is all about convenience and protection for the American sellers while the delays and additional costs are all paid by foreign buyers.

xeposter · ‎04-06-2016

@pierrelebel wrote:
"all I have to do it send it to the Global Shipping Center and they take care of it from there"

Thank you for that post.

In a few words you have explained exactly what is wrong with the program from the buyers (Canadians) point of view.

The program is all about convenience and protection for the American sellers while the delays and additional costs are all paid by foreign buyers.

Really? To me, it seems like it would help the buyers. It shows on my side that the buyers are paying a normal shipping cost whereas if we ship it straight to them, they pay a fortune. The reason I will not leave the GSP is because the only time I shipped an item directly, I lost over $20 on the shipping.

Alex

This is my POSTING id.

pocomocomputing · ‎04-06-2016

@x..e wrote:
@pierrelebel wrote:
"all I have to do it send it to the Global Shipping Center and they take care of it from there"

Thank you for that post.

In a few words you have explained exactly what is wrong with the program from the buyers (Canadians) point of view.

The program is all about convenience and protection for the American sellers while the delays and additional costs are all paid by foreign buyers.

Really? To me, it seems like it would help the buyers. It shows on my side that the buyers are paying a normal shipping cost whereas if we ship it straight to them, they pay a fortune. The reason I will not leave the GSP is because the only time I shipped an item directly, I lost over $20 on the shipping.
Alex

Wow, you are a real live example of a USA seller who has no clue how the GSP works and what costs a buyer outside the USA sees and has to pay to get your item and all the issues with the GSP!!!