eBay Focused on Reducing Shipping & Handling Charges

By Ina Steiner

AuctionBytes.com

September 02, 2008

eBay updated two listing tools so sellers can update the shipping details on all of their listings at once as part of the new requirement that sellers specify at least one domestic shipping service when listing an item. eBay said it has added new bulk-edit functionality, available on Friday, to its Selling Manager and Turbo Lister listing tools.

To comply with eBay's new rule, sellers must either select a flat-rate shipping rate, or they must use eBay's shipping calculator that displays actual charges in their listings based on the shopper's zip code. The calculator supports USPS and UPS, but it does not support other carriers, such as FedEx and DHL.

eBay has been focused on getting sellers to reduce shipping & handling fees and make it clearer in search results and in listings what those charges are. In an unprecedented move, eBay recently announced limits on shipping and handling charges in the media category (Books, DVDs & Movies, Music and Video Games). Beginning next month, media sellers must offer at least one shipping option within the specified limits. Maximum shipping & handling costs vary by subcategory.