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Seller performance standards

Standards overview

eBay expects sellers to consistently provide service that results in a high level of buyer satisfaction. This includes setting and meeting buyer expectations by providing excellent customer service from beginning to end.

All sellers are expected to:

  • Charge reasonable Postage & Packaging (P&P) and handling fees.

  • Specify P&P costs and handling time in the listing.

  • Follow through on the return policy.

  • Respond to buyers' questions promptly.

  • Be helpful, friendly, and professional throughout a transaction.

  • Make sure the item is delivered to the buyer as described in the listing.

For more information on meeting buyers' expectations, see our selling practices policy.

Keep in mind that if a seller doesn't meet buyers' expectations, it can lead to:

  • A bad experience for the buyer and seller

  • Low detailed seller ratings (DSRs) for the seller

  • Negative or neutral Feedback for the seller

  • A buyer opening a case in the Resolution Centre to fix problems

Detailed seller rating requirements

To meet the minimum performance standards that are required to sell on eBay, the number of 1s and 2s you receive on your detailed seller ratings can't exceed a certain percentage of your total transactions. 

Here are the current standards:

Detailed seller rating for

% of total transactions is no more than

Minimum number of transactions required

Item description

3%

3

Communication

4%

4

Shipping time

4%

4

Shipping cost

4%

4

In addition to meeting the standards for low DSRs, you will be expected to minimise the number of:

  • Cases for items not received or items not as described

  • Negative Feedback received

  • Neutral Feedback received

If you receive an excessive number of cases or negative or neutral Feedback, you may be considered performing below standard.

What happens if you don't meet the standards

If you don't meet the minimum performance standards, your search placement will be lowered and there may be limits to your selling activity until your ratings improve. You may also be restricted from selling items on eBay if your performance falls significantly below the minimum requirements.

If your account doesn't meet the standards, you:

  • Need to resolve all issues on the account before buying or selling with other accounts

  • Can't register for a new account

  • Can't use an existing eBay account to avoid buying and selling restrictions or other policy consequences

For guidelines on how to meet buyers' expectations, see our selling practices policy.

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