Maximum limits set to P&P in selected categories Maximum limits set to P&P in specific categories

Maximum limits set to P&P in selected categories

• What are the maximum Postage and Packaging charges?

• Why are you establishing maximum Postage and Packaging charges?

• Why were these categories selected?

• How did eBay determine the maximum P&P charge for a category?

• Does the maximum postage charge include packaging costs?

• Why are you setting limits on P&P charges lower than my actual costs to dispatch?

• Are there P&P cost limits for international postage services or expedited postage?

• What can I do if the maximum P&P charge does not cover my expenses for packaging and postage?

• I'm an international seller. Do the P&P cost limits still apply?

• How will limits on P&P charges affect my cross-border sales?

• In categories with maximum P&P charges, why are P&P costs still considered in Detailed Seller Ratings?

• Will this apply to other categories in the future?

What are maximum Postage and Packaging charges?

In the following categories: Books, Comics and Magazines, Computing, Consumer Electronics, DVD Film and TV, Music, Photography, Video Games, Mobile & Home Phones and Accessories (Clothes Shoes & Accessories), eBay sets limits on what sellers can charge for postage and packaging. For specific information by category, see maximum limits on P&P charges.

Why does eBay set maximum Postage and Packaging charges?

Feedback from buyers has been that P&P charges on eBay are currently both too inconsistent and too high, and in a competitive online shopping environment, people are increasingly likely to buy items when the P&P cost is low or even free. 

Setting maximum P&P costs in highly competitive categories will encourage the largest volume of buyers to continue to shop on eBay. It will also encourage sellers on eBay to continue to offer great value and enjoy stronger sales.

Setting maximum P&P costs also prevents sellers from charging excessive postage costs to buyers, either deliberately or through lack of knowledge.

Why are these categories selected?

These are categories where buyer expectations are particularly high in terms of free or reasonable P&P.

Changes to eBay's category structure have resulted in some categories being renamed, merged or removed. In a number of cases, maximum P&P charges have been removed. Find out more about the specific categories where maximum P&P charges currently apply.

How did eBay determine the maximum P&P charge for a category?

Maximum P&P costs are based on recent transactions of what sellers were charging, what is competitive in online shopping and what buyers tell us is reasonable. We also take into consideration the actual cost of available postage services for typical items within the selected categories.

We regularly revise maximum P&P charges to reglect changes to Royal Mail prices. From April 2012, the charges have been revised to reflect new Royal Mail prices. As well as reflecting Royal Mail Second Class postage prices, we have revised our maximum P&P charges to enable more sellers to offer Royal Mail First Class delivery services.

Does the maximum postage charge include packaging costs?

Yes. Packaging costs are included in the maximum amounts.

Why are you setting limits on P&P charges lower than my actual costs to dispatch?

Since their introduction, maximum P&P charges have become less restrictive. We have now adjusted them to encourage more sellers to offer Royal Mail First Class delivery.

We continue to base our maximum P&P charges on recent transaction data of what sellers are charging, what is competitive in online shopping and what buyers tell us is reasonable. We believe that by offering buyers at least one competitive P&P option, sellers will see an increase in their overall sales and conversion.

Are there P&P cost limits for international postage services or expedited postage?

No. Maximum P&P charges apply only to the first flat rate postage domestic service within the UK.

What can I do if the maximum P&P charge do not cover my expenses for packaging and postage?

The maximum P&P cost may not cover sellers' P&P costs in some cases. In the event that it does not, you can do one of the following:

• When selling via auction, you can continue to list your item with the same start price and a P&P price at or below the maximum postage cost. Many of our sellers have success with auctions, even when offering free P&P, because their item looks more competitive to their buyers.

• When selling a very heavy and bulky item, choose the option “Courier: heavy and bulky items” instead of “Flat cost for all buyers” in the Sell Your Item form. This will allow you to insert a cost higher than the limit. We will monitor items using this option to make sure that those that are over the limit differ from the assumptions that we used to establish the maximum postage costs. In this instance, the item must be genuinely bulky or heavy and that the delivery charge will vary according to where the item is located.

• When selling via Buy It Now (also known as fixed price), remember that you are free to select an item price, which reflects the true value of the item.

I'm an international seller. Do the P&P cost limits still apply?

Yes. If you are listing your item on eBay.co.uk, maximum postage costs will apply for sales to the UK regardless of the location of your item.

How will limits on P&P charges affect my international sales?

Maximum P&P charges should not affect your international business since maximum P&P limits only apply to the first postage service. Sellers can set alternative options for faster and/or international postage. International sellers listing directly on eBay.co.uk must adhere to the maximum postage limits for their first postage option.

In categories with maximum P&P charges, why are P&P costs still considered in detailed seller ratings?

We are only setting a maximum postage and packaging cost for the first postage option. Sellers can still set their price lower than the maximum postage cost on that option as well as have alternative postage options. Therefore, we will keep the postage and packaging charges detailed seller rating in place.

However, if you offer free P&P and this option is selected by your buyer, eBay will automatically award a 5-star postage and packaging charges detailed seller rating. Your buyer will not be able to change this rating.

Will this apply to other categories in the future?

We currently do not have other categories scheduled. Consistent with any other major change we've made to our policies, we will inform you well in advance so you have time to adjust your listings.

Maximum limits on P&P costs for specific categories

The limits to P&P charges* apply to the first flat-rate postage service within or into the UK. Sellers are required to offer at least one postage option within the maximum limit and may also offer other options above the maximums for courier or international dispatch. Sellers can still use a courier for bulky items option if they are selling an unusually bulky and heavy item.

• Books, comics & magazines

• Computing

• DVD, film & TV

• Consumer electronics

• Music

• Photography

• Video games

• Mobile & home phones

• Clothes shoes & accessories

*Note: Effective from 11 April 2012, the maximum P&P costs are as specified below, and are subject to change.

Books, comics and magazines

Computing

DVD, film & TV

Consumer electronics

Music

Photography

Video games

Mobile & home phones

Clothes, shoes & accessories

Insurance: Sellers offering insurance may only charge the actual fee for insurance. No additional amount may be added, such as 'self-insurance.' Sellers who do not use a licensed third-party insurance company may not require buyers to purchase insurance.

Some specialist couriers may charge extra for delivery to certain parts of the UK, eg. Northern Ireland and some parts of the Highlands and Islands. If you are using a specialist courier (eg. for bulky items) and offering UK delivery, you should make buyers aware in your listing that extra delivery charges may apply to certain parts of the UK. You are not allowed to add the surcharge after the listing has completed.

For cross-border transactions, sellers may not collect tariffs and duties. However, buyers may be responsible for actual, applicable tariffs, and duties as requested by respective country laws.

Breaches of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:

• Listing cancellation

• Limits on account privileges

• Account suspension

• Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings

• Loss of PowerSeller status