PowerSellers

Become a PowerSeller

PowerSeller membership is FREE. Qualifying sellers are automatically invited to join the programme via email.

• General requirements to qualify as a PowerSeller
• PowerSeller Levels
• New minimum standards for all sellers
• New eBay Top-rated seller status rewards best service

In April 2010, the sales requirements to the PowerSeller programme will be reduced enabling more sellers, who consistently provide excellent service to join and to reach eBay Top-rated seller status. As part of these changes, PowerSellers will need to meet the minimum performance standard for selling on eBay.

There are five volume levels that distinguish PowerSellers, based on their gross monthly sales. Three additional levels will be introduced to better distinguish PowerSellers based on the level of service standards they offer – starting with the introduction of the Top-rated seller and Standard status on 1st October 2009. In January 2010 the Above Standard status will be introduced along with a new Final Value fee discounts structure to reward sellers consistently offering the very best service.

Benefits and services vary with each level. eBay automatically calculates eligibility each month and notifies qualifying sellers.

Starting in April 2010, the new eligibility requirements for all PowerSellers will include:

• A lower transaction and gross merchandise volume requirement of a minimum of 100 transactions and £2,000 in the last 12 months.*
• An average score on detailed seller ratings (DSR) of 4.60 or higher in all four areas
• A raised minimum performance standard based on low detailed seller ratings of 1 and 2 stars (low star ratings)
• Compliance with the Selling Practices policy (introduced in October 2009 for eBay Top-rated sellers only)

* Euro equivalent for sellers from the Republic of Ireland

Raised minimum performance standard

In April, all PowerSellers including new participants will be required to meet the raised minimum performance standard for selling on eBay. The minimum performance standard is defined by a maximum number of low star ratings allowed for transactions in UK and/or Ireland. Specifically, PowerSellers will be required to have no more than 1.00% for item as described and no more than 2.00% for communication, dispatch time, and P&P charges.

All PowerSellers should regularly check their Seller Dashboard to ensure they are meeting the new eligibility requirements before the April changes take effect. There they can find detailed information about their current performance including a daily updated snapshot of their low star ratings by each detailed rating area

Sellers who don’t meet the new requirements in April will lose their Powerseller status and associated benefits. However, eligibility to the PowerSeller programme is evaluated each month and sellers who improve their performance are invited to rejoin the programme when they meet the requirements.

* Euro equivalent for sellers from the Republic of Ireland

Remember: Only items sold to buyers in the UK and Ireland are considered for the minimum volume and low star ratings criteria. All other requirements are determined by global sales volumes. Sellers to international markets must also meet the minimum performance standards for those countries.

Sellers can check their performance including their low star ratings in the Seller Dashboard.

There are five volume levels that distinguish PowerSellers based on their gross monthly sales. In addition, PowerSellers who consistently deliver great service are recognised with the eBay Top-rated or Above Standard status.

Any PowerSeller from Bronze to Titanium can qualify for eBay Top-rated seller and Above Standard status, if they meet the status minimum, as outlined in the service requirements table below.

Eligibility for all PowerSeller levels is evaluated every month and qualifying sellers are notified in their Seller Dashboard and via email.

* per month for three consecutive months
**across a minimum average of four monthly listings. Euro equivalent for sellers from the Republic of Ireland

† In April 2010, a lower minimum transaction and gross merchandise volume requirement of 100 transactions and £2,000 in the last 12 months will be introduced for the Bronze PowerSeller level. Only transactions to buyers in the UK and Ireland count towards this new minimum sales requirement.

*Only items sold to buyers in the UK and Ireland are considered for the low star ratings criteria

eBay policy compliance is required for all PowerSellers. To comply, sellers must not violate the Shill Bidding, Feedback Manipulation, or Counterfeits policies - these policies are considered severe and may result in loss of PowerSeller and Top-rated seller status for a minimum of 180 days.

Additionally, repeated violations of any other eBay policy may result in the loss of PowerSeller status. The maximum number of allowed policy violations varies by PowerSeller level:

• Bronze: 4 violations in a 90-day period
• Silver/Gold: 5 violations in a 90-day period
• Platinum: 6 violations in a 90-day period
• Titanium: 7 violations in a 90-day period

Sellers can check the status of their policy compliance in the Seller Dashboard. Visit the help pages for a complete list of eBay policies. For assistance with policy violations, contact customer support for more information.

The Selling Practices policy

The Selling Practices policy sets out clear standards for accuracy and professionalism in listings, descriptions and all stages of a transaction.

Adhering to the new policy is required for eBay Top-rated sellers and for all other sellers from April 2010. Overview of the Selling Practices policy:

• Sellers are responsible for ensuring a smooth and professional transaction with their buyers.
• This includes setting buyers’ expectations by providing accurate and consistent details about items and the terms and conditions of sale.
• Sellers also must offer excellent customer service from the time of purchase to item delivery. This includes reasonable postage & packaging charges, clear statement on dispatch time, prompt and professional communication, and ensuring the item is delivered to the buyer as described.
• Business sellers need to offer a return policy which is included in the listing description; private sellers may accept returns, but are not obliged to.
• Sellers are expected to live up to their stated terms through all stages of a transaction.

Read all details about the Selling Practices policy