Ebay has made a significant change by cancelling selling fees for private sellers in the UK, excluding the motors category.
- This strategic move follows similar decisions made earlier this year, including in the fashion sector.
- Similar platforms like Depop and Vinted have also adopted policies to attract private sellers with no selling fees.
- Ebay expects this change to increase both listings and gross merchandise value, as seen in previous market adjustments.
- New initiatives, including AI-generated pricing guidance and the Ebay Local programme, aim to streamline and enhance the selling experience.
Ebay has announced a pivotal shift, removing selling fees for private sellers across all UK categories except for motors. This policy change is intended to simplify the selling process and attract more sellers to the platform.
Earlier this year, Ebay eliminated fees for fashion-related items, which resulted in a notable increase in listings for popular clothing categories such as jeans, shirts, and dresses. The company reported a double-digit growth in these areas following the fee removal.
This strategy was inspired by the success observed in Germany, where removing selling fees led to increased gross merchandise value. Ebay expects similar results in the UK market, aiming for a broader and deeper inventory accessible to buyers.
The ecommerce landscape is evolving, with platforms like Depop and Vinted having already omitted seller fees, opting instead to introduce buyer fees to protect transactions. Vinted’s buyer protection fee aims to curb fraud and support buyers efficiently.
Ebay is introducing additional features to enhance seller support. These include AI-driven tools for optimal pricing advice and shipping options, and a prepaid tracked delivery system funded by the buyer. The introduction of the ‘Ebay Local’ programme will further help buyers find nearby sellers and facilitate in-person item collections.
Soon, Ebay will launch ‘Ebay Balance’, enabling sellers to use their earnings for various purposes such as promoting listings or purchasing delivery labels. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve the user experience for both buyers and sellers.
Ebay UK’s General Manager, Kirsty Keoghan, emphasised that this decision aligns with the company’s commitment to improving the marketplace experience, offering buyers expanded inventory options while simplifying the selling process.
Ebay’s removal of seller fees marks a strategic shift expected to enhance the marketplace experience and increase market activity in the UK.
