eBay is currently testing a revised listing template in the US and UK. Reportedly, is is currently being tested on 0.25% of US listings and 2.0% of UK listings. So far I’ve only found one live listing utilizing the new template.
While I’m not impressed with it, currently it’s being tested on only a very small number of listings and eBay has already admitted they are having some problems with it, so I’m sure there will be some changes made before they implement it site wide.
There are two features that I’m sure are going cause another firestorm similar to that just created by the recently announced policy changes.
The first is the new “Meet The Seller” module which looks like this:
Nothing wrong with that. But, now lets look at what the module looks like when the seller’s DSRs have fallen below what eBay considers to be minimum standards.
Note the text in red. For sellers who haven’t already taken steps to improve their DSR scores this is sure to provide some impetus. It’s also going to add fuel to the firestorm still going on over eBay’s recently announced policy changes.
The second is the new tabbed module right below the “Meet The Seller” module. Currently four tabs are displayed - “Description”, “Shipping & Payment”, “Related Items”, and “Buy Safely”.
The “Related Items” tab is sure to create considerable controversy with sellers. While it seems to display a seller’s other listings, below that displays listings from other sellers.
Kind of like going into the local Chevrolet dealer to look at Silverado pickups and having the salesman drive you across town to look at a competitor’s Ford F-150s after he’s shown you a Chevy or two.
For those who think eBay’s management is still a few buffalo short of a herd, this isn’t going to do anything to change their minds.
Photograph by Hey Paul.
Popularity: 18% [?]
February 19th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Gary,
We cannot agree with you more that if eBay rolls out this new listing view, there will be a bunch of people up in arms. If they plan it just right, then they will roll it out right after the firestorm from the upcoming changes dies down, and they will continue to be in the news headlines.
This is going to get interesting!
-Marshall and Joli
Lizard Wisdom
February 20th, 2008 at 1:43 am
Hi Gary,
At what point does all of this become heavy handed on eBay’s part? I get it that they would like the sellers to raise their standards. But if they are actually going to highlight the negative points, and advertise competing products alongside the ones sellers pay to list, and give less visibility to low-rated sellers, it all gets to be too much to fight.
It reminds me of the small town I live in. The city has made it so tough to start a business here, that the merchants have moved one town over - in each direction. So now we go to the other towns to eat out, to shop, to get our oil changed, and to see a movie.
The merchants that are here are fine. But there’s not enough of what we buyers want. So we pass up the few good local merchants to have a more robust choice in the next town over.
By driving sellers away, instead of letting the marketplace work - eBay is going to wind up with lots of mattress stores, banks, and mini-storages. Lot a fun that is!
Steve
February 20th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Steve,
Great point, but doesn’t eBay have the right to build their business as they see fit. This Internet is still an infant and business has to develop on the fly. If it works keep it if not let’s try something else me
I don’t see a thing wrong with letting buyers know if a seller has a consistent issue with a part of the transaction process. I’m a firm believer that the higher the standards are set, the higher man will reach. Standards are good and necessary!
Let’s wait and see how things play out before we say “yea” or “nay”
Just my insignificant opinion!
February 20th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Exactly. Ebay clearly needs to increase buyer confidence, and if the new template helps accomplish that I’m all for it. Competition breeds excellence, and sellers with lower ratings will simply have to improve.