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.

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