Kristina Klausen

A new sort option for buyers - "Price + Shipping"
Starting next week, we're replacing the existing "Price" sort option with "Price + Shipping" sort in most categories. (For buyers using the new Finding experience in the Playground or as part of a test, it will be available later.) This new "Price + Shipping" option organizes search results by factoring in the item's price PLUS the cost of the shipping & handling. The sort can be ordered highest to lowest or lowest to highest.

We're making this change to help improve the buyer experience on eBay. We know some buyers become frustrated shopping when they find deceptively low priced items that have high shipping costs. "Price + Shipping" sort allows buyers to see a better representation of the total cost of the item they are considering bidding on or purchasing.

For sellers, "Price + Shipping" sort makes items with reasonable shipping costs more visible to buyers than those listings with unreasonable shipping costs.

As always, we will monitor results as we go. Click here to learn more.

Offer shipping deals and benefit from additional exposure
The availability of free or fast shipping is increasingly prevalent in eCommerce, and many sellers know that offering these shipping options can be a great way to attract sales. Starting this month, eBay will do more to drive traffic to listings that offer free, fast or thrifty shipping. Click here to see an example of a landing page that will help buyers find shipping deals.

To offer Free Shipping on eBay, simply use flat rate shipping and select the Free Shipping check box for the first shipping service in the listing form. Insurance and surcharge costs cannot be required.

To offer Fast Shipping on eBay, sellers must follow the following steps: list in Auction with a Buy It Now upgrade, or list in Fixed Price or Store Inventory Format; specify an overnight shipping service; specify one day handling time; and select the "Get It Fast" check box in the Shipping section of the listing form. Learn more.

Encourage repeat purchases with Combined Shipping Discounts
Back in March, eBay launched enhanced Combined Shipping Discounts functionality. This tool makes it easier than ever for sellers to encourage repeat purchases by offering shipping deals on multiple items.

In addition to the convenience of using Combined Shipping Discounts, sellers get an added marketing benefit. When sellers use Combined Shipping Discounts, their buyers see on-site marketing messaging that encourages them to consider buying additional items from them in order to save. To learn more about setting up combined shipping discounts, click here.

Save money with label printing discounts
A good way for sellers to save money on their shipping costs is by printing shipping labels with PayPal. USPS offers a discount of 5% off Priority Mail International, and 8% off Express Mail International when sellers print labels with PayPal. UPS offers a Special Pricing Program for eBay Sellers with savings up to 31% for eligible sellers when they register for the program and print their labels with PayPal.

And, don't forget! Through October 21, sellers will automatically have a chance to win a grand prize of $2,500 when they print their shipping labels with PayPal. Using the PayPal label printing solution is a great way to save time and money, and buyers will automatically receive an email update letting them know their item is on its way.

Now is a great time to try the PayPal label printing solution, if you haven't used it already.

Learn more...
My team will be hosting an Online Workshop on October 26th from 2-3pm to discuss best practices for holiday shipping. We welcome the chance to hear from you and answer your questions.

Doing more for sellers who offer fair shipping prices is a priority for us, because it is good for everyone -- buyers and sellers alike. We hope these programs help everyone gear up for a successful fall and holiday shopping season.

Sincerely,

Kristina Klausen
The Shipping Team