How eBay Wholesalers Interpret Complex Rules for Their Own Benefit
It is reliably learnt that earlier this month, EBay began calling some sellers to alert them against listing duplicate auction if their sell through rates were less than 30 percent. However, duplicate auction listings continue on EBay even after such warnings were issued. Too many duplicates are in fact, hampering the exposure prospects of some buyers.
EBay has since issued some clarifications. It appears that sellers are still allowed to have duplicate auctions. A small number of impacted sellers are taking advantage of the loopholes in the rules that make it harder for buyers to find the products they are looking for. EBay policy clearly states that sellers must achieve and maintain a 30 percent average sell through rate for all their duplicate auction-style listings within the stipulated deadlines. The same rate must be maintained going forward.
In reality, only a small number of sellers are impacted by this and that is the reason for EBay reaching out to them directly. EBay wholesalers are watching the situation closely to know if it could affect their working in any way.
Vague and subjective rules and policies are directly responsible for this sort of situation which is in fact, easily avoidable. EBay suppliers make their own interpretation of rules of what it means and how it should be applied. Their interpretation obviously will be done in a manner to favor their interests.
The policy of penalizing a select few when there is rampant and overall misuse of rules can generate a lot of ill-will among sellers. There are genuine instances of small-time sellers indulging in duplication because of their improper interpretation of the said rules. On the other hand, there are those big eBay wholesalers who do duplicate listings intentionally, knowing fully that it is against the rules. Clearly, there is an urgent need for more clarification on the matter before things spiral out of control.