Annual Pricing Change Frequently Asked Questions

Annual Pricing Change Frequently Asked Questions

When do these price changes take effect?
These prices will come into effect on March 1st, 2007.

Which categories are affected, and which aren't?
Category-specific fee changes will affect some "media" categories (Books, Music, DVDs, Film & TV, Video Games, with some exceptions -- please see full list) and "technology" categories Mobile and Home Phones (excluding the Mobile Phones with Contracts sub-category), Computing, Consumer Electronics and Photography). We are also introducing some fee changes to certain vehicles categories (please see full list). The reserve fee change will affect all categories.

Why are you making these fee changes?
As custodians of the eBay marketplace we are always looking for ways to promote greater volumes of trade and a healthy supply and demand balance. It is our belief that the present changes will benefit the majority of eBay buyers and sellers.

Isn't this just a way for eBay to make more money?
Our primary goal is to promote a vibrant and balanced marketplace. We hope that the present changes will do just that. And eBay obviously makes money when our sellers do!

Do all these changes apply to eBay.co.uk and eBay.ie?
The fee changes which relate to the vehicles categories will apply only to eBay.co.uk and not to eBay.ie. All other changes apply equally to both the sites. Obviously all eBay.ie fee changes are in euros while eBay.co.uk fee changes are in pounds sterling.

Category-specific pricing in "technology" categories

Why aren't you making these changes in other categories that have high selling prices and low margins?
We believe that we particularly need to improve the abundance of items available for sale in the "technology" categories, where the selling price is higher than in most other categories.

Reserve Fee refunds

What is a Reserve Fee?
Sellers can set a Reserve Price in Auction-style listings - the minimum price they are willing to accept for the item. The Reserve Fee is the fee charged by eBay for setting a Reserve Price.

Why are you stopping refunding Reserve Fees?
Sellers will continue being able to set Reserve Prices in their Auction-style listings if they choose to do so. We hear from eBay buyers that their experience of bidding on Auction-style listings is better when Reserve Prices are not used. So Reserve Fees will no longer be refunded even when the item sells.

Will I still be able to use Reserve Prices in the same way?
Yes, there is no change to the way Reserve Prices work. Only Reserve Fees will be affected - they will no longer be refunded if the item sells.

Does this change apply to all categories on eBay?
Yes, this change applies to all eBay categories on both eBay.co.uk and eBay.ie.