How to become a top-rated seller on eBay in 2021
What exactly is a top-rated seller?
As you may already know, it is extremely important for eBay to provide the best customer experience possible. This is due to the fact that there is a lot of competition from other online marketplaces such as Amazon. The way in which eBay ensures a top-notch customer experience is by holding its sellers to the highest of standards. This system includes having customers give feedback on eBay to sellers based on their performance.
Sellers who have the best customer service are rewarded by eBay through the Top-Rated Seller program. Requirements vary between countries and eBay sites but are generally focused on sellers having a minimum number of sales, consistent shipment tracking, low transaction defects and a small number of late shipments.
So what does it take to become a top-rated seller?
First of all, there are some set requirements. And there’s no way around these, you must check every tick-box below:
-Have an eBay account that’s been active for at least 90 days
-Be registered as a business seller on eBay.co.uk or eBay.ie
-Have at least 100 transactions and £1,000 (€1,500) in sales during the last 12 months with UK and Irish buyers
-A defect rate less than or equal to 0.5%, with 3 or fewer defects from unique buyers
-Cases closed without seller resolution less than or equal to 0.3%, and 2 or fewer cases
-Late delivery rate less than or equal to 4%, and 5 or less late deliveries
-Comply with eBay’s selling practices policy
-Meet the requirements for transaction defect rate, cases closed without seller resolution, and late delivery rate (please see below).
eBay Performance Metrics to Keep an Eye on
Transaction defect rate. These refer to transactions with one or more of the defects listed below.
-The maximum percentage of transactions with defects should be 0.5%.
-The maximum number of unique buyers affected before seller status is impacted should be 3.
Cases closed without seller resolution. These are those cases where eBay or PayPal was asked to review the case and the seller was found responsible. (Applies after the account has exceeded the maximum number of cases).
-The maximum percentage of cases closed by eBay without seller resolution should be 0.3%.
-The maximum number of cases closed without seller resolution should be 2.
Late delivery rate. These are transactions where you didn’t send the item within your dispatch time or the item was delivered after the estimated delivery date.
-The maximum percentage of transactions sent late should be 3%.
-The maximum number of transactions sent late should be 5.
Are there any benefits for having a top-rated seller badge?
Aside from the “honour” of having a Top-Rated Seller badge on your eBay listings, there are a few other benefits that sellers with this title can expect to see.
-The first and most important is that the seller’s listing will have maximum visibility. Top Rated Seller listings often frog leap their way up the search results to a higher position. This usually means that more potential buyers are likely to come across your products, thus landing you more sales.
-The added bonus of the badge also indicates that you’re a legitimate seller, which might encourage on-the-fence shoppers to buy from you. I know that I’m one of those guys who hunt around on eBay for sellers with that badge. I trust them!
-Credit towards listings. If you’ve got a couple of listings you want to boost during the holidays, it’s worth noting that eBay gives their top sellers credit towards Promoted Listings on a quarterly basis.
-Additionally, another nice bonus is that eBay Top Rated Sellers can claim a 10% discount on final value fees.
Top-Rated PLUS sellers
Plus? Yes, this badge gets awarded to those sellers who offer the best possible customer experience on eBay. Aside from the usual requirements, this badge also requires sellers to:
1) offer fast handling (same-day dispatch, or maximum 1-day dispatch)
2) 30-day free returns.
The advantages of Top-Rated Seller PLUS are listings that show a Top Rated Plus seal and benefit from a 10% discount on Final Value Fees (FVF) on the item. The seal is displayed prominently on listings and search results, inspiring customer confidence. Top Rated Plus listings also receive an increased Best Match search result due to the short handling time and generous return policy.
How to maintain the badge?
For most sellers, the hardest part of maintaining Top Rated Seller status is meeting eBay’s strict requirements for transaction defect, cases closed without seller resolution and late shipments. To consistently reach these standards, providing excellent customer service at every stage of the transaction is important.
– When listing, give the buyer realistic expectations of the item. Describe with facts, accurate measurements and detailed photographs. Be sure to note any faults or blemishes. Make sure your return policy is easy to understand. Don’t underestimate your handling time.
-When shipping, take the time to pack the item securely and safely using durable and appropriate materials. Consider including a return label in the package to save time later. Always use tracking and make sure the buyer has access to the tracking number promptly.
-When communicating with the buyer, be sure to use polite and professional language at all times. Respond quickly to make the most of the time period before the buyer is able to contact eBay for assistance.
Is it worth going for the badge?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is yes, definitely.
Conclusion
Becoming a Top Rated Seller on eBay indicates that you consistently deliver outstanding customer service, and also makes you eligible to receive a prominent eBay Premium Service badge on qualifying listings.
