eBay are to pause temporary Seller Protections for late delivery in the US as they see carrier performance improving. They say that that they are seeing consistent improvements in on-time shipments for USPS and all carriers and late deliveries have returned to pre-COVID-19 levels.
This is particularly encouraging as USPS performance got so bad that Marni Levine, VP of Seller Operations and Engagement, eBay announced they would look for low cost carrier alternatives for their sellers. In early September announced the launch of a collaboration with UPS offering discounts through eBay labels of up to 48% off UPS Ground shipments and up to 62% on daily rates for UPS 2nd Day Air service, including various waived or discounted surcharges. Other options available through eBay labels include USPS and FedEx.
Now, with late deliveries returning to pre-COVID-19 levels, in the US eBay will pause temporary Seller Protections for late deliveries as of the 1st of October.
The language is interesting – using the word ‘pause’ suggests that eBay are ready to reintroduce temporary Seller Protections again at a moments notice. Indeed, they added: “As we head into the holiday selling season, we recognize that the COVID-19 business environment is ever-changing. We’ll continue to closely monitor ontime shipping metrics and carrier performance and adjust our policies as necessary.”
Q4 promises to be the busiest holiday selling season ever and whilst currently US carriers appear to have recovered and are delivering increased volumes on time, it’s very likely that the current level is already so high that as Black Friday approaches they simply won’t be able to cope with the demands placed upon them. Best advice, order your Christmas presents and festive supplies early this year and if you need to ship gifts to friends and family don’t wait until the last minute to post them.
