Value Added Resource Week In Review 7-17-22

Welcome to the Value Added Resource Week In Review! You may have noticed it's been a little quiet around here this week, but don't worry - that just means there are exciting new features and member perks in the works. 👩‍💻

Want to be part of the VAR testing crew? Contact me to get on the early access list.

eBay News

As the pandemic fueled ecommerce boom wanes and Q2 earnings reports are approaching, many tech companies are slowing hiring, rescinding offers and/or announcing layoffs.

Changes to eBay's careers page got me wondering - could eBay be next?

Could Hiring Slowdown, Layoffs Be On The Horizon At eBay?

As pandemic-fueled ecom boom wanes, tech companies are slowing hiring, announcing layoffs - is eBay next?

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

Many eBay sellers have watched sales plummet over the last few months - is it just normal seasonal fluctuations coupled with broader economic woes or could there be wider implications for the overall health of the marketplace?

Does eBay have any suggestions for these sellers beyond race to the bottom pricing with discounts and offers and/or increasing ad rates to try to claw back some lost visibility?

eBay Summer Sales Slump Or Signs Of A Marketplace In Decline?

Many eBay sellers report sales plummeting - is it normal seasonal slump or signs of serious trouble for the marketplace?

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

Speaking of ads, Promoted Listings Advanced Cost Per Click ads are taking on an even larger role in search placement, expanding to cover the top 4 spots in any given search on the platform instead of just one.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers? Possibly less relevant listings dominating top of search, increased ad fees, and decreased visibility for Promoted Listings Standard and organic results.

eBay Promoted Listings Advanced Takes Over Top 4 Search Spots

eBay Promoted Listings Advanced Cost Per Click ads take larger role in placement, expanding to top 4 search spots.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

Search on eBay has been problematic for years but recent issues suggest things may be getting worse, not better as CEO Jamie Iannone's multi-year journey of tech-led reimagination seems stuck in slow motion.

eBay Search - 0 Results Found, No Promoted Listings?

eBay search has been problematic for years - has CEO Jamie Iannone’s tech-led reimagination made it better or worse?

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

eBay updated Canadian tax policies to address issues & concerns raised by sellers, including tax on bullion and precious metals.

eBay Updates Announcement On Canadian Tax Collection

eBay updates Canadian tax policies to address issues & concerns - including tax on bullion & precious metals.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

A letter from a reader shares a frustrating eBay For Charity customer service experience.

Letter: eBay Charity Program - Net vs Gross Proceeds

Letter: seller shares frustrating eBay For Charity customer service experience.

Value Added ResourceGuest

And finally, this month's eBay community chat was supposed to be all about "how to reach your customers" but the event was such a disorganized disaster it's clear that eBay is the last place anyone should be looking to for advice on customer engagement.

eBay Monthly Chat Meltdown - How To Reach Your Customers?

“How To Reach Your Customers” monthly chat meltdown shows eBay has a lot to learn about customer engagement.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

Other News

Etsy officially rolled out the new Etsy Seller app that has been in beta testing since early this year.

Etsy Introduces New Seller App

Etsy has announced the official rollout of the new Etsy Seller app which has been in beta testing since earlier this year.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

Counterfeit USPS Forever stamps are flooding marketplaces as scammers look to take advantage of buyers trying to beat recent postage price increases.

Watch Out For Counterfeit USPS Forever Stamps On eBay

eBay flooded with counterfeit USPS stamps as scammers take advantage of buyers trying to beat price increase.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

And finally, Postmaster General Louis Dejoy has reportedly moved to end the USPS discount postage reseller program, sending shockwaves through the online selling community as they anxiously wait to find out what impact this may have on postage prices through marketplaces, Stamps.com, Pitney Bowes and more.

Is This The End Of The USPS Discount Postage Program?

Postmaster General Louis Dejoy has reportedly moved to end the USPS discount postage reselling program.

Value Added ResourceLiz Morton ~ Founder

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