What is the Top-Rated Seal worth on EBay?

[Steveefranchise]

Does anyone have any idea what the top-rated seller badge on eBay is worth? Like in tangible terms of sales increase, etc.?

I've qualified for it for years but never "opted in" and revised my listings to willfully accept returns (the feedback section here has me spooked). I sell extremely looooooowwww end - mid end.

Is it worth it in revising?

[phosgene]

I don't think buyers care too much about what badge a seller may or may not have. as long as I don't see red flags in the listing and/or feedback, i'll buy from just about any seller if the price and terms are good. a seller willing to take returns is a plus for sure. accurately describe your items, ship them fast and returns should be pretty rare. I can only recall taking back one card I sold, possibly there were others, but it is really rare, so don't be afraid to offer returns. low end stuff you can just refund and let them keep the card if anything goes wrong.

most of the shenanigans involve the bowman chrome stuff. that's just my opinion. I've never emphasized that in my online offerings. I have stuck to mainly low-mid range stuff. the vast majority of buyers I have dealt with are honest and adults, so the drama is minimal.

my understanding is that being a top rated seller saves you on final value fees. if you do a decent volume of sales, it is valuable. if you don't, it is a pretty nominal difference. if you have a store and your ebay sales provide needed cashflow to pay bills, i'd say try to get the best seller rating you can. if you just use it to clear 20-30 cards/month off your desk, it isn't worth stressing over.

[Branesergen]

I think its an additional 20% of FVFs I think, it is worth it, really its a savings of cash for doing nothing extra. Just think about it, you're going to take returns if a buyer is going to return so might as well get the savings. I've had 1 return in 600 sales and I offer 30 day returns and that was a wrong item sent. Don't let these forums spook you, its not really as bad as it looks.

[shrevecity]

There is the 20% but if you really look at it they find anyway they can to keep you from getting it.

There are some buyers out there who buy only from TRS,some who refuse to do so, then the majority do not care.

I used to chase the carrot, but found my increase in sales by dropping it and switching to PWE on lower value items more than made up for the discount.

To me its just a virtual attaboy, if I wanted I would have it back in a month. However I enjoy having a 2 day handling time and not having to rush myself. When I let it go my stress level dropped a lot.

[Steveefranchise]

Thanks guys for all the input I appreciate it. Like some of you have mentioned with low end volume sales I wouldn't expect many returns as is but it's still the fright of it that has prevented me from ever clearly giving a return policy.

[bigboyd3]

You don't need to have a return policy for someone to open a claim and return an item. You should put a return policy (rarely do items get returned) and get 20% final value fees back. I don't care how much you sell, you are losing money by not doing this.

[no10pin]

There is the 20% but if you really look at it they find anyway they can to keep you from getting it.

There are some buyers out there who buy only from TRS,some who refuse to do so, then the majority do not care.

I used to chase the carrot, but found my increase in sales by dropping it and switching to PWE on lower value items more than made up for the discount.

To me its just a virtual attaboy, if I wanted I would have it back in a month. However I enjoy having a 2 day handling time and not having to rush myself. When I let it go my stress level dropped a lot.

Very true. After having it for 3+ years, I lost it a couple of months ago due to shipping times. The post office by my house has gotten slower and slower, and sometimes stuff doesn't leave there for 2 days. I got dinged for one that I dropped off at the post office 3 hours after it was paid for. If you can prove by the initial scan when it was dropped off, that should be the end of your responsibility.

I got irritated by it, got over it, and now I don't worry about it. Someday when the dings roll off my account, I'll try it again.

[shrevecity]

You don't need to have a return policy for someone to open a claim and return an item. You should put a return policy (rarely do items get returned) and get 20% final value fees back. I don't care how much you sell, you are losing money by not doing this.

not always true. I don't have a return policy and I have a real good track record winning them. If the buyer states anything that makes it sound like remorse pick up the phone and call Ebay. Its not that hard.

You do not get a straight 20% either. If you do not offer free shipping then the fees paid on the shipping cost are not included. Second they will find reasons to eliminate certain items from the discount. If the first scan at the PO is a day late or the item arrives a day late you do not get the discount for that item.

To me its not worth the added headache of chasing that carrot. What was worth more to me a 20 dollar savings on fees or a 600 dollar a month increase in sales?

[Branesergen]

I've had a revelation. I get it now.

[bouncer]

I’m currently a TRS with e-bay, and I don’t care if I lose it or not. The big thing is they require you to have valid tracking number uploaded within 1 business day. Since I quit trying to keep my top rated seller status, I’ve had an increase in sales and profit by shipping in a PWE. I sell a lot of low end stuff in the $3-5 price range with the best offer option check. For example, on a $3 card I’ve found a lot of people offer $2 + $3 for shipping. Since I quit going after TRS I’m making more money by listing the card for $4.99 with free shipping.

[shrevecity]

I’m currently a TRS with e-bay, and I don’t care if I lose it or not. The big thing is they require you to have valid tracking number uploaded within 1 business day. Since I quit trying to keep my top rated seller status, I’ve had an increase in sales and profit by shipping in a PWE. I sell a lot of low end stuff in the $3-5 price range with the best offer option check. For example, on a $3 card I’ve found a lot of people offer $2 + $3 for shipping. Since I quit going after TRS I’m making more money by listing the card for $4.99 with free shipping.

I noticed the same thing several years back. The increase in sales to me far outweighed the "discount."

[no10pin]

I noticed the same thing several years back. The increase in sales to me far outweighed the "discount."

The stress of trying to keep it made it less fun too. I sell probably $1,000-$1,500 a month, so the discount was usually between $20-30 for me. I do it to make a little money, but it's still a hobby for me. Not having to scramble to get cards out the very next day has made it a more relaxing hobby.

I used to HATE the people that would pay just before midnight, because eBay has no concept of working hours. Paying at 11:59pm PST is still paying that day, and the card has to go out the next day if you want to keep your discount.

[hairysasquatch]

Arp - arp - clap clap! I'm the Top - rated Seal.