eBay makes a much needed change committing to withdraw bad feedback regarding customs fees

Burried 11 pages back into my feedback is a neutral with this comment:

ottimi oggetti, ma spedisce come commerciante e bisogna pagare tasse doganali

which according to an online language translator, means this:

optimal objects, but send as trader and must pay customs taxes

I wasn't too overly concerned about it, but it does go to show that this customs issue is one that can effect eBay sellers' feedback and DSR scores. Which in turn, can effect an eBay sellers' ability to rise higher in searches and earn powerseller discounts. So yes, it does matter.

I am happy to hear that eBay is now willing to consider taking off neutral or negative feedback that is explicitly about customs fees. However, there are certain things that you have to do. (Click here for eBay's page on the new policy) You must have clear text in your description about the possibility for customs fees and charges. eBay has a standard line they would like you to use and although they say "or very similar", I'll be working tonight to update my template with eBay's standard text.

Which by the way is this:

International Buyers – Please Note:
- Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
-Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.

This new policy won't solve all the issues, it won't stop customers from getting upset about the fees, it won't stop buyers from asking sellers if they will mark something as a gift. But in my opinion, it is a step in the right direction. And had it been enacted a few months ago, I would have nothing but positives. That one neutral is the only neutral I have!

Changes to policy on how your eBay items show up in the search results

July 31st there was an Identical items and finding policy announcement by Jeff King
I always have to take a few days to digest these things and try to determine how they will actually pan out and how they will effect me and my business.
I think the one that will effect me most is the limit of 10 items showing up on the search page. I sell in a pretty narrow niche and many of the search terms that most people find me on are the brand name of my products. I sell some brands that I'm the biggest seller of on eBay. In these particular searches that my potential customers might do, it seems that it will give a leg up to my smaller competitors.
Good news for the little guy. Lately it seems to have felt like the changes have been in favor of larger sellers, this one I think is to help level the playing field a little.
Overall, personally, I think they are good for the marketplace as a whole even if it does sting me a little.