eBay to introduce new fee for millions of users as changes affect buyers and sellers

The popular online marketplace eBay is gearing up to roll out a series of updates that will affect millions of its users in the coming year, including introducing a new fee for buyers and delaying payments to sellers. The new buyer's fee, which will be an additional cost on top of the item purchase price, is set to be rolled out next year, although a specific date has yet to be announced.

eBay is yet to release more details about the chances such as whether this fee will be a fixed amount or a percentage of the sale price. In the past few years, platforms such as Vinted and Depop have also implemented buyer fees.

Another significant change from eBay involves holding back payment to private sellers until delivery confirmation is received. This policy will ensure that sellers won't receive their funds until the buyer has acknowledged receipt of the item, taking effect on February 4, 2025.

Lastly, a shift in postage payment procedure is on the horizon for private sellers, requiring them to use eBay for processing postage costs. Sellers will soon need to specify their parcel size using eBay's "simple delivery managed shipping" system, currently used by private sellers listing pre-owned clothing.

The broader application of this system across different listing types is anticipated to occur in early 2025, although a firm date is still forthcoming. According to The Sun, eBay will initially give private sellers the choice to "opt out" of its shipping method before it becomes mandatory, reports the Mirror.

Following eBay's bold move in October to eliminate all selling fees, sellers are set to pocket more profit from items sold via the website. With no final value fees, regulatory operating fees, or insertion fees to worry about