First Thoughts on eBay's April 2009 Seller Update

Actually, my very first thoughts are over in the comments section of Walt “AuctionWally” Kolenda’s Examiner.com article about the changes.

The complete list of updates can be found here on eBay.

The text of the change I’ve been focused on is this one:

Package tracking information right in My eBay—print labels on eBay and tracking will show up automatically, or you can upload your own tracking information.

My initial reaction, and I hope it doesn’t look like I’m full of myself if I quote myself, but here I go:

Really, my only concern about what I’ve digested here so far, and it’s minor because it’s easily enough worked around, is if we’ll be able to print shipping labels at all on PayPal anymore–if not, I’ll have to start using USPS Click n Ship on those items I’ve been printing labels for which sell off eBay.

This has been the only one of the announcements I’ve really dwelled upon today.  As I’ve thought about it some more what I want to know is the following:

• Will the current PayPal system for printing labels continue to exist?
• Will the new eBay system for printing labels include all of PayPal’s functionality?

Specifically:

• Will I be able to print labels for items I’ve sold on venues other than eBay?
• Will I be able to easily refund buyers for shipping overpayments?

That last one is what kickstarted me into writing this post.  I just had to send a refund tonight, as I often do.  Why?  On heavier items that are combined the buyer gets screwed if they checkout before I invoice them.  Being the honest fellow I am I always refund them any excess if they’ve gotten ripped off for more than a buck.  Will I still be able to?

As mundane as the announcements are at first glance I have a feeling there will be more questions to come.  If so, I’ll spit them out like this, a little at a time.