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PowerSeller FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.
Does it cost anything to join the eBay PowerSeller programme?
A.
No. There is no cost to join the programme.

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Q.
Who is eligible to become a PowerSeller?
A.
Every month, eBay calculates member sales data and identifies those who are eligible to be invited to the PowerSeller program. To qualify, members must:

  • Uphold the eBay community values, including honesty, timeliness and mutual respect
  • Average a minimum of US$1,000 in sales per month, for three consecutive months
  • Achieve an overall feedback rating of 100, of which 98% or more is positive
  • From July 2008, members also need to achieve a score of 4.5 or more across all detailed seller ratings
  • Have been an active member for 90 days
  • Have an account in good financial standing
  • Not violate any severe policies in a 60 day period.
  • Not violate three or more of any eBay policies in a 60 day period
  • Maintain a minimum of 4 average monthly listings for the past 3 months

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Q.
I've tried to register for the PowerSeller programme but I'm told I'm not qualified. What do I do?
A.
We send email invitations each month to qualified members. Please check your email. If you haven't received any email invitation, most likely you haven't met the programme criteria. However, if you did receive the email but get a "you are not qualified" message, please try again. If the site continues to reject your registration, please send an email to Customer Support explaining the situation. We'll review your email and respond soon.

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Q.
The PowerSeller programme in my country isn't as good as the US programme. Can I join the US programme instead?
A.
Each local country PowerSeller programme has been designed to provide the most relevant benefits to sellers. Because many of the US benefits require US residency, you are required to join your local country programme if one is available. If one is not available for your country, you can be part of the US PowerSeller programme. However, some benefits may not apply to you due to geographic restrictions.

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Q.
The country where I live does not have an eBay site. Can I join the programme?
A.
Yes, you can join the US programme. However, some benefits may not apply to you due to geographic restrictions. If and when your country has its own PowerSeller Programme, you will be automatically transferred to that programme.

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Q.
How do I maintain my current PowerSeller level?
A.
PowerSeller programme eligibility is reviewed every month. To remain PowerSellers, members must:

  • Uphold eBay community values, including honesty, timeliness, and mutual respect
  • Maintain the minimum average monthly sales amount for your PowerSeller level
  • Maintain a 98% positive total feedback rating
  • From July 2008, members also need to maintain a score of 4.5 or more across all detailed seller ratings
  • Maintain an account in good financial standing
  • Comply with all eBay listing and marketplace policies
  • Not violate any severe policies in a 60 day period and not violate three or more of any eBay policies in a 60-day period

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Q.
How do I move up to the next PowerSeller level?
A.
To move up to the next level, you must:

  • Reach and maintain the next level minimum gross monthly sales;
  • Comply with all of the other programme criteria.

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Q.
What happens if I don't maintain the criteria for my current level?
A.
If your account falls below the programme criteria, you will receive an alert email. You will then have 30 days to bring your account back into compliance. If, after the 30 day grace period, you still do not meet the criteria, your account will be automatically disqualified from the PowerSeller programme and we will notify you as such. If you meet the criteria again at a later stage, you can rejoin the PowerSeller programme.

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Q.
What does "A PowerSeller in good standing" mean?
A.
As a PowerSeller, you are a pillar of the eBay community. Therefore, you must uphold a high level of professionalism. You must:

  • Achieve and maintain a minimum feedback rating of 100, 98% of which must be positive
  • Be in good standing by complying with eBay Listing Policies;
  • Keep your eBay account current - no outstanding balance;
  • Deliver responses to successful bidders within three working days;
  • Uphold the eBay Community Values, including honesty, timeliness and mutual respect.

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Q.
How is the 98% positive feedback rating calculated?
A.
The rating is calculated each month by taking the number of Positive feedback responses and dividing them by the total number of Positive and Negative responses.

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Q.
Can I use the PowerSeller logo in my listing description?
A.
Yes, registered PowerSellers can use the PowerSeller logo in their eBay listings, About Me page, Store pages or their primary Web site outside of eBay. However, if you would like to use the PowerSeller logo in your listings or the other places mentioned above, you must agree to have the PowerSeller icon displayed next to your feedback score. This will enable other members to identify legitimate PowerSellers easier. Any use of the PowerSeller logo must also link to the PowerSeller programme page. For any questions about your permission to use the PowerSeller logo, please log in to the PowerSeller Portal and click on the PowerSeller Customer Support link.

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Q.
How do I comply with all eBay listing and marketplace policies?
A.
To comply, you must not violate any severe policies and you must not violate three or more of any eBay policy in a 60 day period.
Below are examples of policies that you must not violate:


Severe policies:  

  • Shill Bidding
  • Misrepresentation of Identity – User
  • Site Interference
  • Section 9 Fraud
  • Unwelcome Bidder (Malicious Buying)
  • Transaction Interference
  • User Agreement violations that that are not List Practices

 

Examples of other policies:  

  • Keyword Spamming
  • Links Policy
  • Choice Listings
  • Misleading Titles
  • Payment Surcharges
  • Spam
  • No Item Listings
  • Categorisation of Listings

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Q.
What tools can I use to improve my status?
A.
We strongly recommend you use the following tools:

  • Turbo Lister & Selling Manager to help you list and manage your items. To find out which one is right for you, click here.
  • Picture Services to present your items in the best possible way.
  • eBay Stores to help you maximise your business on eBay.

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Q.
Where can I get PowerSeller merchandise?
A.
Unfortunately, there is no PowerSeller merchandise. However, we do offer the FREE downloadable business material templates with eBay PowerSeller logo that you can use at local print stores.

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If you have other questions about the PowerSellers programme, please email your enquiry to Customer Support.

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