eBay business policy setup

What business policies hold

Why use policies

eBay UK says policy templates can be applied when creating new listings or used to update multiple existing listings, and that if you update a policy, any listings using it are updated automatically. That means a change in postage price or returns terms can be made once, not on every listing. Sellers need to opt in to business policies before using them.

Designing a set

Start from how you actually post: which services you use for small, medium and large items, how quickly you dispatch and what each costs. Group products by the postage they need, and create one postage policy per group. Keep returns policies to the few variations you genuinely need, such as standard items and made-to-order items, which may be treated differently under consumer law; check that point with your adviser. Fewer policies are easier to keep accurate.

Naming and checks

Example: from dozens of settings to five policies

Overrides for individual listings

eBay UK says you can override the shipping cost for individual listings without creating a different shipping policy. Use overrides sparingly, for genuine exceptions such as an unusually heavy item, and keep a note of which listings have them, since they will not change when the policy is updated.

Other eBay sites

eBay UK says that although opt-in to business policies is global, each marketplace requires its own set of business policies. If you sell on other eBay sites, create policies for each, using that site's postage services and your terms for buyers there.

Reviewing policies

Review policies when carrier prices change, when you change services, or at least once a year. Check that handling times still match what the dispatch routine can deliver.

Handling time

The handling time in a postage policy is a promise to buyers. Choose one your routine can meet every week, including busy weeks and days when the person who packs is away. A slightly longer handling time that is always met is better than a short one that is sometimes missed, because late dispatch affects delivery estimates and, through late deliveries, your standing for Top Rated status. If dispatch times differ by product, such as made-to-order items, give those products their own postage policy.

Setting postage costs

Base postage charges on your actual carrier prices and packaging costs for each group of products. Recheck them whenever the carrier changes prices, and update the policy so every listing using it changes at once.

Keeping a record

Keep a short note of each policy, its terms, which products use it and any listings with overrides. When someone new joins, or when terms change, that note shows what will be affected.