As of 15 April 25, eBay UK is rolling out its new Simple Delivery initiative, designed to simplify shipping for private sellers.
The promise?
A more streamlined process with lower postage costs, quicker payments, and easier tracking for buyers.
Sounds great, right?
But after seeing feedback from other eBay sellers, it’s clear that not everyone is convinced the changes will be as smooth as promised.
As someone who’s been selling on eBay for years, I understand the frustrations and challenges that come with these updates.
While I’m not directly impacted by the Simple Delivery changes (as I’m a business seller), I can still see how the new system is making waves in the eBay community.
So, let’s take a closer look at eBay’s intentions and what sellers are actually experiencing.
What eBay Wants Private Sellers to Know About Simple Delivery
eBay’s Simple Delivery promises to reduce the headaches of shipping.
Here’s a quick rundown of what eBay is offering:
- 20% off postage costs on average
- Faster payments for sellers
- Built-in tracking for buyers
- A more streamlined process from listing to delivery
The idea is that Simple Delivery will make life easier by:
- Recommending the best shipping sizes and weights for your items when listing.
- Automatically providing you with a QR code or prepaid label after a sale, so you don’t have to go out of your way to buy postage.
- Giving you the option to either drop off your item or arrange a home collection—whichever suits you best.
Sounds like eBay is trying to make things easier, right?
What eBay Sellers Are Actually Facing
Unfortunately, many private sellers are finding that Simple Delivery isn’t living up to expectations.
In fact, the feedback I’ve been seeing from sellers in Facebook groups is quite concerning.
Check Out the eBay Complaints Facebook Group for more insights
While eBay is pushing the convenience factor, many sellers feel like the changes are actually creating more confusion and frustration.
Here’s some of what I’ve read:
Confusion and Frustration
One seller said,
“Why is everyone so confused over Simple Delivery? It’s just the same as it always was. You still get free postage, still do combined [shipping].”
While some sellers are managing just fine, others feel that eBay’s changes are far more complicated than promised, making the transition a headache rather than a help.
Postage Price Discrepancies
A big sticking point is the price difference between what eBay charges buyers for postage and what sellers actually pay for postage labels.
One seller shared that eBay charged a buyer £7.50 for postage, but the seller was only able to buy a £1.90 label. “So eBay will make £5.60 from the postage,” they explained.
It’s no wonder sellers are frustrated—this feels like a lack of transparency in how eBay is handling the shipping costs.
Decreased Sales and Impact on Business
Some sellers are reporting that their sales have dropped significantly since eBay introduced the Simple Delivery and new buyer protection schemes.
One seller said, “Sales & views have fallen off a cliff since eBay introduced their new buyer protection and postage schemes. I used to sell 2-3 used books a day, now lucky to sell one a week.”
As a fellow seller, I know how tough this can be. When the platform changes, it’s frustrating, especially when it feels like your income is directly impacted.
Local Post Office Challenges
Many eBay sellers are also struggling with the closure of local post offices. With fewer places to drop off parcels, some sellers are finding it harder to use the Simple Delivery system.
One seller shared, “So many of them have closed in the past 8-10 years. This will not make things better.”
In rural areas, especially, the lack of drop-off locations is a real concern.
It’s one of those things eBay may not have fully considered when making these changes.
Why Simple Delivery May Still Work for Some Sellers
While it’s clear that Simple Delivery has caused some serious headaches, it’s important to remember that it could still be a good fit for certain sellers.
If you can navigate the new system, there may still be some benefits:
Competitive Postage Rates
For some sellers, the 20% off postage could be a big saving, especially if you’re able to make full use of eBay’s multiple carrier options.
If you’re only selling small, lightweight items, Simple Delivery may actually work out to be cheaper than your current shipping solution.
Streamlined Process
For those with fewer listings or less complex items, the streamlined system might save time.
With QR codes and prepaid labels, you can quickly move from sale to shipment without the usual postage admin to take care of.
Flexibility
If you’re finding Simple Delivery isn’t working for you, there’s no reason you can’t combine traditional shipping methods with the new service.
Giving buyers options can help you find a balance that suits both you and your customers.
Should Private Sellers Stick with eBay or Explore Other Options?
If you’re a private seller and feeling frustrated by these changes, I totally understand.
But before you make any hasty decisions, here’s some food for thought:
1. Should You Transition to a Business Seller Account?
If you’ve been selling regularly and reaching a higher volume, it might be worth considering making the switch to a business seller account.
While this means you’ll be subject to more fees, it can offer some advantages:
- Better Visibility: Business sellers have access to more professional tools like custom storefronts and better listing visibility.
- Tax Benefits: As a business seller, you can deduct business-related expenses from your end of year tax bill, which might make up for some of the increased fees.
- Improved Shipping Rates: eBay offers business sellers access to better postage rates, which could help offset costs.
That said, if you’re only selling occasionally or selling small items like preloved clothing, transitioning to a business account might not be worth it.
You may want to consider other options instead.
2. Exploring Other Platforms
If eBay’s new shipping rules and fees are leaving you frustrated, it might be time to look elsewhere.
While eBay certainly brings in a lot of visitors, there are plenty of other platforms that might offer you a better experience, depending on what you sell:
- Vinted: Great for secondhand fashion and accessories.
- Etsy: Perfect for handmade or vintage items, with lower fees than eBay.
- Facebook Marketplace: For local sales with no listing fees.
- Amazon: If you have a larger catalogue of products, Amazon might be worth considering, though it’s a more competitive platform.
No platform will ever replace eBay’s traffic, but diversifying can help you reach a wider audience.
3. Stick with eBay and Adapt
If you’ve been selling on eBay for years like I have, and you’re not ready to jump ship, there are still ways to make the new Simple Delivery system work.
Take advantage of the tools eBay provides, like carrier flexibility and better rates.
And if Simple Delivery doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to offer buyers alternatives.
In the end, remember eBay is here to make money for eBay, and so it’s all about finding what works best for your business and adapting to the changes that eBay throws your way.
