As you might guess from the title, yes I'm poor. I'm starting this blog because I'm tired of fighting to get ahead in a system that rejects the lower class. Everyday I see the low income pushed into the gapping holes and dead in jobs, in the cracks where no one can see.  So from now on when I get angery about somthing I'm putting it here and maybe some other poor worker bee will see it and know their not alone.

Today:

I got an email from ebay, losts of policy changes that basicly destroy low income sellers like me. I sell "ordered on demand" for most of my listings. That means people place their orders with me, I use their money to buy their item, they arrive to me, I seperate orders and ship. This process can take 30 days. I 'm honest and kind, and my listings over estimate the time it takes to get items. But many people don't read listings and leave neg feedback, or file unsent items, or ding the seller rating stars low even though all info is in the listings. I still have a very good feedback score though, 379 postives in a few months of operation. I wish people would read the listings because with new policy changes, every bad mark puts my listings lower in the search results which means decreased business.

Here's the email:

Reminders:

• Best Match becomes the default listing sort March 3
• Safety Requirements go into effect March 17

Dear lindalemtholly,

Thank you for participating in the eBay marketplace. We'd like to see that relationship continue and thrive, that's why we're writing now. Your current customer satisfaction ratings will impact your search ranking in Best Match and require safer payment options due to one or all of the following:

• High rate of negative or neutral feedback NOTE: 2 negitive, 12 neutral of over 400
  
• Multiple claims of "Item not received" or "Significantly not as described" NOTE: 6 from people not reading listings and they received refunds asap, 2 were people scaming that paypal dismissed
  
• Low detailed seller ratings NOTE: from people not reading shipping time
  

We wanted to give you advance notice so you waste no time in making improvements key to your success.

Best Match
Beginning March 3, Best Match will become the default sort in search and browse results. Sellers with the lowest detailed seller ratings will be ranked lower in Best Match results. Your current rating is below the threshold and, because we value your business, we want to help you raise your ranking. Here are some tips to start improving your ranking now:

• Include actual shipping costs directly in your listing with a shipping calculator.
• Offer discounted and combined shipping for multiple item orders.
• Itemize costs in your listing (handling, insurance, etc.) so there are no surprises. Setting expectations goes a long, long way.
• Be sure to specify all costs related to international shipping (including any customs charges, taxes, and duties).
• Offer multiple options to let buyers choose between speed and cost.
• Take advantage of carrier discounts and pass the savings on to your buyers.
• Communicate throughout the transaction and provide tracking information.

Safer Payment Requirements
To help increase buyer confidence in the marketplace, sellers with low customer service ratings will be required to offer a safer payment option on all their eBay transactions. While you are free to choose between PayPal or a merchant credit card, please consider the benefits of using PayPal:

• Lower Unpaid Item rates.
• Seller Protection up to $5,000.00 USD on any eligible transaction.
• Lower fees, compared to many merchant credit cards.

If you are required to offer a safer payment option, you may also be subject to holds on payment. PayPal will release holds after 21 days unless there is a Dispute, Claim, Chargeback, or Reversal. PayPal may also release the hold earlier if the buyer leaves positive feedback on eBay or PayPal can confirm delivery. PayPal will automatically confirm delivery if you use PayPal shipping labels and ship via USPS (applies to US domestic transactions only).

NOTE: the bold sentence, this action would end my chance of creating a business, since I can't reach the $200-$600 order minimums alone, I need to use the buyers money to pay for their items. And to hold 21 days! I have a mortgage to pay, just like everyone else. I'm thinking I'd be better off saving up and getting my own website.

Improving Customer Satisfaction
Taking action now will help you raise your rankings. Here are some additional best practices used by sellers achieving high levels of customer satisfaction:

• Accurately describe the condition, size and quality of the item directly in the listing.
• NOTE: BUYERS DON"T ALWAYS READ THE LISTINGS COMPLEATELY
  
• Honor the original terms by accepting payment for an item at the end of a successful sale.
• Promptly ship the item with appropriate packaging once payment has been received.
• Respond promptly and professionally to questions from the buyer.
• Proactively communicate with the buyer throughout the transaction.

For more information on these changes, please see the latest announcements, and Frequently Asked Questions, Seller Performance policies, and get more great tips for improving and keeping your DSRs high.

Anyway, that's my rant for today, plenty will follow!

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