Running your business

Earlier this year we launched the beta version of a new messaging experience in the eBay mobile app. In the coming weeks, you’ll be moved to the new experience, which will better connect you to your buyers and make it easier for you to manage your messages. If you’d prefer, you can opt out of the new experience and continue to use the old messaging format until 2023, when we will fully migrate everyone over to the new experience. 

We’re also launching a desktop beta version of the new messaging experience. Look out for more information in the coming weeks. You won’t automatically be opted into this beta version, and if you do decide to opt in, you can opt out again and continue using the old messaging format while we’re rolling out the beta version.

What’s new

• Messages to and from your buyers will be displayed in an easy-to-use format with a more modern look.
• Individual conversations will be easy to track through clearer and more straightforward messaging.
• Messages will be grouped together by buyer and listing, making it easier to stay on top of your communications.

What’s staying the same

• During the launch of the mobile version, you’ll have the option to opt out of the new experience and continue to use the old messaging format.
• During the launch of the desktop beta version, the old experience will still be available.
• Don’t worry, you won’t lose any of your messages or any folders you’ve created. Just like in the old format, messages will be kept for one year and then auto deleted.

Next steps

• You’ll see a notification in your message inbox, letting you know when we’ve moved you over to the new mobile experience. 
• Look out for a link in your message inbox to join the new beta experience on desktop.
• Tell us how we did! By opting in to the new beta desktop messaging experience, you’ll have the chance to explore the features and give us your feedback.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is part of a Europe-wide initiative to protect the environment by improving waste management, limiting the use of landfills, and stimulating innovation in recycling. These measures make sellers responsible for the entire life cycle of their products.

To comply with French EPR laws, business sellers who sell in, or into, France, need to register with the relevant éco-organismes* covering the categories they are selling in, including packaging. A list of the categories that these laws apply to can be found here.

What’s changing?

Since July 1, 2022, all marketplaces, including eBay, have been legally required to make sure that sellers are complying with EPR regulations. By getting in line with these laws, you’ll be showing your customers that you’re supporting recycling initiatives in France and playing your part in contributing to a circular economy.

Make sure that you add the information detailed below to your listings as soon as possible. From October 1, 2022 we will take action on listings that don’t comply with the regulations, including paying the ‘eco-participation fee’ on your behalf and invoicing it back to you, as mentioned in our User Agreement update in August.

What do I have to do?

First and foremost, if your listings fall under EPR law, you’ll need to get compliant as a matter of urgency. You can find a list of products and categories that these laws apply to here, under ‘Eligible categories’. 

If you’re selling these items in, or into France, you’ll need to:

1. Provide the Unique Producer Identification Numbers (UPINs) as item specifics in the ‘Regulatory compliance’ field of your listings

• To obtain your UPINs, you’ll need to register with the relevant éco-organisme if you are the producer of the product in, or first importer into France. For a list of appropriate éco-organismes by category, see the ‘Eligible categories’ drop down on our help page. Otherwise, contact your suppliers.

2. Provide the Eco Participation Fee as an item specific

• Enter the fee you are charged for each item in the ‘Furniture’ and ‘Electrical/ Electronic devices’ category into the separate field of the listing tool to display it on your listing. 

3. Display the Repair Score as an image in your picture gallery

• This ranks the repairability of a product from 1-10 and needs to be displayed as an image in your picture gallery. Please note that this should not be the first picture.
• Your supplier should be able to provide your Repair Score. See the help page for more details.

4. Arrange your Take-back procedure

• If you sell in the Electrical / Electronic devices and Furniture categories, you’ll need to provide buyers with details about how you will collect their existing product at delivery, known as ‘one-for-one take-back’. Take-back policies can be found in the ‘custom policies’ section of My eBay.
• Please contact your shipping carrier and/or your éco-organisme to arrange the take-back procedure. 

For further information on EPR in France, please visit our dedicated help page, which offers comprehensive information and support to guide you through the process.

*An Eco-organisme is a French company empowered by the French public authorities, within the legal framework of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), to manage the end-of-life of the equipment they put onto the market (collection, sorting, recycling, and recovery of waste).

Sellers are talking about the Fall 2022 Seller Update in the eBay Community.