A more consistent buyer experience to drive more sales
Competitive shipping, a reliable payment experience, and trust in sellers are keys to preserving buyer confidence and the ongoing health of the eBay marketplace. Toward this end, and in advance of the busy holiday shopping season, we're taking these steps:

Limits on shipping and handling charges for some categories: Starting in October, limits on shipping and handling charges will be in effect for select categories. These maximums apply to the first flat-rate shipping service within or into the U.S. Sellers are required to offer at least one shipping option within the maximum and may also offer other options above the maximums for expedited or international shipping. Sellers can still use the shipping calculator to charge actual costs at or below the maximums or if their listings are not standardr—e.g., if you're selling an unusual large/ or heavy item, or a bundler—you can also use the shipping calculator to charge actual costs. See FAQs for more details.

Special incentives for free shipping: We're offering major incentives to sellers for offering free shipping during the holidays. From October through December, for listings with free shipping we'll include a free subtitle upgrade to highlight this benefit in your listing. PowerSellers will get double their Final Value Fee discounts. As always, listings with free shipping get an extra advantage in search results.

Checks and money orders no longer allowed: Beginning in late October, we will no long allow checks or money orders as payment methods on eBay. Only approved electronic methods will be allowed. In January 2009, all accepted payment methods will be integrated into eBay Checkout. For buyers, this change means a more consistent and secure payment experience. For sellers, it means faster payment and fewer unpaid items. (Note this policy will not apply to Vehicles and some categories in Real Estate, Mature Audiences, and Business & Industrial). See FAQs for more details.

New seller standards: Minimum 4.3 on all DSRs: The vast majority of eBay sellers—some 96%—are well above this threshold. To protect the interests of all these sellers, starting November 1 we'll no longer allow the few who don't deliver on basic standards of customer satisfaction to sell on eBay. Sellers will be evaluated on the past 30 days of DSRs. Sellers who've received less than ten DSRs in the past 30 days will be evaluated on their DSRs over the last 12 months. Sellers with no DSRs will still be allowed to list. See the FAQs for more details.