http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200711.shtml#2007-11-05145608
***Introducing: Guest Buying*** 
November 05, 2007 | 02:56PM PST/PT
Evan Liang
Hello...I'm Evan Liang with eBay's Buyer Experience team. With the busy holiday season rapidly approaching, I'm excited to announce that we're launching Guest Buying, a new feature that we believe will help increase the number of new buyers who purchase sellers' Fixed Price and Store Inventory listings.
Why Guest Buying?
We've done a lot of research about buying habits as the Internet has evolved, and have been told repeatedly that requiring new buyers to register before they have a chance to really interact with eBay is a barrier to them taking the plunge (this is the same reason we introduced My eBay for Guests awhile back).
Today many online buyers expect to be able to visit a site and simply purchase and pay for an item with minimum hassle. Introducing Guest Buying will help encourage more first purchases by new buyers.
Here's how it works:
- Guest buyers will be able to use Buy It Now to purchase eligible Fixed Price and Store Inventory items.
- Guest buyers need to complete their payment through PayPal before the item is theirs, similar to Immediate Payment.
- Your current PayPal settings will apply – if you require buyers to pay with a confirmed address, your Guest Buyers will need to do so as well.
Which listings are eligible for Guest Buying?
Your listings will be eligible to be purchased by Guest Buyers if you meet the following criteria:
- You must have a premier/business PayPal account in order to accept credit card payments.
- Shipping costs must be specified on your listing.
- You must qualify for the top tier of buyer protection of $2,000.
- The item price must be less than $2,000.
- You must use eBay's checkout system. Third-party checkout will not be supported at this time.
Can Guest Buyers leave feedback?
No – at least not until they register. eBay will encourage Guest Buyers to register once they make a purchase. Once they do, they'll be able to use all the same features and programs our current buyers do, such as Feedback, Buyer Protection, access to Customer Support, etc.
The Launch Plan
We're going to introduce Guest Buying slowly over the next few weeks. We're going to start by making it available in our Music, Books, DVDs & Movies, and Consumer Electronics categories in the next few days, and will add more categories shortly thereafter. Within a few weeks, Guest Buying should be available sitewide.
Sincerely,
Evan Liang
Buyer Experience
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For new newsgroup readers, these are not our forum posts. Any comments to the posters below should be made on the applicable thread, marked in bold below.
FYI apologist windorphin and dkid2000 posts spin and damage control for eBay PR ...
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From eBay Seller Central Forum
Guest Buying Program - Q&A with eBay
http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=1000592798&start=0
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:16 PST
Hi,
I thought I'd jump in and try to answer as many questions as I can about our new guest buying program. I'll start by posting the original AB post and add from there. There a lot of questions so please be patient, we'll get there. If I miss one from another thread please feel free to add them here. Thanks everyone.
***Introducing: Guest Buying***
November 05, 2007 | 02:20PM PST/PT
Hello...I'm Evan Liang with eBay's Buyer Experience team. With the busy holiday season rapidly approaching, I'm excited to announce that we're launching Guest Buying, a new feature that we believe will help increase the number of new buyers who purchase sellers' Fixed Price and Store Inventory listings.
Why Guest Buying?
We've done a lot of research about buying habits as the internet has evolved, and have been told repeatedly that requiring new buyers to register before they have a chance to really interact with eBay is a barrier to them taking the plunge (this is the same reason we introduced My eBay for Guests awhile back).
Today many online buyers expect to be able to visit a site and simply purchase and pay for an item with minimum hassle. Introducing Guest Buying will help encourage more first purchases by new buyers.
Here's how it works:
Guest buyers will be able to use Buy It Now to purchase eligible Fixed Price and Store Inventory items.
Guest buyers need to complete their payment through PayPal before the item is theirs, similar to Immediate Payment.
Your current PayPal settings will apply – if you require buyers to pay with a confirmed address, your Guest Buyers will need to do so as well.
Which listings are eligible for Guest Buying?
Your listings will be eligible to be purchased by Guest Buyers if you meet the following criteria:
You must have a premier/business PayPal account in order to accept credit card payments.
Shipping costs must be specified on your listing.
You must qualify for the top tier of buyer protection of $2,000.
The item price must be less than $2,000.
You must use eBay's checkout system. Third-party checkout will not be supported at this time.
Can Guest Buyers leave feedback?
No – at least not until they register. eBay will encourage Guest Buyers to register once they make a purchase. Once they do, they'll be able to use all the same features and programs our current buyers do, such as Feedback, Buyer Protection, access to Customer Support, etc.
The Launch Plan
We're going to introduce Guest Buying slowly over the next few weeks. We're going to start by making it available in our Music, Books, DVDs & Movies, and Consumer Electronics categories in the next few days, and will add more categories shortly thereafter. Within a few weeks, Guest Buying should be available sitewide.
Sincerely,
Evan Liang
Buyer Experience
Date posted Reply #
turk*** (239 ) Nov-06-07 09:18 PST 1
Hi Evan,
What protection is for sellers from a previously Blocked Bidder who buys as a "guest"?
vics*** (1063 ) Nov-06-07 09:20 PST 2
Will Guest buyers have the same Paypal protection that eBay member buyers have? And how will chargebacks be handled?
eBay's NOT stressful!
turk*** (239 ) Nov-06-07 09:20 PST 3
Also, is there a mechanism for sellers to opt-out of this program.
Thanks!
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:21 PST 4
Q: So all those suspended members can now buy as guest buyers?
No, existing users including suspended users will not be able to use the guest flow. They will be blocked and asked to sign in.
java_juliet (Private ) Nov-06-07 09:24 PST 5
With the cornerstone of eBay safety and trust being mutual feedback, how is removing that option for buyers a good thing for them in the event a seller wrongs them? Why would a buyer want to forego that protection buying on eBay?
eBay is not a retailer but is composed of many sellers from all walks who may or may not know how to pack items, describe items,run a business, etc. Does eBay think that buyers will be running in to buy without that level of protection? If does not attract buyers that are logical, is this going to open the door for those who are suspended off eBay or who perpetually do chargebacks to have an "in"?
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:24 PST 6
Q: Do you need to have a PayPal account to use guest buying?
A: Most guest buyers will be purchasing their items via credit cards processed by PayPal. They do not need to create a PayPal account. If they have a Paypal account they can sign in and use that as well.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:26 PST 7
Q: How do gift cards work?
A: eBay gift cards are great and we certainly want to encourage new users to use them. You can use gift cards on the guest buying flow but you will be required to create a PayPal account in order to redeem the gift card. So in that case you will be an eBay guest with a PayPal account.
clau*** (489 ) Nov-06-07 09:27 PST 8
Whose to say, though, that these blocked buyers couldnt just sign into the guest page through a different computer (therfore different IP )
"I can learn to resist anything but temptation. I can learn to coexist with anything but pain. I can learn to compromise anything but my desires. I can learn to get along with all the things I can't explain."
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:32 PST 9
Q: Will Guest buyers have the same Paypal protection that eBay member buyers have? And how will chargebacks be handled?
A: Think of guest buying like progressive registration, we only collect the information we need for your transaction such as shipping info, telephone number, email address etc. And then your payment info such as credit card. We run all our validations on both eBay and PayPal side and only take the item out of inventory if the payment is completed. On the back end we are basically creating your eBay account, at the very end, all that we need to upgrade an account is your userId, password, and confirm your email address. Guest users should be treated like a new user, which they are, and they are eligible for all the same protections once they upgrade and can sign in to the site.
Chargebacks will be handled the same way as today, no different than a new user. I should also mention that there is a guest limit of 2 transactions in the US before you have to upgrade to a full user.
vics*** (1063 ) Nov-06-07 09:32 PST 10
Will Guest buyers have an eBay 'shopping cart'? If so, what happens when the Guest purchases items from several sellers with different buyer requirements where some requirements are not met (such as unconfirmed address - or where the seller has this set as 'ask')?
eBay's NOT stressful!
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:41 PST 11
Q: Also, is there a mechanism for sellers to opt-out of this program?
A: Similar to how we don't allow sellers to block new users with 0 feedback, we are not adding a buyer requirement for guests. Given the requirement of immediate payment we actually think these users are less risky than a newbie thru the regular registration flow. We will certainly monitor going to monitor the guest flow very carefully for any issues. We also have experience with the similar flow thru Express which gave us the confidence to make this available on core.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:42 PST 12
Q: Whose to say, though, that these blocked buyers couldnt just sign into the guest page through a different computer (therfore different IP )
A: We actually match the information they provide so it would be like creating a new eBay account.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:43 PST 13
Q: Will Guest buyers have an eBay 'shopping cart'? If so, what happens when the Guest purchases items from several sellers with different buyer requirements where some requirements are not met (such as unconfirmed address - or where the seller has this set as 'ask')?
A: This is not a shopping cart. It's only single seller single item, you can have multiple qty of a single item. Most new users are not buying from multiple sellers right away.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:47 PST 14
Q: Guest users from int'l sites
A: We do not allow shipping addresses outside of the US or CA. You simply can't enter one, similar to Express. For CA users we check your buyer preference and also make sure the item is shippable to that location.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:49 PST 15
Q: With the cornerstone of eBay safety and trust being mutual feedback, how is removing that option for buyers a good thing for them in the event a seller wrongs them? Why would a buyer want to forego that protection buying on eBay?
A: Feedback is a great thing and we are not removing that option. It is a matter of timing, let's get them to buy the item first then educate them of the other benefits of eBay such as feedback. Guest can leave feedback once they register retroactively provided the window has not expired. We certainly hope the majority of our guests become actively engaged eBay members with good feedback scores.
mimi*** (32 ) Nov-06-07 09:50 PST 16
How will the seller protection policy coverage work with into guest check out?
mimi*** (32 ) Nov-06-07 09:51 PST 17
How will the seller protection policy coverage work with into guest check out? should have read
How will the seller protection policy coverage work with guest check out?
sojo*** (2349 ) Nov-06-07 09:52 PST 18
Will there be an EASY way to report an unwelcome guest bidder -- i.e., if we notice that the person is a previous scammer, stalker or other blocked bidder that ebay missed (honestly, ebay isn't always so great at prohibiting suspended ebayers from opening new accounts as it is, nonetheless having to screen for bogus "guests").
sojo
Things are going swimmingly here...
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:52 PST 19
Q: I am just wondering why eBay thinks these 'lazy' people will buy on eBay and then go 'sign up' with Paypal to pay? If they are too lazy or hurried to sign up with eBay, why would they be willing to do it with Paypal? I don't get it...
A: It's been awhile for many of us, but signing for eBay and PayPal the first time is actually hard. It take about 11 steps and many people don't finish it. We saw a major need here to address a new user pain and as such we decided that this was an important feature to have right before the x-mas holiday season when we have a lot of new buyers trying out the site. We've been working on this for over a year to make sure we provide a great new user experience but do it safely.
sojo*** (2349 ) Nov-06-07 09:53 PST 20
If a guest buyers purchases, pays, receives item and THEN registers on ebay, will that buyer be able to go back and leave feedback for the item that was transacted before the registration?
sojo
Things are going swimmingly here...
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:55 PST 21
Q: How will the seller protection policy coverage work with guest check out?
A: Just like today. From the seller side a guest is like any new user who pays with PayPal. I would also add that if a guest user chooses to pay with a non-immediate payment method such as check, he will be required to fully register before completing the transaction.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:55 PST 22
Q: If a guest buyers purchases, pays, receives item and THEN registers on ebay, will that buyer be able to go back and leave feedback for the item that was transacted before the registration?
A: Yes, he will be provided it's before the feedback window expires.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:56 PST 23
Q: Will there be an EASY way to report an unwelcome guest bidder -- i.e., if we notice that the person is a previous scammer, stalker or other blocked bidder that ebay missed (honestly, ebay isn't always so great at prohibiting suspended ebayers from opening new accounts as it is, nonetheless having to screen for bogus "guests").
A: Yes, they actually have a default userID that shows up that you can use to report to CS. CS will know that they are guests and can handle appropriately.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 09:58 PST 24
Ok, I need to leave for a little while, please post any questions here and I'll be back to answer them. Thanks everyone!
java_juliet (Private ) Nov-06-07 10:19 PST 25
A: Just like today. From the seller side a guest is like any new user who pays with PayPal. I would also add that if a guest user chooses to pay with a non-immediate payment method such as check, he will be required to fully register before completing the transaction.
So they will be able to buy an item without immediate payment required...they simply need a paypal account but can choose not to pay for however long they want? Will sellers have to wait weeks to to relist and get the fees returned as the case with "registered users"?
vics*** (1063 ) Nov-06-07 10:24 PST 26
I think he's saying that if immediate payment is not what the buyer wants, they have to reister.
eBay's NOT stressful!
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 10:26 PST 27
Q: So they will be able to buy an item without immediate payment required...they simply need a paypal account but can choose not to pay for however long they want? Will sellers have to wait weeks to to relist and get the fees returned as the case with "registered users"?
A: Immediate payment is required, we don't pull inventory until payment has been received.
high*** (212 ) Nov-06-07 10:27 PST 28
We actually match the information they provide so it would be like creating a new eBay account.
No no no no eliang.
How is this information verified?
Many have registered with false information so what is to prevent them from doing the same through this?
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 10:33 PST 29
Q: How is this information verified?
A: My answer was directed to if an existing user can just switch computers and come through. As for verifying their information we do the standard address validity checks but we also require either credit card or PayPal which in some ways is the equivalent of our high risk registration flow today.
doro*** (883 ) Nov-06-07 10:36 PST 30
This is not a shopping cart. It's only single seller single item, you can have multiple qty of a single item.
Sorry to be dense, but I sell towels-and it's not unusual for people to buy 2 of one and 2 of another and 1 of another, etc. Will they have to pay for each 2 of same, 2 of another same or single individually or pay for all 5 (this example) at once? I'm thinking of paypal fees.
I do think it's a good idea, not trying to be negative.
D
trop*** (171 ) Nov-06-07 10:38 PST 31
As for verifying their information we do the standard address validity checks but we also require either credit card or PayPal which in some ways is the equivalent of our high risk registration flow today
I don't think I understand what the difference is if they need to fill in about the same amount of information. What's the point?
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 10:39 PST 32
Would eBay be considering any perks for sellers, like if your sales to a guest buyer results in a new eBay registration?
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 10:39 PST 33
Q: Sorry to be dense, but I sell towels-and it's not unusual for people to buy 2 of one and 2 of another and 1 of another, etc. Will they have to pay for each 2 of same, 2 of another same or single individually or pay for all 5 (this example) at once? I'm thinking of paypal fees.
A: From your question, I take it each "one" is a different listing. If so, they would pay for 2, then 2, and then 1. Building out the functionality for multi-items for a single seller is something worth considering for the future but not in the current release. If they get in touch with you and want combine shipping, I would encourage them to register so they can do via BIN.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 10:41 PST 34
Q: Would eBay be considering any perks for sellers, like if your sales to a guest buyer results in a new eBay registration?
A: Hmm, I've heard this suggestion before and it's a very interesting idea. Not currently but definitely something we may look into in the future. It would be a pretty big change.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 10:45 PST 35
Q: I don't think I understand what the difference is if they need to fill in about the same amount of information. What's the point?
A: It's a lot shorter - 5 pages vs. 11 pages and from a buyer perspective it is about the "context." If I am buying an item I expect to give the seller my shipping info, email, telephone but I probably don't need to give pick an userID or a password right now. Also the BIN flow itself is confusing to a brand new user - I've committed to and item but I haven't paid. I'll try to post some mock ups soon so folks can see what it looks like.
doro*** (883 ) Nov-06-07 10:45 PST 36
Thanks Evan, you did understand me correctly and I appreciate your answer and this effort-I do think the 2 limit is going to be a roadblock to people coming back, but I'm sure you will be able to tell that from the stats you gather and will be able to reasses it.
Building out the functionality for multi-items for a single seller is something worth considering for the future but not in the current release
I and many other sellers would look forward to that as it would answer the shopping cart problem.
Thanks again,
Dorothy
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 10:46 PST 37
Thank you, and will there be a way to 'opt in' for other categories? I'd like this on all my listings.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 10:49 PST 38
Q: Thank you, and will there be a way to 'opt in' for other categories? I'd like this on all my listings.
A: We are testing in those categories to make sure everything is working as it should. We will try to expand to all categories, with a few exceptions (no mature), as soon as we can do so.
trop*** (171 ) Nov-06-07 10:54 PST 39
It's a lot shorter - 5 pages vs. 11 pages and from a buyer perspective it is about the "context." If I am buying an item I expect to give the seller my shipping info, email, telephone but I probably don't need to give pick an userID or a password right now.
If it's going from 11 pages to 5, but the buyer is giving close to the same amount of information... I'm sorry if I'm a skeptic but, it sounds to me like ebay might be giving the guest buyers less to read before they can jump in and buy?
I'm worried that ebay is bringing in more buyers, which would be a good thing, but these new buyers will know even less about how ebay works than the buyers we have now - which would be a very bad thing.
sand*** (2852 ) Nov-06-07 10:54 PST 40
Any way that Ebay and Paypal can establish something with the holiday season fast approaching that a guest buyer (or any buyer for that matter) can pay using Paypal and enter a ship to address different than their home address? Ebay encourages gift buying yet sellers aren't protected with Paypal protection if they ship to an address different than the account holder. Why can't a "ship to" address field capability be added at checkout and the Paypal protection honored if shipped to that address.
hightides_beach_shop (212 ) Nov-06-07 10:55 PST 41
5 pages vs. 11 pages and from a buyer perspective it is about the "context
So what is the difference on pages?
5 vs 11? What is left out other then picking an ID and email address?
black*max (12 ) Nov-06-07 10:58 PST 42
So a guest will have to provide a CC for ID verification?
This is Black Max.
java_juliet (Private ) Nov-06-07 11:03 PST 43
I didn't go through 11 pages to register with eBay. Is this something new? I only see 1 page to register with very basic info required. I still do not understand how not being able to participate in the feedback process is going to attract and appeal to new bidders.
ruan*** (235 ) Nov-06-07 11:04 PST 44
can an existing member, not suspended, register as a guest buyer? what would be in place? ...for protecting from auction interference or retaliatory 'guest buyers'
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 11:08 PST 45
ruane, what is in place to protect from auction interference is Immediate Payment Required. This only affects BIN's, and the item must be paid for before the listing is over.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 11:09 PST 46
Q: So what is the difference on pages?
5 vs 11? What is left out other then picking an ID and email address?
A: I will try to upload mock ups of the entire flow later today on this thread as that may answer a lot of questions. Basically we combine a few pages such as entering shipping info on the Review your Purchase page. Similar to express we don't require to break the flow and go to check your email. We also don't require you to review and commit to BIN an item and then checkout - it's all together. Basically we allow you to do everything in the checkout flow. This is also integrated with PayPal so they don't go to a separate PayPal page to pay. Mock ups coming soon.
ruan*** (235 ) Nov-06-07 11:12 PST 47
Right bin's only with immediate payment required. Got it.
zerofeedback (0 ) Nov-06-07 11:12 PST 48
Are the guest buyers going to be the only ones allowed to use the "fancy" towels there next to the sink that nobody is supposed to EVER use?
I’m not saying, I’m just saying…..™
ruan*** (235 ) Nov-06-07 11:15 PST 49
How about the first part of my question? can an existing member, not suspended, register as a guest buyer?
black*max (12 ) Nov-06-07 11:23 PST 50
ruane, read post #4.
This is Black Max.
best*** (1904 ) Nov-06-07 11:27 PST 51
What if the buyer doesn't have a confirmed address with Paypal and my seller terms require it? They go through Paypal and pay effectively ending my listing. I refund them...am I eligible to get fees back?
~*BestInClothes Shipping*~$3 for 1 item, $1 for ea addl
ruan*** (235 ) Nov-06-07 11:28 PST 52
Yep, just did that. So the guest flow registration will recognize existing users by IP address and/or other common registration info. therefore they won't be allowed to participate, i.e. blocked. I think I got it.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 11:29 PST 53
Set your preferences to block payments from unconfirmed addresses?
best*** (1904 ) Nov-06-07 11:31 PST 54
Set your preferences to block payments from unconfirmed addresses?
Yes, it is set up that way. However, I have had payments go through to unconfirmed addresses despite the block being in place.
~*BestInClothes Shipping*~$3 for 1 item, $1 for ea addl
ruan*** (235 ) Nov-06-07 11:31 PST 55
I'm selling books, is it possible I've already got one? Is there a way we can tell as sellers?
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 11:33 PST 56
Check your blocks again. Your preferences sometimes get set back to their defaults (happened to me 2 months ago). Check them in both paypal and eBay.
black*max (12 ) Nov-06-07 11:37 PST 57
What if the buyer doesn't have a confirmed address with Paypal and my seller terms require it?
The differance is though the item stays listed, no need to relist.
This is Black Max.
best*** (1904 ) Nov-06-07 11:46 PST 58
Still set in both Paypal and Ebay. It doesn't happen all the time but it has happened. Black Max, read the rest of my posts....it does end the listing if the payment goes through.
~*BestInClothes Shipping*~$3 for 1 item, $1 for ea addl
high*** (212 ) Nov-06-07 11:51 PST 59
But if it's not accepted on the sellers side and blocked through payment until accepted or denied, will that still count on ebay's side as a completed sale?
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 11:53 PST 60
Q: I'm selling books, is it possible I've already got one? Is there a way we can tell as sellers?
A: We don't specifically call out guest users with a special icon or anything. We were afraid that it was painting a bulls eye on them and although most of our sellers are good, it could tempt Seller non-performance. Sellers may notice guests but we hope you treat them like a regular new user who has already paid.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 11:54 PST 61
Q: But if it's not accepted on the sellers side and blocked through payment until accepted or denied, will that still count on ebay's side as a completed sale?
A: No, payment must be completed before we take the item out of inventory.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 11:56 PST 62
Q: How do I get in touch with a guest? Or how do they get in touch with me?
A: Both you and the guest get each other's email addresses thru PayPal, similar to regular users so you can touch base that way. Remember, guests need to upgrade to login into My Messages although they will still receive message notifications.
1bus*** (139815 ) Nov-06-07 11:59 PST 63
why are we forced to use ebays flawed and dysfunctional checkout system? I cannot specify rates by individual countries, amonst numerous other problems like not calculating combined shipping discounts properly
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 12:02 PST 64
Q: why are we forced to use ebays flawed and dysfunctional checkout system? I cannot specify rates by individual countries, amonst numerous other problems like not calculating combined shipping discounts properly
A: Similar to immediate payment, we need confirmation that payment was made to release the item. As for shipping discounts, other than multi-qty we don't have a shopping cart so it is a simplified checkout.
city*** (203 ) Nov-06-07 12:18 PST 65
Just wanted to say: sounds OK to me.
People, if you try to reduce risk to zero, you're reducing opportunity for growth to zero too.
Very few things in life are airtight, except for a frog's rear end. Oops, that's watertight -- sorry!
high*** (212 ) Nov-06-07 12:25 PST 66
Me too city.
I still don't see new buyers coming in for this as opposed to just signing up, but I'm all for it.
ruan*** (235 ) Nov-06-07 12:26 PST 67
My hamster must have feel off it's wheel. I realized while hitting the posting button. Then had to run. guest buyer's can't bid on auctions, my newbie is bidding. Never had a person who registered and bid on my stuff in the same day.
1bus*** (139815 ) Nov-06-07 12:30 PST 68
Q: why are we forced to use ebays flawed and dysfunctional checkout system? I cannot specify rates by individual countries, amonst numerous other problems like not calculating combined shipping discounts properly
A: Similar to immediate payment, we need confirmation that payment was made to release the item. As for shipping discounts, other than multi-qty we don't have a shopping cart so it is a simplified checkout.
Q2 follow up: makes no sense my 3P checkout reports back to paypal and ebay through API, shows in buyers my ebay items is paid so your answer makes no sense?
best*** (1904 ) Nov-06-07 12:33 PST 69
Perhaps your 3rd party checkout isn't set up (yet) to report guest activity to Ebay.
~*BestInClothes Shipping*~$3 for 1 item, $1 for ea addl
1bus*** (139815 ) Nov-06-07 12:34 PST 70
okay now I figured out the real reason for this whole guest thing, it so ebay can now spin the numbers to wall street as to why active users are dis-engaging at a faster rate the additions.
from Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.Active users down sequentially: Surprisingly, active users on eBay are dis-engaging at a faster rate than user additions. In 3Q, the company lost 300K active users Q/Q to 83mn, likely reflecting a combination of marginal users, churn and higher acquisition costs for new users. It will be critical for eBay to turn the tide on this metric in 4Q, otherwise transaction volumes could decline Y/Y in the current quarter.
mygi*** (6966 ) Nov-06-07 12:41 PST 71
Dear PINK ELIANG
Thank you VERY MUCH for posting the link to this thread over on the Stores Board. It has been very helpful. Thank you for addressing several questions/issues here.
I really do appreciate the Pinks when they are trying to truly help us. Please visit us often!
p.s. You look pretty in pink. Or you look handsome in pink whichever the case may be.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 12:45 PST 72
Q2 follow up: makes no sense my 3P checkout reports back to paypal and ebay through API, shows in buyers my ebay items is paid so your answer makes no sense?
A: Immediate payment does not currently support 3P checkout and as such we can't enable it for the guest flow.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 12:48 PST 73
Q: okay now I figured out the real reason for this whole guest thing, it so ebay can now spin the numbers to wall street as to why active users are dis-engaging at a faster rate the additions.
A: Wow, such skepticism. We've been working on this for a long time, especially around how to design a secure system to address the issues you guys have brought up. We also learned a lot from Express.
mena*** (3926 ) Nov-06-07 12:49 PST 74
Evan,
It looks good! About the same as the 'accept all forms of plastic from anyone, thru PP' as currently done on web site. Risky? Yes. Necessary? Must gauge for one's self.
One or two questions, if you please. I know your announcement states, "Shipping costs must be specified on your listing."
Is that flat rate only, or is the calculator also included? If the calculator is acceptable for guest buyer purchase, how/when will the buyer input their zip code for shipping charge to be computed?
Thanks!
You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who can do nothing for them or to them. ~Malcolm Forbes
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 12:51 PST 75
Q: Is that flat rate only, or is the calculator also included? If the calculator is acceptable for guest buyer purchase, how/when will the buyer input their zip code for shipping charge to be computed?
A: Yes calculated as well. When you input your zip code on the Review Your Purchase page we will auto-calculate the shipping cost right there.
mena*** (3926 ) Nov-06-07 12:57 PST 76
A: Yes calculated as well. When you input your zip code on the Review Your Purchase page we will auto-calculate the shipping cost right there.
OK, thanks Evan. I'm all for this streamlined method, but am wondering what the GB will see.
What would this Guest Buyer see in the shipping cost field while viewing the listing? Will they be getting pestered to enter a zip code while they're browsing?
Thanks again!
You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who can do nothing for them or to them. ~Malcolm Forbes
1bus*** (139815 ) Nov-06-07 12:59 PST 77
A: Wow, such skepticism. We've been working on this for a long time, especially around how to design a secure system to address the issues you guys have brought up. We also learned a lot from Express.
how is that possible? express is still a live site? In sep 07, 14 of my 8000 items were sold on EE, you wonder why there is skepticism?
I am an ebay fan trust me, ebay suceeds it is good for me. but very few if any large volumesellers use ebay checkout, again it is a flawed and dysfunctional system.
So the bottom line will 3p checkout be added?
jtro*** (883 ) Nov-06-07 13:01 PST 78
Just wanted to say: sounds OK to me.
People, if you try to reduce risk to zero, you're reducing opportunity for growth to zero too.
Very few things in life are airtight, except for a frog's rear end. Oops, that's watertight -- sorry!
Agreed.
I do wish we were getting a real shopping cart, but the Guest Buying is at least is a step in the right direction.
-----------------------------------------------
I'm going to need to borrow your tank.
Everybody reads The Jericho Bulletin!
See my ME page for details!
post*** (790 ) Nov-06-07 13:01 PST 79
You aren't letting us opt out, the way we can opt out of Express.
BUT!!! If I have a third party checkout in place, will that have the same effect as opting out?
If so, I will go look into getting a 3rd party checkout.
1bus*** (139815 ) Nov-06-07 13:06 PST 80
postcards2go
good point, how will guest buyers know in advance which sellers are using 3P checkout and therefore guest buyers cannot buy? Seems to me like they will not know until the go to buy item and inasmuch as a ton of eBay’s volume comes from 3p checkout guest buyers will get annoyed and shop elsewhere. not a very well thought out plan here by ebay.
surp*** (229 ) Nov-06-07 13:11 PST 81
eliang,
Thank you for posting here. I'm sure you have alleviated a lot of concerns.
Thinking back to the SNP situation, a lot of angst could have been avoided if a pink had answered questions sooner.
Could you pass along to the powers-that-be that it would be an EXCELLENT idea if ebay has a pink host a thread when a new initiative begins?
It would save a lot of problems down the road. Thanks.
All I ask is a chance to prove money can't make me happy.
ruan*** (235 ) Nov-06-07 13:12 PST 82
Yeah, will a guest buyer know whether or not the item they are looking at is something they are eligible for? In other words will there be a different search results for guest buyers eliminating non participating sellers?
blac*** (12 ) Nov-06-07 13:19 PST 83
BUT!!! If I have a third party checkout in place, will that have the same effect as opting out?
how will guest buyers know in advance which sellers are using 3P checkout ?
I think he answered that 3P checkouts don't have IPR avilable, Guest therefore can buy.
This is Black Max.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 13:44 PST 84
To get this up faster, I've decided to use Photobucket. Here are is what the flow looks like from a guest perspective. Should help answers lots of questions.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 13:47 PST 85
This is what happens after you click BIN on VI item as a guest. There is no guest eligibility messaging before so this is the first place a new user sees an item as guest eligible.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 13:48 PST 86
I just logged out and looked. No, it doesn't look like you can tell what listings are eligible for guest checkout until you click on the BIN. Then, instead of the sign in/ register page, you get a sign in/ guest checkout page.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 13:48 PST 87
DOH, yes, exactly as pictured above.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 13:49 PST 88
On the Review Your Purchase page of checkout you enter your shipping info, email address, telephone number, and you agree to the user agreement at the bottom here. We also auto-calculate shipping based on the zip code.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 14:02 PST 89
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 14:03 PST 90
Last page was the credit on paypal page. Note the UI is integrated between eBay and PayPal. New UI design we are testing and want to bring to all users. For existing users you default to the PayPal login. If you press other accepted payment methods you are prompted to fully register.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 14:04 PST 91
You confirm your order here one last time.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 14:06 PST 92
And here is the final checkout success page saying you bought the item AND encouraging you to register to become a full eBay member. since we have all their info they only need to pick a userId, password, security question, and confirm their email address.
para*** (55 ) Nov-06-07 14:06 PST 93
There should be a way to block guest buyers.
Are guest buyers forced to use Paypal as the only method of buying an item? If so, what happens to the older sellers who have opted out of taking paypal payments?
If a guest buyer bounces a paypal echeck or does a chargeback through PP, is the seller protected?
Is there a way to contact the guest bidder prior to auction's end via phone or email?
Is there a way to see a guest bidder's location and past buying history, if any, so as to determine if you want to block them from bidding on your item?
Finally, why is eBay so concerned about getting new buyers in the door that they're exposing sellers to a greater risk of deadbeats, NPBs, and scammers in the interest of attracting a customer that you don't want in the first place (if you can't take the time to register and verify, why should you be allowed to participate in auctions?)
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 14:07 PST 94
pira*** (1 ) Nov-06-07 14:07 PST 95
I don't know if you have addressed this issue, but this system seems a perfect setup for stolen cc information. Have you considered that? And, what if any can a seller do to protect against stolen credit cards being used by an unknown guest.
Also, yes there is and probably will be a ton of skepticism about this and any other new roll outs, because of the way that many of the recent changes have been handled and NOT explained by ebay representatives. That said, I appreciate you giving out information here.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 14:13 PST 96
Q: I don't know if you have addressed this issue, but this system seems a perfect setup for stolen cc information.
A: Stolen cards is an issue we deal with thru eBay.com and Express today so this is nothing new. PayPal has been fighting this issue for awhile now and our fraud models are set up to fight this. We will be monitoring this very closely just in case. As a seller, you can always get seller protection by requiring confirmed addresses in your paypal preferences.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 14:15 PST 97
Re: post 93
Please read the thread as there are a few answers above already.
Q: Are guest buyers forced to use Paypal as the only method of buying an item? If so, what happens to the older sellers who have opted out of taking paypal payments?
A: Yes, that is one of several seller eligibility requirements. The main reason is we are forcing guest to pay via immediate payment.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 14:16 PST 98
paralyse, read the first post, where it is explained that only BIN's can be purchased by guest buyers.
black*max (12 ) Nov-06-07 14:17 PST 99
If a guest buyer bounces a paypal echeck or does a chargeback through PP, is the seller protected?
Is there a way to contact the guest bidder prior to auction's end via phone or email?
Is there a way to see a guest bidder's location and past buying history, if any, so as to determine if you want to block them from bidding on your item?
Please read, guests can't bid on auctions, guests can't pay with echecks, paypal SPP is the same for guest or regular member.
This is Black Max.
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-06-07 14:28 PST 100
I understand that I can set my paypal preferences to verified address only, however, I have a lot of international buyers, about 30% of my sales. So, this is not a solution for me. Many international buyers, almost all, do not or cannot provide a verified address. Any other suggestions?
Stolen cards is an issue we deal with thru eBay.com and Express today so this is nothing new. PayPal has been fighting this issue for awhile now and our fraud models are set up to fight this. We will be monitoring this very closely just in case.
Your fraud models are set up to fight this how? I had a chargeback from a stolen CC and paypal did not even want to do a follow up investigation. Please explain.
black*max (12 ) Nov-06-07 14:40 PST 101
So, this is not a solution for me
A solution for what?
This is Black Max.
harl*** (8215 ) Nov-06-07 14:44 PST 102
Q. What part of don't scre w with things in the 4th qtr does ebay not understand?
Gary
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 14:44 PST 103
Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you set your preferences to 'ask' your international buyers can still use paypal, but the immediate payments from unconfirmed addresses won't end the listing yet, right?
sand*** (2852 ) Nov-06-07 14:46 PST 104
You lost me plugging Photobucket. PASS with a ten foot pole.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 14:48 PST 105
You lost me plugging Photobucket.
A: Sorry about that, our internal server is once a day so this was much faster.
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-06-07 14:50 PST 106
A solution for what? Possible stolen Credit info. Using a verified address on paypal is not a solution for me. Evan offered this as a way for sellers to protect themselves against fraud. As I said, I sell a lot to international buyers that do not verify addresses, but pay by paypal. I do NOT want to block 30% of my existing sales. Therefore that is not a solution for me.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 14:51 PST 107
Q. What part of don't scre w with things in the 4th qtr does ebay not understand?
A: We wanted to try and get this out in time for Q4 because this is when we have the most new users on the site so they and the sellers can benefit from the feature
para*** (55 ) Nov-06-07 14:52 PST 108
Sorry about that - When I pulled up the thread and started typing my questions it didn't have many replies yet -- by the time i got done (i am at work) later I guess a lot of stuff had happened!
No offense intended, don't hang me.
[email protected] View Listings | Report Nov-06-07 14:53 PST 109
Q:
Your fraud models are set up to fight this how?
A: Can't get into all the details, b/c I don't know it myself but we do block credit cards we know to be fraudulent.
blac*** (12 ) Nov-06-07 14:54 PST 110
Possible stolen Credit info
Ok but your not doing it now, thats the part I don't understand. You can also set Paypal to "Ask" for unconfirmed address, that won't hurt your international sales.
This is Black Max.
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-06-07 15:02 PST 111
if you set your preferences to 'ask' your international buyers can still use paypal, but the immediate payments from unconfirmed addresses won't end the listing yet, right?
I don't see how this would help, unless there would be a way for me to verify the information given. I guess it would then be up to me to say yes or no to a sale. Should I flip a coin?
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 15:03 PST 112
you aren't following.
black*max (12 ) Nov-06-07 15:04 PST 113
Should I flip a coin?
If thats how you do it now.
This is Black Max.
peep*** (686 ) Nov-06-07 15:04 PST 114
Just another weak attempt to punish sellers who do not accept Paypal. It didn't work with Express and it won't work with "guest buying". Forcing Paypal on sellers will be the demise of eBay....
city*** (203 ) Nov-06-07 15:04 PST 115
Just a quick comment: you might want to refine the "Join the millions of people...room for one more." thing a little. I understand you're trying to instill confidence in the guest but it comes across as perhaps diminishing or devaluing the guest. Maybe something like "we've saved room for you" or something that personalizes rather than anonymizes the guest...I think your marketing types will know what I mean
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-06-07 15:06 PST 116
How would you do it?
black*max (12 ) Nov-06-07 15:06 PST 117
Just another weak attempt to punish sellers who do not accept Paypal
I don't understand, how does it punish sellers that don't accept Paypal?
This is Black Max.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-06-07 15:07 PST 118
pirate, check your messages.
peep*** (686 ) Nov-06-07 15:08 PST 119
It's also a way to fool new buyers into thinking they MUST have a Paypal account and pay that way.
black*max (12 ) Nov-06-07 15:09 PST 120
It's also a way to fool new buyers into thinking they MUST have a Paypal account and pay that way.
But they don't have to have a Paypal account.
This is Black Max.
peep*** (686 ) Nov-06-07 15:12 PST 121
"I don't understand, how does it punish sellers that don't accept Paypal?"
It doesn't, because it's a bad idea. But that was eBay's plan when they came up with the idea. Just like eBay Express was set up to omit non-Paypal sellers, this is also set up to omit non-Paypal sellers. It's a way to draw business to Paypal sellers and away from non-Paypal sellers.
peep*** (686 ) Nov-06-07 15:14 PST 122
"But they don't have to have a Paypal account."
No, but they have to pay through Paypal, which shouldn't be necessary. Bidpay would work just as well, but eBay doesn't own that company...
peep*** (686 ) Nov-06-07 15:17 PST 123
I know my posts seem cynical, but I'm a little tired of eBay pushing Paypal on everyone. There are MANY safe payment options. Paypal is just one of them. And Paypal is NOT the safest payment method for a seller to accept. Not by a long shot.
black*max (12 ) Nov-06-07 15:23 PST 124
Bidpay would work just as well, but eBay doesn't own that company...
Your right eBay don't own that company and has no control over them, plus BidPay don't have instants payments.
This is Black Max.
spinach.chin (Private ) Nov-06-07 15:41 PST 125
but I'm a little tired of eBay pushing Paypal on everyone
Yeah, how silly of eBay to push a company that they own.
mygi*** (6966 ) Nov-06-07 15:56 PST 126
DEAR PINK Eliang -
WOW thanks for the time you have spent here! You took some hard punches and I appreciate you hanging in here with the posters!
I did have a questions re your statement "We also learned a lot from Express."
If the Guest Buyer thing works like you hope it will, do you forsee a this possibly replacing EE?
And as for the "confirmed address" thing, although we don't have choice to "opt out" of Guest Buying, can we choose to set our "preferences" to only accept payments from buyers with Confirmed Addresses? If we do that, won't the GUEST BUYER be forced to register with a confirmed address in order to make a purchase from an eBay Seller?
I personally don't mind shipping to unconfirmed addresses. I do it all the time with no problem but I do understand the concerns of those with high priced/high risk items not wanting to do so.
ALSO, I actually LIKE the idea of Guest Buying if it takes the place of EE in the future. I want eBay to feed my STORE listings to Google and stop feeding my EE Listings.
mygi*** (6966 ) Nov-06-07 15:58 PST 127
Typo Correction for above-
If the Guest Buyer thing works like eBay hopes it will, do you foresee this as possibly replacing EE?
clact (3881 )
Nov-06-07 16:05 PST
128
Hi Evan, I would like to say THANK YOU for the excellent job you did explaining this new feature of Ebay. In my opinion this is exactly what is needed when new things come forward.
I am very excited about this feature. It is something I have mentioned in the past as having the potential to get people into the site and then hook them in.
I realize the process of working through an explanation and Q&A is timeintensive so I wanted to give you some well deserved credit.
Thanks for your work on this project and if sellers can offer any feedback to you to help this along definately let us know!
Marty
dkid2000 (16 )
Nov-06-07 16:06 PST
129
It's also a way to fool new buyers into thinking they MUST have a Paypal account and pay that way.
No, but they have to pay through Paypal, which shouldn't be necessary.
Slow down peep. The buyers don't have to pay with paypal.
If the buyer wishes to pay by a method other than paypal, they just need to complete the registration process.
Many sellers don't want their auctions ended by "guest" buyers who "promise" to pay by check.
[email protected]
Nov-06-07 16:13 PST
130
Q: If the Guest Buyer thing works like you hope it will, do you forsee a this possibly replacing EE?
A: We saw this as taking one of the best things from Express and decided to move it over to core. No plans to replace Express but we are always transferring good ideas back and forth between platforms.
[email protected]
Nov-06-07 16:14 PST
131
Q: And as for the "confirmed address" thing, although we don't have choice to "opt out" of Guest Buying, can we choose to set our "preferences" to only accept payments from buyers with Confirmed Addresses? If we do that, won't the GUEST BUYER be forced to register with a confirmed address in order to make a purchase from an eBay Seller?
A: Yes, you can always choose to only select confirmed address. For guest users confirmed address means shipping is equal to billing address.
black*max (12 )
Nov-06-07 16:15 PST
132
If the buyer wishes to pay by a method other than paypal, they just need to complete the registration process.
Same for eChecks, they must register then for a full account.
This is Black Max.
[email protected]
Nov-06-07 16:16 PST
133
Q: I personally don't mind shipping to unconfirmed addresses. I do it all the time with no problem but I do understand the concerns of those with high priced/high risk items not wanting to do so.
A: There is an ASP limit that we have set at $2,000 which is something we can change if warranted.
[email protected]
Nov-06-07 16:29 PST
134 of 164
OK everyone this may be my last post for today. I saw on some other thread that they were now thinking something is wrong since I've been too responsive! Nope, I just like talking about this feature.
Thanks for all your great questions and feedback. This has been a great thread and I hope we have answered most of them. Feel free to post anything else you have here as we have pinned this thread and will monitor it.
kare*** (1742 )
Nov-06-07 17:00 PST
135 of 164
THANK YOU Evan for taking the time to explain this new option!
Have you found a way to give GB an eX-like "Wish List", since we lack a Shopping Cart on this site? Somewhere they can keep track of things they're interested in buying?
Of course, we really want a Shopping Cart, but we'll be patient
dkid2000 (16 )
Nov-06-07 17:05 PST
136
I saw on some other thread that they were now thinking something is wrong since I've been too responsive! Nope, I just like talking about this feature.
LOL
I would not worry about that too much, you did a fine job, better than I have seen in quite some time from the a "pink".
Those types of comments are just the "cynical ebayer" way, they will rail on and on about "WHY, WHY don't the pinks explain things" and then if one does, it is "WHY, WHY is a pink expaining this, must be bad".
I would just chalk it up to surprise you didn't "bail" after the first few questions.
black*max (12 )
Nov-06-07 17:11 PST
137
Thanks Evan, the West coast will be here soon, the best questions are comming.
This is Black Max.
ruane9302 (236 )
Nov-06-07 18:00 PST
138
Yes! kudos to Evan! never seen a pink so involved in a thread. Got one more Evan,kind of personal, Is this program your baby? and how long have you been working on it? ...Ok 2 ...I ask that because the copyright dates on the test pages are 2006. Also noticed the tax rate on 18 dollars, Wow! you predicting that? ...Errr, 3 questions.
tiff*** (40 )
Nov-06-07 18:19 PST
139
This may be a dumb question from a newbie - but what is a premier/business Paypal account? This says that you must have one in order to sell to a Guest Buyer, and I'm unclear on what that means. Is it a Paypal account you pay for, rather than the free one?
sojo*** (2350 )
Nov-06-07 18:45 PST
140
Thanks for taking so much time with us Evan! I agree that there would be a lot less anxiety if ebay did something like this with each new roll-out.
Personally, I'm relieved because I don't think there's going to be all that much action with this -- sounds like it has the same snags as ebay Express, and a few more new ones. Since I'll probably never see a guest buyers, not worth stressing about it. For those who really can't accept this, they should switch to paypal confirmed only for a while, which should eliminate most guest buyers.
sojo
Things are going swimmingly here...
peep*** (686 )
Nov-06-07 18:52 PST
141
Tiffany, having a premier or business Paypal account means you can accept credit card payments. Paypal has a personal account you can use, but you can't accept credit cards with that type of account.
peep*** (686 )
Nov-06-07 18:57 PST
142
"If the buyer wishes to pay by a method other than paypal, they just need to complete the registration process."
That would kind of defeat the whole alleged point of this "guest buyer" concept, now wouldn't it? It's geared toward the lazy buyer who can't bother spending 15 minutes signing up for eBay or Paypal. Or for the suspended eBayer who wants to bid again and doesn't want his identity revealed.
3sist*** (986 )
Nov-06-07 19:05 PST
143 o
Thanks Evan! I really like this idea for new buyers and think it will also be a great way to introduce new people to Ebay.
I am excited and can't wait to share! I was an on-line shopper for years before coming to Ebay as it was too intimidating
dimesy1 (0 )
Nov-06-07 19:07 PST
144
I have a question about the guest Checkout screen image in post 94. At the bottom of the screen, there’s a button to click for
Other accepted payment methods (money order, personal check, other).
What happens if a 'guest' clicks on that?
dkid2000 (16 )
Nov-06-07 19:10 PST
145
That would kind of defeat the whole alleged point of this "guest buyer" concept, now wouldn't it?
Yes, a buyer who wants to do it "old school" is going to have to complete the extra steps. That is the only way this type of thing makes any sense since sellers are already wary of "guest" buying.
It's geared toward the lazy buyer who can't bother spending 15 minutes signing up for eBay or Paypal.
You are free to negativly slam the buyers this is geared toward, short-sighted sellers often slam any buyer but the "perfect" buyer.
This is probably more geared to the new buyer who has 15 minutes before they leave for work or before the pot needs to come of the stove and finds something they want out of the blue(It's called impulse buying). Sometimes they attempt to sign up and find that their first choice of username(their first name and the number 1) is taken and go "BAH, I will try again later" and many of them never do.
This sounds like an attempt to capture those buyers.
peep*** (686 )
Nov-06-07 19:15 PST
146
Yes, I'm familiar with impulse buyers. They're later known as "chargeback" buyers. They bid on the spur of the moment, have buyer's remorse later on and decide to get their money back with Paypal's blessing.
dkid2000 (16 )
Nov-06-07 19:19 PST
147
Yes, I'm familiar with impulse buyers. They're later known as "chargeback" buyers.
LOL
This is probably geared more to sellers a tad more "glass half-full" than "POISION IN THE GLASS".
windorphin (15 )
Nov-06-07 19:24 PST
148
Love the analogy dkid
peep*** (686 )
Nov-06-07 19:27 PST
149
Sorry if you think my opinion of these idea is "poison". I usually view the glass as half-full. But when Paypal is involved, the glass will always be half-empty. I wonder what sellers with merchant accounts with think of this idea? Why are they omitted from this "guest buyer" concept? This is yet another example of eBay "tying" Paypal in with eBay, which is a violation of anti-trust laws.
black*max (12 )
Nov-06-07 19:33 PST
150
What if the buyer clickes on other payment?
They will be required to become a full member to complete the checkout.
This is Black Max.
black*max (12 )
Nov-06-07 19:40 PST
151
I see where it was stated this only works for Papal payments "At this time" to me that sounds like it will be offered at sometime to other payment processors.
Be aware though, your payment processor would also need to program for it.
This is Black Max.
ging*** (2736 )
Nov-06-07 19:47 PST
152
Big Thanks, Evan, for your patience in explaining.
If I understand correctly, when a new visitor clicks on the link to shop, then the BIN and Store items are ALL that they will see.
I see this as increasing exposure and traffic for my store. Sounds like a good thing to me.
windorphin (15 )
Nov-06-07 19:50 PST
153
Uhhhhh, where do you read that, gingersdolls?
ging*** (2736 )
Nov-06-07 19:53 PST
154
...and I don't care if there is no feedback involved. Its a royal pain anyway.
When a customer made a purchase from my B&M store, there was no list of former happy customers posted on the counter....and I did very well. JMHO
ging*** (2736 )
Nov-06-07 19:57 PST
155
windorphin...maybe I am reading too much into this but the second or third paragraph in the OP.
a new feature that we believe will help increase the number of new buyers who purchase sellers' Fixed Price and Store Inventory listings.
It would be ridiculous for eBay to not sort these for the buyer, or it would be a shopping nightmare. I sure am hopeful that this is their intention....but then, I am always looking for a pony under the pile of horses..t.
black*max (12 )
Nov-06-07 20:03 PST
156
I wonder what sellers with merchant accounts with think of this idea? Why are they omitted from this "guest buyer" concept? This is yet another example of eBay "tying" Paypal in with eBay, which is a violation of anti-trust laws.
Humm so far sellers with other payment processors say they're glad they won't be involved with quest buyers.
This is Black Max.
windorphin (15 )
Nov-06-07 20:08 PST
157
In post 85, it looks to me like actually clicking on the buy it now button is the only way to know for sure if it is eligible.
dimesy1 (0 )
Nov-06-07 20:09 PST
158
I see where it was stated this only works for Papal payments "At this time" to me that sounds like it will be offered at sometime to other payment processors.
I must be missing something here. Why include an option on the guest checkout screen to pay by check or money order, if it's a prerequisite that 'guests' use paypal (presumably by creditcard, if they're new to it)?
What's the point of displaying unavailable payment methods?
windorphin (15 )
Nov-06-07 20:09 PST
159
Humm so far sellers with other payment processors say they're glad they won't be involved with quest buyers.
Fine by me, I've already changed most of the listings on my other ID to say GUEST BUYERS WELCOME!, in anticipation of its availability in all categories.
windorphin (15 )
Nov-06-07 20:16 PST
160
I don't see any option on the guest checkout screen that says check or money order.
windorphin (15 )
Nov-06-07 20:20 PST
161
Ok, I see it now.
black*max (12 )
Nov-06-07 20:24 PST
162
What's the point of displaying unavailable payment methods?
Evan said it is there but the buyer will have to complete the regestration and become a member to use it.
This is Black Max.
auct*** (8994 )
Nov-06-07 20:56 PST
163
This is a very positive move, and should increase sales. i myself know people that will not buy off eBay because they do not want to sign up. Thanks eBay
proverbs*31*mom (387 )
Nov-07-07 00:34 PST
164
I agree. I would like to have the option to buy without a buyer id. However, it does say that current users will be blocked.
The cynicism is always laughable to me in some ways. I think this is a genius move on eBay's part. It gets more sales...more people looking. And since eBay is and can be addictive it will hook thme in. Notice it limits a person to 2 transactions??
clos*** (473 ) Nov-07-07 02:31 PST 165 of 166
Q. What part of don't scre w with things in the 4th qtr does ebay not understand?
A: We wanted to try and get this out in time for Q4 because this is when we have the most new users on the site so they and the sellers can benefit from the feature
Does the ebay R & D team have the movie ''Operation Petticoat'' running all the time on a big screen TV somewhere in their office?
Especially the scene, where the sub is docked in a port that is getting attacked, and the captain is asking ''Where is Mr. Holden? (the logistics officer)'' The response given by a crewman is ''Mr. Holden says, In confusion there is profit''
mygi*** (6969 ) Nov-07-07 05:34 PST 166 of 166
closingshoppe
Great post! Can't quit laughing (love that movie).
But I do have a question: If there is profit in confusion, WHY aren't all the eBay Sellers Filthy RICH???
I am "confused" LOL.
ebab*** (37 ) Nov-07-07 09:54 PST 167
I haven't read through this lengthy thread, so please forgive me if these questions have been asked and/or answered.
1. Auction Interrupted: I accept PayPal only. When a "guest buyer" wins one of my auctions and is subsequenly not accepted by PayPal, what is the procedure for relisting? Does the first relist count as the ONlY relist for which we can be reimbursed?
What if yet another unaccepted "guest buyer" strikes again? Have we lost our listing fees twice? At the very least, have we lost our $$$ for all the auction "enhancements" we purchased? And, what are my options if a dead beat "guest buyer" ends a BIN auction.
2. One of the conditions for "guest buying" reads:
You must use eBay's checkout system. Third-party checkout will not be supported at this time.
Might third-party checkout be the most viable way to opt out of "guest buying?"
ruan*** (236 ) Nov-07-07 10:06 PST 168
Guest buyer's are only allowed to purchase BIN's not auctions.
guest buyers won't have a confirmed address, adjust preferences accordingly.
black*max (12 ) Nov-07-07 10:07 PST 169
1. Auction Interrupted: I accept PayPal only. When a "guest buyer" wins one of my auctions and is subsequenly not accepted by PayPal, what is the procedure for relisting? Does the first relist count as the ONlY relist for which we can be reimbursed?
No need to relist, listing stays up until it's paid for.
A way to opt out would be "Comfirmed address required"
This is Black Max.
closi*** (473 ) Nov-07-07 10:12 PST 170
ebay makes the profit.
In all this confusion sellers are still going to list and make some sells. Maybe not as many as they would like, but some anyway.
The buyers are being confused with having more than one BASIC way to search, i.e. window shopping, best match, keyword, and any other tests going on at this busy time of the year. They (the buyer) can't know which search method they will get once they get here. (Guess they better learn that's just the way it is on ebay.) It may be one they have used before and liked or it could be any1 of the # of test searches currently going on. ( Wonder what happened to ''quiet time''? supposedly the QT was the Holiday selling season in which ebay wouldn't be introducing anything new or testing that could disrupt the flow of buyers buying and sellers selling.)
With confused buyers/searchers, it is most likely they will either buy something from the wrong sort seller (and have a bad experience) or NOT FIND what they were looking for.
For sellers, this confusion makes for a lot more relisting.
ebay makes the profit.
ebab*** (37 ) Nov-07-07 10:19 PST 171
Thanks "guys" for your responses. I have always accepted unconfirmed addresses and have never had a problem. But, I'll now give serious consderation to requiring confirmed addresses only.
bidding4goodies (0 ) Nov-07-07 10:32 PST 172
Hi
On the thank you for payment page, why was it necessary to add that stuff about tracking your order?
This is a misleading and potentially harmful way to introduce some guests to the way items can be shipped.
Not everyone ships through a carrier that uses a Tracking service/number.
Those who use usps mail get a delivery confirmation number -- not tracking.
Many new buyers and some seasoned buyers that are registered still equate a delivery confirmation number with tracking which it is not.
And to be covered under paypal's Seller Protection Plan some need to use a delivery confirmation #/signature confirmation-- both which are not tracking.
I realize that the guest may not click on that part to become a member and track the item they bought as a guest, but they could.
And now you have already planted the idea in their head that by registering they
CAN get track their shipment.
Why do you do this? It is not the way everyone does shipping here and it is misleading to the guest.
It would be a wise move, IMHO, to stop using the term tracking as it does not work for all shipping carriers.
Nor all sellers use tracking services.
I urge ebay to take this part under consideration.
As to the guests having to do less pages to complete when becoming a guest, I don't remember it being such a hassel when I became a member here.
I like the idea of encouraging new buyers here.
I just don't see this as the way best way to do it.
Just my 2 cents.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 10:35 PST 173
Many new buyers and some seasoned buyers that are registered still equate a delivery confirmation number with tracking which it is not.
Depends. If you use the SCAN form, it is tracking as well.
Luck O' The Amish
horse-shoes-and-hand-grenades (12 ) Nov-07-07 12:17 PST 174
Post 169 A way to opt out would be "Comfirmed address required"
Not so, Max. [email protected] in his Post 131 stated
Yes, you can always choose to only select confirmed address. For guest users confirmed address means shipping is equal to billing address.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 12:34 PST 175
You can opt out different ways.
1)Don't accept paypal
2)Don't specify shipping
3)Don't offer BIN
Luck O' The Amish
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 12:34 PST 176
4) Use 3rd party checkout
Luck O' The Amish
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 12:35 PST 177
oh, and don't forget the oft repeated
5)Close my account
Luck O' The Amish
kittyspostingid (0 ) View Listings | Report Nov-07-07 13:21 PST 178
I seriously don't get why sellers are upset about this. I am sure not.
When accepting PayPal on your listings you have the same risk if a registered buyer wins as a Guest buyer. Nothing changes. Chargebacks are still present and will continue to be present even if you sell to a registered user. You are provided the same information that you would about a first time registered buyer. You know their name, address to ship to and possibly their phone number. Other than not knowing their selected user ID they got when registering nothing changes really.
Except for that you may have a better chance at selling your item to someone.
Shipping insurance and tracking is more beneficial to the seller rather than the buyer.
postcards2go (790 ) Nov-07-07 13:41 PST 179
On the thank you for payment page, why was it necessary to add that stuff about tracking your order?
This is a misleading and potentially harmful way to introduce some guests to the way items can be shipped.
Not everyone ships through a carrier that uses a Tracking service/number.
Those who use usps mail get a delivery confirmation number -- not tracking.
My cards don't have ANY kind of tracking or confirmation. They are shipped in cardboard mailers, to which an ordinary postage stamp is affixed.
I would imagine that stamp, photograph, as well as other postcard sellers who can ship for the cost of a postage stamp, don't pay (or force their customers to pay) for tracking.
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-07-07 14:10 PST 180
I seriously don't get why sellers are upset about this. I am sure not.
Nothing is as it seems. Remember fb? It was supposed to rate your trading partner, now it is used to suspend sellers. The DSRs same thing and more, they will now be used to filter search by the highest rated sellers.
When asked what protection there is against fraud, the pink gave a vague canned answer. When asked to explain the details of what paypal and ebay do to prevent fraud, he said that "he did not know." Doesn't exactly inspire confidence in a new system that is being "tested" when you, the sellers, are the guinea pigs.
Bill Cobbs, said in the last Town Hall meeting that ebay was not going to roll out any major changes before the holidays; there have been changes to search and now this. Again, doesn't inspire confidence.
I would like a verified phone number to call for someone that is purchasing with this system. At least that way, I could call and make sure that the person that answers the phone is my customer at the address given, and not someone that has stolen a CC.
Let me tell you the last chargeback I had, paypal said that it was a fraudulent charge, but refused to do any follow up investigation. Nothing. So, I don't see that they are doing anything to fight fraud once it happens. They do charge you, the seller $10 for the chargeback fee. I guess that will teach the criminal that committed the crime a lesson.
Paypal and ebay do not go after criminals, yet they treat sellers that get a couple of negatives, like criminals and hit them with suspensions. That is upsetting.
kittyspostingid (0 ) Nov-07-07 14:16 PST 181
Yes but this would happen regardless if they just register a new account and do it or don't register a new account. That aspect wont change.
Shipping insurance and tracking is more beneficial to the seller rather than the buyer.
smor*** (2266 ) Nov-07-07 14:49 PST 182
What everyone keeps forgetting in this newest "help us look good on Wall Street" plan, is that all the Guests in the world will not improve your sales if SEARCH still blocks out Stores.
Folks, like Affiliates, who do outside advertising to bring customers here to eBay, do not show Stores ... only Auctions. One has to do twists and turns to show Store inventory and it is not worth the time and effort. So, customers looking at outside WebSites with eBay listings STILL WILL NOT SEE STORES.
eBay's Search has got to go back to the real thing, otherwise, you will not benefit.
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-07-07 14:53 PST 183
Yes, that is true smorgasboard. I doubt a newbie is going to find the hidden link to see more items in stores.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 14:56 PST 184
whatchootalkingabout? I just searched google for a particular item and my store item showed up second.
Luck O' The Amish
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-07-07 15:10 PST 185
Talkin' 'bout ebay search. Talkin' 'bout the fact that ebay does not include store items in ebay search. They used to when they "made a mistake" last year. Then they discovered that buyers and sellers were transacting in ebay stores, therefore; sellers were not listing in core. Translation: ebay was losing money from sellers not listing as many auctions. So, ebay stopped including store items in search.
the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth (22 ) Nov-07-07 16:58 PST 186
Many guests will be coming in from outside search engines like Google. Not from the Ebay search.
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-07-07 17:55 PST 187
They may initially come to ebay through google. But then if they search for the item that brought them to ebay on the ebay site, they will only see buy it now items in listings, not store items. So, this program is not going to direct buyers to ebay stores, unless they go directly from google to a members store and buy it now, immediately. I don't know about you, but when I buy, I search for other similar items to compare price and value. And as a newbie, I would search ebay. Again, the fact that ebay does not include store items in search is what I was referring to. That would be a nice concession to sellers for this program: put store items back in search.
This program is to make it easy for buyers. It is from the buyer's experience team. Maybe we should have an ebay experience team that considers both the buyers and sellers experience. Here is a name: the ebay experience team. What a concept.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 18:19 PST 188
Yeah, curse those buyers, and eBay making it easy for them to purchase..... from...... sellers? Yeah, we need a concession for that travesty.
Luck O' The Amish
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-07-07 18:51 PST 189
Hey, I'm all for legitimate buyers, buying. No problem with that. Be great to be able to have my items seen by those buyers too.
jle8*** (448 ) Nov-07-07 19:05 PST 190
Hi, I'm not sure about eBay not making money on store inventory, they get the .06 to keep in store with gallery and they get 10% of the sale. Sure they lose some on listing fees, but if you sell a lot of inventory, then they would make money. I don't think eBay has ever set anything up where they would lose money.
skip*** (989 ) Nov-07-07 20:09 PST 191
OK - Having read the entire thread, and the answers from the eBay rep, I'm still not sold on the guest buying program.
Current bad buyers often open another eBay account as soon as the old account gets too many feedback negs. That is not allowed under eBay rules, yet it happens. It would seem that the guest buyer program is just inviting more fraud, and less accountability from buyers.
As a seller, I want as many sales at as high a price as possible. However, one sale to a non-paying buyer, or one of the buyers who think it's fun to run up the bid on an item - then disappear without paying, can put the dampers on a seller's cash flow (especially if that item is a high dollar item).
I would rather have eBay verify every bidder and seller with the major credit bureaus than have this risky program.
John
jle8*** (448 ) Nov-07-07 20:13 PST 192
Hi, I agree with skipper-john. IMO this is a disaster waiting to happen. I guess with the losses eBay has suffered recently that they will now do anything to make a buck, except of course, protect honest sellers.
jle8*** (448 ) Nov-07-07 20:15 PST 193
I also agree with the*dog*ate*my*tablecloth, we need search to show our store inventory. Just a simple link to what's available in inventory would make a big difference.
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-07-07 20:26 PST 194
Love the car skipper john.
Nothing beats an old goat.
It is not that ebay loses money on stores. They make MORE money on listings. That is why we have been seeing all the promotions: free gallery etc for LISTINGS.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 20:39 PST 195
Just a simple link to what's available in inventory would make a big difference.
Buyers would have to click on that link, and they have the ability to do that NOW through search options 'add store inventory'.
skipper-john, I know you said you read the whole thing, so why do I get the impression that you think guest buyers can 'bid an item up'?
luck O' the Amish
peep*** (686 ) Nov-07-07 21:17 PST 196
"Yeah, curse those buyers, and eBay making it easy for them to purchase..... from...... sellers?"
It's not the buyers everyone's worried about, it's the NARU'd scammers coming back under the "guest" ID. Many sellers are already concerned about how secure eBay is and this will do nothing to ease those concerns...
jle8*** (448 ) Nov-07-07 21:32 PST 197
windorphin , So when have buyers been reading the listing pages?
jle8** (448 ) Nov-07-07 21:33 PST 198
IMO eBay has been getting less and less secure.
jle8** (448 ) Nov-07-07 21:35 PST 199
IMO it's also a perfect venue for shill bidders.
jle8** (448 ) Nov-07-07 21:39 PST 200
You go to an internet cafe, log in as a guest bidder, bid a few times, log out, shill done.
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 21:46 PST 201
peep, the naru'd scammers will open a new eBay account so that they don't have to pay immediately. guest scammers would need a stolen C C, and as long as you only ship to the billing address, you've got your knickers in a twist for no reason.
luck O' the Amish
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 21:47 PST 202
You go to an internet cafe, log in as a guest bidder, bid a few times, log out, shill done.
jle801, I can understand not reading the whole thread, but did you even read the OP? There is NO SUCH THING as a guest BIDDER, only guest buyers. Immediate Payment on BIN only. No bidding.
luck O' the Amish
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 21:52 PST 203
Sorry, I'm just getting testy because that same thing keeps coming up. There is no bidding as guest.
luck O' the Amish
pirate_aye (1 ) Nov-07-07 22:24 PST 204
There is no guest bidding, only buying using buy it now.
Sorry you are testy...it may be because someone confused the issue by bringing it into the discussion:
skipper-john, I know you said you read the whole thing, so why do I get the impression that you think guest buyers can 'bid an item up'?
windorphin (15 ) Nov-07-07 22:43 PST 205
I didn't bring it. I thought I quoted skipper with 'bid an item up' when what he really said was 'run up the bid'. So...
That was me telling skipper that guests cannot 'run up the bid'. Sorry if that was confusing.
luck O' the Amish
this-is-intense (0 ) Nov-08-07 02:38 PST 206
I get enough headache with new, registered fraudulent bidders. I can anticipate this getting even worse, gotta go. I need to go snipe on a big lot of Excedrin, so I can keep my headache in control without paying retail.
smor*** (2266 ) Nov-08-07 08:35 PST 207
To clarify and amplify my last statement ... I am talking about Affiliates --- not an outside Search engine like GooGoo.
Affiliates put eBay ads on their WebSites to direct traffic to eBay. If a person clicks through and purchases something, the WebSite gets a percentage of the fees that eBay collects.
There are thousands - perhaps tens of thousands - of these on the 'Net ... all directing traffic to eBay.
However, for the most part - with the exception of a few programs for those who are good with API and computer programming - the vast majority use an eBay program like the Editor's Kit. This shows items on eBay, along with a variety of other information which is User-defined --- like ending date, shipping charges, etc. --- based on Search criteria inputted.
The BIG however, however, is that these DO NOT, repeat DO NOT, show Store items ... only Auctions.
In a few rare cases, this does not make alot of difference. But in most cases, it means the ITEMS a potential customer is looking at is a fraction of what is actually available.
As an example, do a search for "avalon hill" "pc" on eBay. The last time I checked there were 3 available on Auction and 22 available in Stores. The Editor Kit WOULD ONLY SHOW THOSE 3, not the 22 in Stores. It's like looking at eBay's Search results without the additional 22 listed below for Stores.
That is just one example where someone looking at the list of items is only seeing 12% of what's available ... and probably thinks that is all that is available, too, without ever clicking on the eBay Site itself.
To get an idea of what is NOT being shown ... every time you do a Search for an item, just remember that what shows in an Editor's Kit on a WebSite which belongs to an Affiliate, is ONLY the Auctions ... even if there are NO Auctions for that item, NO Store items show.
See what Stores are missing out on?
peep*** (686 ) View Nov-08-07 20:13 PST 208 of 238
"you've got your knickers in a twist for no reason."
My knickers aren't in a twist, but I do like that expression! LOL!
peep*** (686 ) View Nov-08-07 20:15 PST 209 of 238
I just don't think it's a good idea for a bidder to be able to buy something as a "guest". Now a person can buy an item and pay for it with Paypal without ever registering for eBay OR Paypal? How is that a good idea, security wise?
skip*** (989 ) View Nov-08-07 20:44 PST 210 of 238
skipper-john, I know you said you read the whole thing, so why do I get the impression that you think guest buyers can 'bid an item up'?
I worded that poorly.
Guest buyers can buy (not bid up) a fixed price item. However, when a fraud buyer purchases an item with buy-it-now and then vanishes, a seller is stuck for awhile with the item, no payment, and a listing and selling fee (I realize that the selling fee will be refunded, but you're stuck in the meantime).
EBay is not verifying that the credit card, the person's address, and the person's name are all match. They could do so by checking with the major credit bureaus. I don't believe that is done.
As I mentioned previously, I want more accountability, not less, when it comes to both buying and selling. I'd like to trust that the person buying from me or selling to me is indeed who they claim to be.
If the guest buyers have to use PayPal, don't they have to sign up for that? Since eBay and PayPal are joined at the hip, why not have one signup for both services, and do more checking for legitimacy in that signup.
As far as getting your knickers in a twist, I'd always heard "don't get your panties in a bunch".
John
peep*** (686 ) View Nov-08-07 22:19 PST 211 of 238
"If the guest buyers have to use PayPal, don't they have to sign up for that?"
No, and that's the problem. They can use eBay and Paypal without ever sgining up for either one. Bad idea, IMO.
peep*** (686 ) View Nov-08-07 22:19 PST 212 of 238
signing up, sorry.
windorphin (15 ) View Nov-08-07 22:51 PST 213 of 238
Now a person can buy an item and pay for it with Paypal without ever registering for eBay OR Paypal? How is that a good idea, security wise?
Zero difference from any other ecommerce site. Credit card used as payment via paypal, and to protect yourself, ship only to the billing address. If you do things right as a seller to protect yourself, you have LESS to worry about than with a zero FB bidder. Someone with an eBay account doesn't always have to have the monies to back it up. A guest buyer does.
luck O' the Amish
windorphin (15 ) View Nov-08-07 22:56 PST 214 of 238
Think of it from a scammer perspective. what is easiest to come by, a fake eBay account, or a stolen credit card.
Even with a stolen CC, the buyer would then have to convince the seller to ship to someplace other than the billing address.
luck O' the Amish
skip*** (989 ) View Nov-09-07 07:43 PST 215 of 238
Billing address??? If the guest buyers don't have to sign up for PayPal or eBay, where does the billing address come from?
There is no billing address on the credit card. Who supplies that billing address? Is it the guest buyer? How is that address verified?
John
ruane9302 (237 ) View Nov-09-07 08:40 PST 216 of 238
Guest buyers can buy (not bid up) a fixed price item. However, when a fraud buyer purchases an item with buy-it-now and then vanishes, a seller is stuck for awhile with the item, no payment, and a listing and selling fee (I realize that the selling fee will be refunded, but you're stuck in the meantime).
What I understand is that the listing isn't pulled until the money clears paypal. So essentially you will never know that a guest buyer clicked the BIN and didn't pay. The listing won't budge. Anyone please correct me if I'm wrong.
[email protected] View Nov-09-07 08:45 PST 217 of 238
Q: Billing address??? If the guest buyers don't have to sign up for PayPal or eBay, where does the billing address come from?
A: Please look at post 92 with a mock up. Similar to most e-commerce sites we ask for billing address when you enter your credit card info. We actually default it to the shipping address. This info is then submitted to PayPal where it runs thru our fraud models to make sure it is a valid credit card. For guest buyers if shipping does not equal to billing than it is not considered a confirmed address.
dimesy1 (0 ) View Nov-09-07 09:11 PST 218 of 238
So the 'guest buyer' program won't be available on eBay Express (where buyers are free to specify a shipping address that's different from the cc billing address)?
ging*** (2736 ) View Nov-09-07 09:14 PST 219 of 238
Evan, thanks for all the help answering our questions about this. It sounds pretty much like most selling websites. I like it so far.
I have not yet seen the answer to this question: When a guest comes to eBay and wants to shop, are they presented with ALL listings? I hope not.
Seems like it would be confusing if they clicked on auctions, and were unable to buy, so the ideal situation would be if the search were sorted to exclude auctions.
I am hoping your answer is yes to the sort!
windorphin (15 ) View Nov-09-07 09:20 PST 220 of 238
You can use use the search options to include only BIN listings, but a guest does not automatically see only those. Try logging off and browsing to check it out.
luck O' the Amish
[email protected] View Nov-09-07 10:05 PST 221 of 238
Q: When a guest comes to eBay and wants to shop, are they presented with ALL listings?
A: Actually it's the other way around, when a new unregistered user comes to eBay we want to them first find an item they want to buy/bid, which is more important, and when they click the BIN button and see the sign in page we determine whether or not that item is guest eligible. If it is eligible he can checkout as a guest, if not, he must register before buying which is the same as today. As a brand new user he probably won't know the difference between the two flows. By the way, the user always has the option to register even when guest checkout is available - see the screenshot I posted of the sign in page. Thanks.
ging*** (2736 ) View Nov-09-07 10:22 PST 222 of 238
Thanks Evan. I was hoping it was going to be easier for folks to buy. If you have recently tried to register a buyer ID that is not already taken, you would know what I mean. After about 10 or so tries, they may just give up and go elsewhere.
Also if I was new, and managed to find an item that I wanted, and then discovered that I couldn't have it without registering, I may not stick around. Computers are very intimidating....especially for older folks...you know...the ones with the purchasing power.
I really wish folks could just find their item, poke the "buy" button, and whip out their credit card. LOL
[email protected] View Nov-09-07 11:57 PST 223 of 238
Gingerdolls,
Q: I really wish folks could just find their item, poke the "buy" button, and whip out their credit card. LOL
A: Actually that is exactly what should happen provided the item is guest eligible
ndi-roma (11 ) View Nov-09-07 12:01 PST 224 of 238
Evan,
I am curious about how potential guest buyer are to find
out about the program. Is there an ad campaign that mentions
it? I don't watch television...
I would also be interesting to know, down the road, how many
guest buyers convert to registered users.
Thanks,
ndi-roma
skip*** (989 ) View Nov-09-07 19:22 PST 225 of 238
Similar to most e-commerce sites we ask for billing address when you enter your credit card info. We actually default it to the shipping address.
You've just reinforced my skepticism of the guest buying program. If the buyer can enter his own billing address, how is that address verified against his credit card?
Does PayPal/eBay check the address with the credit bureaus? Would PayPal consider guaranteeing the payments to the sellers from guest buyers?
Of course a seller could always bypass the guest buying program by not accepting PayPal payments, but they would shut out a lot of registered eBay buyers by doing so.
John
windorphin (15 ) View Nov-09-07 19:27 PST 226 of 238
The same way that you confirm your paypal address. You enter it, and it has to match.
luck O' the Amish
sharon6511 (Private ) View Nov-10-07 05:08 PST 227 of 238
REf Wow, such skepticism. We've been working on this for a long time, especially around how to design a secure system to address the issues you guys have brought up. We also learned a lot from Express.
Evan, The Reason For such skepticism is ebay's track record. You learned a lot from ebay express? Like what? Remember the launch of that? Same opening line you used here, "Our surveys show this is what buyers want".
Really, If a guest really wants an item, they will register. Allowing guests to buy and yet they cannot leave feedback is not what ebay was founded on. Slowly ebay is destroying the very core of ebay. This and the continued unprecedented listing discounts ebay is offering is telling a story you do not need a survey to figure out. You are losing buyers and sellers. Fix the problem, do not put a patch on it.
sharon6511 (Private ) View Nov-10-07 05:23 PST 228 of 238
Correction, Do not continue to make it worse, as this is not a patch.
Feedback to me is as important as the sale. It helps my store grow. I am looking to make a profit, just like ebay, however i know building a reputation takes time, and will help with sales in the future. Ebay's interest seems to be to grab whatever they can now, And worry about the future later, which is why we are at the point we are today.
skip*** (989 ) View Nov-10-07 08:28 PST 229 of 238
The same way that you confirm your paypal address. You enter it, and it has to match.
Match what? How is the address verified?
If there is no verification, a fraudulent buyer can easily make all addresses match (they are the ones entering the addresses).
John
windorphin (15 ) View Nov-10-07 08:32 PST 230 of 238
http://forums.ebay.com/db2/thread.jspa?threadID=1000594845&start=194
FIGHT! FIGHT!
luck O' the Amish
snow*dreams (2 ) View Nov-10-07 10:03 PST 231 of 238
Lol, THAT will get people to click the link!
blaz*** (2189 ) View Nov-10-07 11:40 PST 232 of 238
Is this new feature geared more towards eBay Express shopping rather than the main site?
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
Winston Churchill
touch*my*toes (12 ) View Nov-10-07 12:12 PST 233 of 238
Just wanted to say I think this is FABULOUS!
I can't tell you how many times I have left other sites because I didn't want another "account".
Excellent idea!
minnie_moo57 (19 ) View Nov-10-07 12:13 PST 234 of 238
Does PayPal/eBay check the address with the credit bureaus? Would PayPal consider guaranteeing the payments to the sellers from guest buyers?
The address is checked against the billing address on file with the credit card company. This is called the AVS system. It has been in place for many years now. It is the same system the PayPal uses to confirm most addresses.
Guest buyer payments will be guaranteed to the same extent any other PayPal payment is guaranteed. Follow the SPP and you should be okay.
Minnie
skip*** (989 ) View Nov-10-07 19:31 PST 235 of 238
Thanks Minnie for the information.
I didn't know that PayPal did any address confirmations at all. I appreciate the informatin. Do you know if they do any periodic checks to see if the addresses still match those of the registered credit card holder?
As far as I know, no PayPal payments are guaranteed. For example, if you get paid as a seller through PayPal, and the buyer's credit card is found to be fraudulent, would PayPal still pay the seller?
John
minnie_moo57 (19 ) View Nov-11-07 08:38 PST 236 of 238
I didn't know that PayPal did any address confirmations at all. I appreciate the informatin. Do you know if they do any periodic checks to see if the addresses still match those of the registered credit card holder?
With most systems, every time a charge is made, the address given would be checked against the billing address on file with the credit card company. Whether or not that happens with PayPal account holders, I couldn't say, but in the case of guest buyers, the check would be made each time.
As far as I know, no PayPal payments are guaranteed. For example, if you get paid as a seller through PayPal, and the buyer's credit card is found to be fraudulent, would PayPal still pay the seller?
Well, nobody guarantees credit card payments without some criteria being met. In the case of PayPal, it is the Seller Protection Policy. If you follow the SPP and a card is used fraudulently, you will still get your money. Some folks will argue that statement, but at least in my case I have found it to be true.
Minnie
dimesy1 (0 ) View Nov-11-07 11:19 PST 237 of 238
Paypal describes the process here.
jle8*** (451 ) View Nov-11-07 16:34 PST 238 of 238
sorry windorphin my bad
high*** (212 ) Nov-12-07 18:13 PST 239
No guest buyers my way yet?
Anyone else?
windorphin (16 ) Nov-12-07 19:09 PST 240
Nope, but I only have 1 item in an applicable category.
luck O' the Amish
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