So, you want to be an eBay PowerSeller. There are some serious criteria that you'll need to meet, if you want that dream to become a reality. eBay has recently made some changes to the PowerSeller eligibility requirements, effective in July 2008.

First and foremost, let's clear up any misconceptions about what an eBay PowerSeller is. According to eBay:

" PowerSellers rank among the most successful sellers on eBay in terms of sales and customer satisfaction".

"As a buyer, you can be confident that you are transacting with an experienced eBay seller with a proven commitment to customer satisfaction".

"As a seller, you enjoy exclusive benefits that celebrate your success in terms of sales volume and customer satisfaction, and help you grow your business".

So how does eBay determine if you can be a PowerSeller?

To qualify and remain as a member of the PowerSeller program you must:

• Uphold eBay Community Values, which include timeliness, honesty, and mutual respect.
• Meet the following average minimum sales requirements:
• Three Month Requirement: a minimum of $1,000 in sales or 100 items per month, for three consecutive months
• Annual Requirement: a minimum of $12,000 or 1,200 items for the prior twelve months
• Achieve the following minimum average of items sold:
• Three Month Requirement: 2 items sold per month for the past 3 months (6 items)
• Annual Requirement: 2 items sold per month for the past 12 months (24 items)
• Achieve an overall Feedback rating of 100, of which 98% or more is positive
• Have been an active member for 90 days
• Have an account in good financial standing
• Comply with all eBay listing and marketplace policies
   
• New requirement effective July 2008: have maintained a rating of 4.5 or higher for the past 12 months in all four detailed seller ratings (DSRs) - item as described, communication, shipping time, and shipping and handling charges.
• In the case of PowerSellers that sell exclusively in Motors Vehicles categories or Half.com the following requirements apply:
• Motors Vehicles categories - the requirement applies to item description and communication ratings only
• Half.com - since Half.com does not use detailed seller ratings (DSRs), these sellers are exempted from the DSR requirement

eBay will review PowerSeller eligibility every month, and if you don't meet the requirements you may lose your PowerSeller status.

The bottom line is follow the rules, treat your customers like gold, and go out of your way to keep them all happy! It pays off.

Author: Ken Soszka