The new eBay feature called “Guest Buying” is good news
Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 - 8:38 am
eBay is introducing a new feature called “Guest Buying“. This means that even customers without a full eBay account can now purchase items being sold on eBay with a “Buy it now” price. Store listings and fixed price listings are also eligible.
What are the implications?
This means the pool of buyers just got WAY bigger! That’s good news for all of us in my opinion.
Click to read more about the eBay Guest Buying Program right on eBay.com.
Join eBay’s official discussion of the new “Guest Buying” Feature on Wednesday, November 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific time. Even if you miss it live you can read the questions and answers left by others using that link.
My thoughts? This means more leads for my eBay sales funnel and I don’t have to pay a dime for it. That’s good news in my opinion. The buyers won’t be able to leave feedback which introduces an interesting spin, but we’ll see how that all plays out. For now I really like this idea.
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below.
Hmmm…What does this mean for Ebay affiliates who earn from Ebay sign-ups? I would imagine sign-up rates would decrease somewhat?
Not sure…
Hanif
[[reply from Jim]]: We actually had a great conversation about this on the MySilentTeam.com forums. “How will the eBay affiliate program be effected?”. Here’s the reply I left on the topic:
I have to present an opposing point of view here…
As as eBay affiliate I’m betting that this will put MORE money in my pocket. Not less. I’ll explain…
I think more buyers coming in will always be a good thing for those promoting the ebay affiliate program.
They (ebay) are helping to “fill our sales funnel” with a new kind of lead that we never would have seen otherwise.
There will be a strong incentive for “guest buyers” to become fully registered ebay buyers because they are only eligible to purchase about 30% (my estimate) of the items on eBay until they do register. I expect eBay to emphasize that point to them.
eBay isn’t doing this new program to pull the rug out from under affiliates…I think the net result will be a much bigger payout to affiliates as more buyers are allowed to “sample” the eBay experience and then go on to register. This isn’t a reaction to eBay paying out too much money on the affiliate program. If they were losing money they’d simply be lowering the payout rates…not brining in new leads.
Stated differently: If affiliate commissions drop across the board because of this program it means a failure for eBay as well - not just for affiliates. In that case they will can the program.
I LOVE IT!!! I just became a powerseller a few weeks ago and this will boost my sales even more. Thanks for all your great info Jim!
I agree it’s a bonus opportunity for building a list with your sales funnel. But I think it also will bring more NPB’ers and possible more fraudulent activity - which we don’t need. I guess we’ll have to see how it pans out.
I question eBay’s decision to roll out any new features like this at the ‘height’ of the buying season. They have a history of bad rollouts.
[[reply from Jim]] Don’t sweat it about NPB (non paying bidders) because ONLY “buy it now” listings that are paid for UP FRONT are available to unregistered eBay buyers. With that in mind I don’t see much of a risk here for sellers to participate. The only risk that remains is in dealing with the habitual refund seekers…I’m not sure if I want them buying my stuff without me being able to warn others of their bad habits…(no feedback can be left either way on the transactions)
Jim-
Love your leadership, your guidance, your newsletters and your book.
Re: the ebay announcement - for those of us who are dabbling in eBay’s affiliates program and aiming to get new eBayers to register for us to receive a bounty, won’t this Guest Buying program lessen the chance someone will actually register? (Then again, on the flip side, I presume the higher propensity to buy as a Guest would help our commissions for actual sales).
I have a 2nd Question: I remember you raving about eBay’s classified ads - are y0u still a proponent of them?
[[reply from Jim]] Thanks J.B.! See the response I just left for the other reader with the same question about the affiliate program. Another thought is that eBay will likely adjust the aff program to ramp up the payout on these transactions to balance out the negative effect on affiliates…we’ll see…
RE: classified ads on eBay: still loving them! Still waiting on eBay to clarify policy! Still see loads of low hanging fruit out there (using affiliate links in your ads etc.)
Off topic, The newsletter also mentioned the hot items list. I started selling one item from the list and got my 5 year old account suspended and paypal limited.
I even sent them invoices from my supplier to proof I have genuine products in stock.
So just a warning to others. I guess if you sell 1 or 2 it’s ok but don’t expect a full time income from these hot items
I think its a good thing, but I’m too new to know any better.
It’s a good thing.
Jim.Nice Blog.
Will this eBay feature be coming to the UK anytime soon?
Ken.