eBay UK Seller Update April 2025: Automatic Positive Feedback, Mexico Imports, Simplified VAT & More!
eBay UK has dropped a seller update for April 2025 including expanding automatic positive feedback; new import rules for Mexico; new requirements for listing smartphones, tablets, and tumble dryers; and simplified VAT invoicing.
Updates to Feedback
eBay introduced automatic positive feedback last year, allowing new or infrequent sellers with less than 10 feedback to receive automatic positive ratings when tracking shows the item was delivered and the buyer did not open any cases or raise any complaints.
Liz Morton
Now eBay is expanding automatic positive feedback to all UK sellers - though importantly, private sellers will need to use Simple Delivery in order to qualify.
Introducing automated positive feedback
We know that the vast majority of transactions happen without incident, with sellers consistently providing great service. However, in the past, your excellent service might not have been acknowledged if buyers didn't leave feedback.We've heard from sellers that automated feedback is a great step in recognising good service, and we’re pleased to be expanding it beyond new sellers. Starting at the end of April, UK sellers will automatically receive positive feedback for orders that use a tracked service, arrive on time, and have no buyer issues.
The automated positive feedback will contribute to your feedback score and positive rating percentage, and will be displayed with the message, “Order completed successfully - tracked and on time.”
Automated positive feedback will be added to your feedback profile 7 days after tracking confirms successful delivery, provided the following criteria are met:
- Tracking shows the item was delivered on time
- The buyer hasn’t left feedback yet
- The buyer hasn’t reported an issue with their order
- For private sellers, we've introduced Simple Delivery, a streamlined delivery method with tracking to help you qualify for automated positive feedback.
This feedback will remain unless the buyer reports a negative experience, such as opening a return request, reporting non-receipt, or cancelling the order. Any positive or negative feedback subsequently left by the buyer will replace the automated positive feedback.
By reinforcing the reliability and quality service you provide, automated positive feedback ensures your efforts are recognised and reflected in your profile. Keep an eye on your profile from late April to see automated feedback in action.
While automated positive feedback is good news, there's also some bad news - eBay will no longer be removing negative feedback in some instances regarding returns to bring their feedback policies in line with global regulations.
Changes to feedback removal
We value accurate seller feedback and are committed to ensuring it reflects true service quality. To better align with global regulation, we’re making two changes to our policy around feedback removal.From 23 April, we’ll no longer automatically remove feedback in the following two return scenarios:
- The item was returned used or damaged, and the seller deducted an amount from the refund.
- The seller offers free returns, handled the return, and issued a refund.
You can still request a feedback review, as it may qualify for removal under the numerous scenarios outlined in our Feedback policy. We’ll continue to remove neutral or negative feedback in many instances, with over 30 specific reasons detailed in our policy. For example, feedback that is harmful, results from extortion, or involves issues that were correctly disclosed in the listing will be removed.
Providing free returns demonstrates strong seller commitment and boosts buyer confidence, but it doesn’t necessarily mean every buyer experience was ideal. Our changes help feedback remain an accurate reflection of the overall transaction.
Simplifying VAT invoicing
eBay is introducing a simplified automated solution for VAT invoicing for buyers and sellers.
With our new feature, eBay takes care of generating VAT invoices for you, so you can focus on what you do best – selling.
VAT invoices and receipts are just a click away in Seller Hub or My eBay, ensuring that both you and your buyers can easily access these documents whenever you need them. This guarantees that your records remain organised and up to date.
How it works
- eBay automatically generates a VAT invoice on your behalf.
- VAT invoices and receipts are available for download through the 'View order details' page in Seller Hub or My eBay.
- Access to VAT invoices, receipts, and credit notes is available for up to 18 months from the purchase or credit date.
- Be aware that this new feature might cause duplicate invoices if you use automated software or create invoices manually.
Streamlining shipping to Mexico
What you need to know
With the aim of improving customs clearance and ensuring smoother, more reliable transactions, the Mexican government has recently introduced changes to Mexico’s import regulations.Since 1 January 2025, all eBay sellers shipping to Mexico are required to provide detailed customer information to their shipping carrier. This information will improve shipment tracking, minimise the risk of fraudulent transactions, and help you maintain and potentially expand your presence in Mexico without experiencing delivery disruptions.
Adding energy efficiency information to your listings
Finally, eBay UK is advising sellers of new requirements for listing smartphones, tablets and tumble dryers in the EU - details:
And of course for private sellers in the UK, the other big change coming in April - mandatory Simple Delivery for all eligible items.
Liz Morton
How will these seller updates impact your eBay business? Let us know in the comments below!
As many of the items I sell are £10 or less, this makes it not worth the bother and I'll probably have to give it away to the charity shop.
Add that to the "buyer protection" fee they've added on - and the costs are making it untenable for people trying to clear the house, or make a few bob from old bits and pieces. Not happy at all and there doesn't seem to be a way of opting out.
The sooner these sleazebags at the top can be got rid of, or some community-run buy/sell/swap sites come up - the better. We don't need ebay.