eBay UK Simple Delivery Updates: Price Increases, Royal Mail Collection, Returns & More
UK sellers who use eBay's Simple Delivery are in for a few changes with price increases, an added collection option, and a glimpse into how returns are handled through this managed shipping option.
First, starting February 10th, Simple Delivery shipping rates charged to buyers will be increasing, depending on package weight and value.
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Beginning from 10 February 2025, pricing for the Simple Delivery programme will be updated. These changes will apply to all new and historic listings.
Please see below for further details of the new pricing structure:
Different pricing may apply where you have chosen to opt-out of a carrier.
Using Simple Delivery makes sending your items much easier:
- eBay selects the appropriate delivery service for you, providing you with a pre-paid label and QR code with full tracking
- Your item is fully protected against loss and damage during transit
- Your seller performance standards and service metrics will not be affected by late delivery, as long as you despatch within your stated handling time
That part about different pricing possibly applying if you have chosen to opt out of a carrier raised eyebrows amongst sellers as in its current form, the sellers are not able to select which carriers they will or will not use with Simple Delivery.
According to eBay's help and policy pages, the service currently only uses Royal Mail and Everi, and sellers who have shared screenshots of what it looks like in the listing form say they do not have the option to pick which carrier is used or opt out of one of the carriers if they don't wish to use it.
If Simple Delivery is selected, eBay will select a default weight and size selection and show an estimated "starting from" rate that will be shown to the buyer
The only change the seller can make is to select a different size/weight range from pre-set options.
Other than that, the seller has no input or control over what is shown to buyers - eBay will ultimately decide which shipping methods and rates to show on the live listing depending on buyer location, item location, distance to a convenient drop off point, the appropriate delivery service for the item, whether the buyer has selected a standard or express delivery service at checkout, and other factors.
So it's not exactly clear what that part of the announcement means and if sellers will soon be able to choose to opt out certain carriers and eBay has not responded to requests for additional information as of time of publishing.
Many sellers had raised accessibility and discrimination concerns when they saw that eBay's Simple Delivery FAQ said there would be no option for collection with Simple Delivery - instead requiring sellers to make their way to the nearest drop off point designated by eBay, which could disadvantage disabled users or those who live in remote areas.
But in a different help and policy page about Simple Delivery, it appears there is an option for collection through Royal Mail, the seller will just have to book it through Royal Mail themselves.
Since it is only available for labels which use Royal Mail though, that could still pose accessibility issues - unless eBay really does intend to allow sellers to control which carriers they will or will not use for Simple Delivery.
Sellers had also previously raised concerns about how returns are handled with Simple Delivery, particularly the part of the FAQ which says they may be on the hook to refund the shipping amount on returns, even though that amount is actually paid to eBay.
What happens if the buyer wants to return an item?
Should the buyer request a return, you may be responsible for refunding the buyer any outbound delivery costs for the label provided to you (including for express delivery), in addition to the item cost.
But a recent Reddit post shows at least in some cases eBay may be choosing to handle returns and fund refunds out of their own pocket for Simple Delivery items.
Confused. Buyer returning order but I'm not being charged for a refund.
Hey, so I'm really confused about this scenario and wondering if anyone knows what potential circumstances would cause this to happen. I've had return requests before (I don't accept returns as a rule but sometimes I just do it as I can't be bothered with the headache).
This one is different to any I've dealt with, I had the email as attached, and I've checked ebay, my messages and the order and can't see any reason stated for the return, and also I can't get my head round why they have approved the return but not charging me for the refund (it's £50).
My understanding is that I will now most likely receive the item and not have to refund the buyer - which feels very generous. But I'm confused why this would be.
Have I interpreted this correctly and can anyone shed light on why?
The message they received from eBay clearly shows why: "This order was processed through Simple Delivery, so we handle the return on your behalf. You don't need to take any action and you won't be charged for this refund."
It's not clear if eBay will be extending that courtesy for all Simple Delivery shipments, but there could be precedent for that - the eBay International Shipping program in the US similarly takes responsibility for handling returns and refunds are funded by eBay, not the seller.
Simple Delivery does already cover claims of loss or damage in transit, but it seems unlikely they'll also cover all return refunds as the program has been positioned as a revenue generating initiative for the company and that would cut down significantly on the revenue potential.
eBay has also yet to provide any details about when use of Simple Delivery will become mandatory for all eligible items from private sellers - CEO Jamie Iannone has said it will happen sometime in Q1 2025 but no exact date has been disclosed.
Liz Morton
What do you think of eBay Simple Delivery so far and what would you like to see eBay do to improve the program? Let us know in the comments below!
