eBay UK’s September 2022 Seller Update delivers new features and tools designed to help sellers run their businesses, solidify their brands, and build connections with buyers to encourage repeat purchases. The online marketplace has also updated its guidance for sellers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland regarding compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations now that the UK has left the European Union.

Adding Video to Your Storefront and Listings

eBay sellers can now create a more engaging experience for their buyers by adding video to their eBay storefront and eBay listings.

eBay has highlighted how sellers should use video across two different areas:

Storefront: eBay suggests that it is often the story behind a business that makes the sale. By letting your buyers know the history, values, and passion that goes into your business, you can help them understand what makes it unique and inspires them to buy from you.
Listings: Video brings your listings to life in ways that still images cannot. Your product videos can act as an expert sales advisor, engaging potential buyers, answering their frequently asked questions, and showcasing unique features of your products.

Email Newsletters and Promotional Tools

New features in eBay Shops allow sellers to send email newsletters to existing customers and interested parties, using customisable templates that highlight your new inventory. Email newsletters can also be used to send promotional offers, including coded coupons, discounts, and sales events. In addition, sellers can quickly gauge the success of their email campaigns with new analytical tools.

eBay now also allows sellers to automatically or manually activate inventory strips to showcase new and seasonal inventory to attract more buyers.

The online marketplace has also enhanced opportunities to brand listings and share their products on social media.

According to eBay, sellers who use social media and email to connect with their buyers and attract repeat business have seen a 38% increase in views to their Shopfront.

UK Goods Regulatory Requirements

Now that the UK has departed from the EU, it has its own domestic regulations covering most goods previously subject to the EU’s CE marking. The CE marking showed that these products meet EU safety, health, or environmental requirements. The CE marking has since been replaced with two new marks:

UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed): The new product marking is required to demonstrate that certain goods comply with UK rules and can be sold in Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland). It covers all goods that previously required the CE marking.
UKNI (United Kingdom Northern Ireland): The new marking for products placed on the market in Northern Ireland but only where a UK-based conformity assessment body has been used. It also covers goods that continue to require the CE marking.

Sellers need to prepare their business for these changes to continue selling their items in Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI).