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eBay Explores Shipping Insurance Plan for Sellers
 

A recent eBay seller survey obtained by AuctionBytes indicates that eBay is considering rolling out an in-house shipping insurance plan offered to sellers. This follows news that eBay is introducing a policy that disallows sellers from charging buyers for insurance - they may, however, include the cost in the item price or in "handling" charges. (Note that eBay is not requiring sellers to obtain shipping insurance.)

The survey mentioned shipping insurance provider Allianz and described the service as follows:

eBay is exploring offering a shipping insurance service (called "Declared Value" by some carriers) to protect sellers against shipment loss or damage. This potential service will save eBay sellers time, money and provide an easy claims process.

The primary benefits of the service would include:

• Significant cost savings compared to current shipping insurance services
• The ability to acquire shipping insurance when printing postage in a single, easy step
• Online claims lodging and processing
• Ability to check claims online 24/7, with the latest information
• 99% of claims are paid within 7 days
• Available for major carriers, including USPS and UPS
• Coverage for items up to $25,000 in value
• Coverage for all items eligible for sale on eBay
• Access to staff ready to assist you

As part of its announcement to sellers on Monday, eBay said it would remove optional buyer charges for shipping insurance. "The insurance option creates the perception that buyers need to purchase shipping insurance as a protection on eBay, an experience they're not accustomed to on other ecommerce sites. In fact, sellers have always been responsible for their items until they arrive safely in their customers' hands. That's why shipping insurance will no longer be included in the purchase flow as either an option or requirement for buyers. Of course you can choose to purchase insurance on shipments, but not ask buyers to buy insurance separately. In some categories like Antiques, Collectibles, and Jewelry, shipping insurance for sellers is essential. When appropriate, you can include the cost of insurance in your item or shipping price."

In reacting to the policy change, some sellers have said that buyers would have no incentive to cooperate with the seller in filing an insurance claim.