eBay has announced the extension of its seller protection measures to regions impacted by Hurricane Ida in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, as well as areas affected by the "Caldor" wildfire in California. This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on sellers' businesses.
In a September 27 announcement, the platform confirmed it would provide protections for sellers affected by Hurricane Ida, which caused catastrophic flooding and significant transportation disruptions in parts of the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. eBay stated it is closely monitoring the situation and taking proactive steps to safeguard seller interests.
Guidance for Affected Sellers
The company advised sellers conducting transactions with buyers or sellers in affected areas to account for potential delays caused by severe weather. eBay encouraged patience throughout the transaction process, including when leaving feedback after item delivery.
The platform emphasized that sellers need not worry about performance metrics affected by natural disasters. Specific protection measures include:
- Late delivery rate exemptions: Delays caused by severe weather won't count against late delivery metrics.
- Valid tracking upload rate exemptions: Delays in tracking updates due to logistical disruptions won't affect tracking upload rates.
- Item not received case protection: Cases filed for undelivered items will be protected if sellers uploaded tracking with physical carrier scan before case initiation.
- Negative/neutral feedback removal: eBay will remove poor ratings related to disaster circumstances, which won't impact seller service metrics.
eBay noted that sellers don't need to contact customer service to activate these protections, as they will be automatically applied. This streamlined approach reduces administrative burdens for affected sellers.
Additional West Coast Disruptions
On September 2, eBay issued a separate notice about delivery delays in Western states due to the spreading Caldor wildfire in California. The company advised sellers to monitor shipping updates and maintain clear communication with buyers about potential delays.
These comprehensive protection measures demonstrate eBay's commitment to seller support during emergencies. By reducing the operational impact of natural disasters, the platform strengthens seller confidence and loyalty in an increasingly complex global trade environment.