Highlights

Stand out from the crowd with same-day shipping

• Many online merchants are stepping to the forefront with same-day shipping. "Orders received by 2 pm are shipped the same day!" If you're one of those sellers on eBay, starting in June you can let buyers know by specifying same-day handling in your listings.
  
  
• You'll be able to select same-day from the handling time options when you list. Plus, you can specify an order cut-off time for your items in the shipping preferences section of My eBay for listings with same-day handling. Buyers clearly see your deadline, which will be used along with your handling time and shipping service information to provide buyers more accurate—and competitive—delivery estimates when you ship the same day.
  
  
• For all other listings, we recommend 3 days or less handling time as a best practice. Starting the week of May 28, you'll be able to specify a reason for items requiring more than 3 days handling time in the new business policies functionality. Buyers will see a message on the Item page for items with more than 3 days handling time—notifying them that their item will take more than 3 days to ship, along with your specified reason, if provided.
  
  

Take Action

Starting now:

• Update your listings to offer 3 days or less handling times as a best practice.

Starting the week of May 28:

• For items that require more than 3 days to ship, specify a reason for the extended handling time in your new business policies.

Starting the first week in June:

• Specify same-day handling when you list, relist, or revise, for orders that can be packaged and shipped on the same day. Specify your order cut-off time in the shipping preferences section of My eBay to set the right buyer expectations. Default order cut-off time for same day shipments is set at 2pm Eastern Time.

Best practices

• Stay competitive and deliver great service by offering same-day handling whenever you can. If you are an eBay Top-rated seller, this also helps qualify your listings for the top rewards.
  
  
• The default order cut-off time is 2 pm Eastern Time for same-day handling. You can update this order cut-off time in shipping preferences so that you have sufficient time to ship items on the same day. Orders placed after your specified order cut-off time will move the delivery estimate by an additional business day.
  
  
• Always offer 3 days or less handling time. For items that need more than 3 days handling time, you can specify a reason for longer handling in your business policies (available in My eBay later this spring). Starting May 28, the reason your handling time is longer than 3 days will be displayed in the message next to the shipping information on the Item page. (As a reminder, handling time is the amount of time you need to put your item in the mail after the buyer's payment has cleared.)
  
  
• Make sure there's no lag between when the order is received and when the buyer pays by requiring Immediate Payment for Fixed Price listings.
  
  
• Upload tracking information for all shipments. That way, both you and your buyer can check the status of a package at any time. If you purchase and print shipping labels on eBay, tracking information is automatically added to My eBay when it's available.
  
  
• As a Search best practice, make sure your items still have an Expedited shipping option to help boost sales by giving buyers a chance to choose their preferred shipping service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's changing in the handling time update?

Starting in June, same-day handling time will be added to the handling time drop-down menu so you can let buyers know when you offer same-day shipping for faster delivery. You'll also have the ability to specify order cut-off time for same-day shipments.

When you list a new item, relist, or revise, you'll see an option for same-day handling time available in the shipping details 'Handling time' section and a link to specify order cut-off time in the shipping preferences section of My eBay. Buyers will see the seller-specified order cut-off time in the Item page under Delivery.

New same-day handling option in shipping details.


New order cut-off time notification for same–day handling on the Item page


Starting the week of May 28, buyers will see a message on the Item page for extended handling time for all listings with greater than 3 days handling time. Message will include the reason for extended handling time if specified by seller in your business policies. (If you do not specify a reason in business policies, the Item page will continue to indicate that your item will take longer to ship without providing an exception reason.)

New extended handling time message on Item page


New field in business policies form to specify reason for extended handling time.

Why is eBay making these changes to handling time?

Buyers want to receive their items as quickly as possible. When you specify same-day handling, you'll be able to stand out from the crowd and let your buyers know that you offer same-day shipping. Buyers will also see your specified order cut-off time for same-day shipments on the Item page when they place their orders. The calculated estimated delivery date will also be more accurate and more reflective of your great service.

As a best practice, eBay recommends no more than 3 days handling time for all your listings. For listings with greater than 3 day handling time, specify the reason for extended handling in business policies. Your reason, if specified, will be included in the message alert to buyers on the Item page.

What is the importance of specifying an accurate handling time?

Buyers often base their purchase decision on speed of delivery. When you specify same-day handling and set an order cut-off time, buyers will know their orders can be shipped out on the same day for faster delivery (if placed before order cut-off time) and your delivery date will be estimated more accurately to reflect your great service.

What changes do I need to make?

For items that can be packaged and shipped on the same business day, specify same-day handling when you list, revise, or relist your items.

Specify order cut-off time for same-day handling in the shipping preferences section of My eBay. Order cut-off time applies to all orders with same-day handling option on the eBay site on which you list and will be reflected in the delivery estimates provided to buyers.

Ensure that all other listings have no greater than 3 days handling time. For listings with greater than 3 days handling time, specify the reason for extended handling time in business policies (launching in late May).

Will all categories require handling time?

No. Not all categories will require handling time. Real Estate, Specialty Services, and Motors Vehicles will not require handling time.

Will all listing formats require handling time?

No. The following formats won't require handling time:

• Real Estate Ad Format
• Half.com listings
• Classified Ads

What if my item is available for local pickup? Do I still need to specify a handling time?

If your item is available for local pickup only, you don't need to specify a handling time. If your item is available for local pickup and is also shippable, you'll need to specify a handling time for the other shipping method(s).

What if my item is available only for freight? Do I still need to specify a handling time?

If your item is available for freight only, handling time doesn't need to be specified. If you use FreightQuote.com, you may specify handling time but it isn't mandatory.

How are delivery estimates calculated for listings with same-day shipping?

Estimated delivery times for listings with same-day shipping are based on your specified handling time, order cut-off time, and the estimated delivery times provided by the shipping service.

How do you calculate delivery estimates for cross-border transactions?

For cross-border transactions, eBay displays your stated handling time, including same-day with cut-off time, (e.g., "Will usually ship within 1 business day of receiving cleared payment or will usually ship within same business day if the order is placed before 2 pm Eastern Time (excludes weekends and holidays)"), but we will not show an estimated delivery time because of potential delays in customs and differences in shipping services.

How can I change the order cut-off times for my orders?

You can update order cut-off time for listings with same-day handling in the shipping preference section of My eBay. You will also be provided with a link in the handling time section to update order cut-off time when you specify same-day handling using most eBay listing flow or tools.

Can I select different order cut-off times for different listings with same-day handling?

No. Order cut-off times can't be set for individual items. When you set an order cut-off time in the shipping preferences section of My eBay, it will apply to all of your listings with same-day shipping—including those that are already live.

What is the default order cut-off time?

The default order cut-off time will be 2 pm Eastern Time.