Online marketplace eBay has launched new seller performance standards that focus on speed of delivery. Late deliveries however that have been brought about by problems with Royal Mail’s Tracked or Signed For will not bring about penalties to the seller as long as they have uploaded the tracking number to eBay.

The company posted the announcement on its website that also said, “At the same time, we’ll use tracking information or feedback from buyers to measure how quickly sellers dispatch items with the introduction of a Late delivery rate.

“We’re aware that currently we may not have complete tracking information for some Royal Mail Tracked/ Royal Mail Signed For services, even when sellers upload tracking numbers to My eBay.

“We’re currently working in partnership with Royal Mail to find a solution.

“In the meantime, we’ll automatically remove any late deliveries you might incur when using Royal Mail Tracked / Royal Mail Signed For services, as long as you’ve uploaded the tracking number to My eBay.

“You’ll be protected starting with your 20 February evaluation, taking into account all transactions within your current look-back period.

“We’ll continue protecting you until 20 May by removing late deliveries one week before each evaluation.

“Starting May 1, 2016, listings from Top Rated Sellers must offer 30-day returns to qualify for the eBay Premium Service discount and badge. The additional requirements to receive eBay Premium Service benefits remain unchanged.”

Up against Amazon with its overnight (and sometimes same day) Prime service, it is no surprise that eBay has taken steps in this direction to improve its competitiveness. Delivery is a major part of the buying experience, and customers increasingly going for faster and more convenient methods. Its feedback system has long been a major selling point and negative feedback for poor delivery should focus the minds of its sellers.