eBay announced its fall seller update with what it calls “simpler, more objective seller standards” and a new shipping metric as well as a new seller hub. It says it expects the changes to help sellers grow their businesses. Will sellers agree?

Will eBay’s latest seller changes help people grow their businesses? Let us know what you think in the comments.

So what exactly is in this update? Let’s start with the “more objective seller standards.”

The standards, coming in February, mean that the following will no longer impact the seller’s defect rate: buyer feedback, detailed seller ratings (DSRs), return requests that aren successfully resolved with the buyer, and items not received requests that re successfully resolved with the buyer.

“New seller standards will focus on what buyers care about the most—getting the item they ordered on time, and effective customer service to resolve any requests for help,” eBay explains. “A new, simplified defect rate will include just two measures: Seller-cancelled transactions for items that are out of stock or cannot be fulfilled for any other reason, and cases that are closed without seller resolution. A new on-time shipping metric will measure shipping performance, based on what you control—shipping your item on time.”

Here’s a better look at what is changing:

There’s also a new on-time shipping metric so sellers will be recognized for on-time shipping if tracking shows an item was either shipped within the stated handling time or delivered by the estimated delivery date. If tracking isn’t available, eBay will check with the buyer and if the buyer confirms the item was delivered on time, the seller will be recognized for on-time shipping. Here’s an infographic showing how on-time shipping works:

With the new seller hub, the company says it is giving you everything you need to grow your business.

eBay explains, “Ideally suited for professional sellers currently using My eBay Selling, Selling Manager, or Selling Manager Pro, Seller Hub puts all your listing and marketing tools—along with insights and selling recommendations—into one place. You’ll get a centralized overview of your listings and order activities, detailed sales information, access to marketing and promotional tools—and competitive listing guidance to help you grow your business.”

You can sign up for early access here.

Next Thursday, eBay will be holding a broadcast on eBay Radio discussing the seller update, which you might want to tune into if it concerns you. You can also find further discussion on this community board.

Are you pleased with the changes eBay is making for sellers? Share your thoughts in the comments.