UPS to offer new shipping options on eBay platform

E-commerce platform eBay will integrate UPS' services with eBay's global platform for the first time, a move that will offer eBay sellers easier and deeper access to the carrier's package-delivery portfolio.

The agreement, which launches this week and is expected to be fully operational by the end of September, is expected to streamline how eBay sellers interact with UPS, eBay said in a statement. UPS has been shipping for eBay sellers for years. However, sellers have been required to visit UPS' website to print out shipping labels. That program will be discontinued in favour of UPS being integrated into the eBay label-printing function on its platform.

“We're always looking for new ways to ensure our sellers have the tools they need to successfully run their businesses on eBay,” said Marni Levine, vice president of seller operations and engagement, eBay. “Customers want and expect to receive their packages in the fastest and most reliable way possible, which is why our collaboration with UPS comes at such a critical moment. eBay is proud to deliver sellers more choice and flexibility when it comes to their shipping, which also benefits our buyers.” Domestic UPS shipping options on eBay will include UPS Ground, UPS 2nd Day Air, UPS Next Day Air Saver, and UPS Next Day Air. The new program will be available to all sellers later this month.

As part of the new programme, eBay sellers will receive discounts on UPS' second-day air and ground service, including the possibility of having package surcharges — costs added on to the basic pickup and delivery charge — waived or discounted, eBay said. Sellers will also get access to UPS' 85,000 drop-off locations, such as the company's drop boxes and so-called access points, like its UPS Store retail outlets, local retailers and national chains where UPS customers can tender parcels while out and about, eBay said.

Shipping labels are the mechanism for a customer's integration into a carrier's menu of products and services. eBay sellers already have access to FedEx Corp and US Postal Service (USPS) labels on the platform.

Under the eBay model, the buyer pays shipping charges to the seller as part of the seller's charges. The seller then reimburses the shipping provider for the cost.

Last October, Atlanta-based UPS announced an initiative to integrate its services into ecommerce platforms leveraged by small to midsize (SMB) merchants to broaden their access to the consumer market. The program is part of UPS' strategy to capture a larger share of the SMB market, which UPS executives consider a priority.