eBay's Fee Change May Flummox Buyers

SAN FRANCISCO -- eBay(EBAY Quote) has cut fixed-price listing fees by 70% in an effort to entice more sellers to the site -- but there's no guarantee that the move will attract buyers.

Sellers will now be charged a flat rate of 35 cents to list an item on the site for 30 days instead of seven days. They will also be allowed to list multiple quantities of the same item for a one-time listing fee of 35 cents. Listing fees in media categories such as movies, music, games and books will be lowered to 15 cents.

Previously, sellers paid between 35 cents and $4 to list an item for one week, depending on the item's listing price.

The changes take effect on Sept. 16, and the company describes it as "the most competitive pricing eBay has ever offered sellers."

"We aim to be the most competitive marketplace online, and this new, incredibly low pricing helps us achieve that goal," said Lorrie Norrington, president of eBay Marketplaces in a statement. "A 35-cent listing fee virtually eliminates the upfront cost for sellers to put more of their great inventory on eBay and creates more opportunity than ever for sellers to build successful businesses."

eBay is also jiggering the commission it charges sellers when they close a sale. Most product categories -- like computers and electronics -- will see the fee go down. However, items like books and DVDs will see an increase.

None of the changes will affect auction items on the site or items sold in eBay stores, which are separate from the company's core listings.