eBay is testing a new feature with a small group of buyers that may make many sellers unhappy.
The new feature entails displaying similar products from other merchants on active listings. These appear above an item’s description and shipping and payment information, according to reports.
eBay notes that this view is available only to a “small” group of shoppers, though it did not say how many.
Sellers can opt out of having similar products appear in their active listings by going to My eBay, selecting “Marketing Tools” in the Account tab, selecting “Promote Similar Items” and clicking “No.” However, once sellers have opted out, their listings will not display as similar items on other merchants’ active listings, eBay points out.
An eBay spokeswoman tells reporters the feature is intended to enhance shoppers’ browsing experiences by allowing them to see related items easily while at the same item giving sellers more exposure.
This is reportedly the first time eBay has displayed similar items on active listings.