eBay users began noticing a new "Top Rated Seller" badge on some eBay.com listings this week. eBay said it was testing the new badge in search results and item pages for a small percentage of eBay traffic. eBay had announced last week that the new badge would be displayed on sellers who qualified for its new Top Rated Seller status, a designation for PowerSellers who achieve certain performance criteria, including a new DSR feedback measurement.

In addition to the badge, Top Rated sellers will receive the highest PowerSeller Final Value Fee discounts (20%), increased visibility in search results for Fixed Price listings and exclusive access to purchase Featured First.

The new program goes into effect in October, at which time the current PowerSeller icon will no longer be displayed.

eBay said testing of the new badge would continue over the next few weeks.