In 2003, I tried some new (or at least new to me!) features and products to assist with my eBay sales. A quick overview follows, and fees are noted when applicable.

These features have allowed me to be more productive as a seller and have improved my business results. If interested, be sure to check the links provided for more information. Some requirements and features may not benefit all sellers.

eBay Calculated Shipping
If you ship via USPS or UPS, calculated shipping in the SYI (Sell Your Item) form can be used to quickly specify cost based on shipping service, item weight, dimensions, handling charge, and insurance. The shipping charge automatically calculates, based on the buyer's zip code, when a buyer uses "Pay Now" (the feature formerly known as checkout) or when sending an eBay invoice. Also, bidders are able to determine cost by entering their zip code in a shipping calculator inserted in the "Shipment and Payment" section of an auction description.
http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/actual-rate-example.html

UPS Integration with PayPal
If you ship UPS and use PayPal, the PayPal Shipping Center is very helpful. It allows you print a prepaid shipping label (shipping cost is debited from your PayPal account) using the buyer's confirmed address. Buyers will receive an email notification with tracking information. Both buyers and sellers can track shipment status through PayPal. UPS labels can also be printed for items not purchased with PayPal.
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/ship/center-outside Note: If that link is too long, try this shortcut:
http://digbig.com/3kpc

USPS Click-N-Ship
The U.S. Postal Service has a great website at www.usps.com. I've used this site to calculate domestic/international postage and to order Priority Mail shipping supplies. In 2003, I tried the USPS Click-N-Ship service for the first time. This service can be used to print Priority and Express Mail shipping labels with or without postage. Credit card registration is required for labels with postage. Insurance is not available with Click-N-Ship, but Priority Mail delivery confirmation can be included at no cost (vs. a retail rate of .45). Signature Confirmation can be included at a discounted rate of $1.30. Buyer email ship notifications are also available.
https://sss-web.usps.com/ds/jsps/showFaq.jsp

PayPal Debit Card
The card I use when printing prepaid Click-N-Ship labels is a PayPal Debit Card. This MasterCard can be used as a debit card (requires a PIN) or credit card. In both cases, the amount charged is debited from my PayPal account. When used as a credit card (no PIN required), I receive a 1.5% cash back bonus that is automatically deposited into my PayPal account. I use my card for business expenses, including eBay seller fees (for every $100 in seller fees I get $1.50 as a cash back bonus). To obtain a PayPal Debit Card, you must be "PayPal Preferred." [Editor's note: Debit cards do not carry the same consumer protections as credit cards.]
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_help-ext&leafid=539
Note: If that link is too long, try this shortcut: http://digbig.com/3kpd

PayPal Money Market Fund
Since I use the PayPal Debit Card service, I need to maintain a balance in my PayPal account to cover expenses. With the PayPal Money Market Fund, I receive a monthly dividend (currently paying 1.03%) based on account balance. This dividend is deposited in my PayPal account, along with payments received for eBay sales. To set up a PayPal Money Market Fund, you must have either a Premier or Business account and provide your social security number.
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_help-ext&eloc=1184&loc=1172&unique_id=601&source_page=_home&flow= Note: If that link is too long, try this shortcut:
http://digbig.com/3jhw

eBay Tool Bar
The eBay Tool Bar is a free application that can be used with Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. The Tool Bar provides many shortcuts that assist with navigating the eBay site. This is also a convenient way to return to "My eBay" after surfing the Net or managing business on the PayPal and Half.com sites. I also like the watch list alerts, which provide pop-up auction end times in the lower right corner of your desktop, and the bookmark capability. System requirements and download instructions can be found at the eBay site. Editor's Note: Some people don't like toolbars because of privacy concerns. Using eBay's toolbar requires you to download software and utilizes memory resources on your computer, so use common sense about whether this is right for you (and your computer). Here's a useful review of toolbars:
http://www.infotoday.com/online/jan04/OnTheNet.shtml

http://pages.ebay.com/ebay_toolbar

eBay Anything Points
I received my eBay Anything Points card just in time for some holiday shopping. This MasterCard provides a "loyalty" program that earns 1 Anything Point for every $1 charged. This is similar to credit card programs offering airline miles or hotel points. One eBay Anything Point has a value of .01 (ie 2500 Anything Points = $25). Points are maintained by PayPal and can be used as a form of payment for eBay purchases (where PayPal is accepted) or to pay eBay seller fees. You can also earn points from program partners that are listed on the Anything Points homepage.

Using the partner program, I converted my American Airline miles into about $100 worth of Anything Points. Also, as an auction promotion, eBay sellers can offer 1 -5 Anything Points per dollar of the final sales price. Seller cost is .01 per point. At this writing, over 30,000 auctions are offering Anything Points. As with all credit card offers, be sure to read the "fine print" before applying for this card.
http://anythingpoints.ebay.com

Readers should read the user agreements and understand the terms and conditions of all services they sign up for.

These are tools that I've tried out in 2003 and help me in my eBay business. I hope they help you too.