We’ve received a few questions since announcing that Shopster is an eBay Certified Solution Provider.  Shopster users looking to sell on eBay (as well as established eBay sellers looking to try Shopster out) are curious about the difference between eBay’s designations of Certified Service Providers and Certified Solution Providers.

From eBay’s help page on the topic:

• Certified Service Providers - non-technical providers who offer services such as auction strategy and Web site template design
• Certified Solution Providers - technical providers who offer services that include integration with the eBay platform and custom software development

"What do the certifications have in common?"  Good question, reader.  The certifications have the following in common:
1.  50%+ applicable services staff have become eBay Certified Consultants.
2.  Satisfied customers checked by eBay.
3.  Offer eBay-related services to eBay users.
4.  Provided business overview to eBay.

"So, where do they differ?"  Another good one.  In terms of the certification process, Certified Solution Providers have to prove the following:
1.  50%+ applicable technical staff have become eBay Certified Engineers.
2.  Offer a commercial-tier certified software application.

It’s these last points that make eBay Certified Solution Providers like Shopster stand out from Certified Service Providers.  eBay has verified that Shopster’s Listing Manager for eBay integrates directly with the eBay platform - and that we offer a commercial-tier certified software application.  That’s something that Certified Service Providers can’t boast.

Happy Selling!