Your eBay username is an important part of your online identity on the marketplace platform. As a buyer or seller, choosing the right username can help build your brand and reputation. However, you may want to change your username for various reasons as your business evolves. Here’s a detailed guide on how to modify or change your eBay username correctly.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Change Your eBay Username
There are several valid reasons why you may want to change your eBay username:
- The current username no longer fits your brand: As your business grows and changes over time, your old username may no longer accurately represent your brand. Changing it to align with your brand helps buyers identify you.
- The current name is nondescript: Generic usernames like “seller123” don’t stand out. A customized name helps buyers remember you.
- You want to rebrand your business: Rebranding is common as businesses pivot. Changing your eBay username is part of the rebranding process.
- To resolve issues with buyers: In some cases, changing your username can help resolve harassment issues with certain buyers.
When to Avoid Changing Your Username
However, there are also some downsides of changing your username that you should consider:
- If you’re an established seller with significant positive feedback, changing your username means starting from scratch with your new name. This can negatively impact sales.
- Buyers who saved your old username will no longer be able to find you. Similarly, any old messages or transaction records under your old name will be more difficult to access.
- For sellers, consistency is key. If you want to maintain brand recognition, it’s better not to change your username often.
eBay’s Policy on Usernames
eBay has some rules regarding acceptable usernames on its platform:
- Usernames cannot contain the word “eBay” (only eBay employees can have this).
- Offensive, obscene, racist, or profane language is not allowed.
- You cannot use third-party trademarks or brands without permission.
- There is a minimum length of 6 characters. You can use letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and some symbols like periods, dashes, underscores, and asterisks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your eBay Username
Follow these simple steps to change your username:
On the eBay Website:
- Login to your eBay account
- Go to the Account Settings option
- Under Personal Information, click Personal Info
- Next to Username, click Edit
- Delete your old username and type in the new desired name
- Click Save to confirm the changes
On the eBay Mobile App:
- Open the eBay app and login
- Tap on your profile icon
- Go to Settings
- Tap on Personal Information
- Tap on Username
- Enter your new desired username and click Save
What Happens When You Change Your Username
Here are some key things that happen after you change your eBay username:
- The new username will apply across eBay globally within 24-48 hours
- Your buying and selling history will stay intact and be transferred to the new username
- You will keep the same feedback score and stars
- Any messages under your old username may become harder to access
Important: You can only change your eBay username once every 30 days. Choose your new name carefully!
Best Practices for Your New eBay Username
Follow these best practices when changing or creating your new eBay username:
- Keep it short and simple: Opt for a username that is easy to remember and spell. Shorter names stand out more.
- Use relevant keywords: Work keywords related to your products into your username for better visibility in search results.
- Reflect your niche/brand: Ensure your eBay name aligns with your brand image and the specific types of products you sell.
- Use numbers and symbols carefully: Numbers and symbols like dots, dashes, and underscores are allowed but may be harder to search/remember.
- Check availability: Before choosing a name, search eBay to see if another user already has that username.
Promote Your New Username
Once you’ve changed your username, let your buyers know by:
- Updating your eBay store name, logo, banner, and other branding elements
- Sending announcements on your social media pages and email newsletters
- Adding notifications on your eBay listings and store home page
- Updating your external website, business cards, packaging, invoices, etc.
Promoting the change ensures buyers can easily find you under the new name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my eBay username back to a previous one?
Yes, you can change back to a past username as long as nobody else has taken it in the 30 days since you changed it.
What happens to my buyer feedback if I change my username?
Your buying feedback history will carry over to your new username seamlessly. However, those providing feedback for your purchases may be confused if your name changes without warning.
How often can I change my eBay username?
eBay only allows username changes once every 30 days. You cannot modify your username more frequently than this.
Can someone else see my old eBay usernames?
No. Only you can see your past eBay usernames in your account history. Other buyers and sellers will only see your current username.
Conclusion
Changing your eBay username is a simple process but requires some strategic planning. Consider your business growth trajectory, brand image, and buyer relationships before making a change. When in doubt, consistency is better than constantly changing names.
Use this guide to modify your eBay username smoothly while maintaining visibility and sales numbers. With the right approach, an updated username can take your eBay selling to the next level.
