Once an auction hits the $500 threshold, it's automatically opted in to the program. Same with BIN's starting at over $500. I don't think there's a way to voluntarily opt in. I agree it's a good program for buyers and sellers if all goes well, but there are some issues such as sending it to a middleman and trusting the P.O. to get it from you to the appraiser, then to the buyer. There's no guarantee that the buyer won't return it if they don't like it or for any other reasons. They do re-package it in a nice box with a certificate.
I had a friend send a ring that she had appraised by a local jeweler and ebay disagreed with the appraisal and sent it back. Another time she shipped a marked and tested 14k ring and ebay returned it saying it was only 13.6 kt! She lost 2 sales through the program, but those are hopefully a minority of horror stories. My gold necklace passed and my buyer was happy when he eventually received it.
I like your idea of waiting until the auction's end to give the buyer a heads up that it will go through the program. Personally, there are too many minefields for me and I've sent my higher end stuff to an auctioneer friend who runs online jewelry auctions. I wonder how other sellers feel about the program and what type of experiences they had with it?
Finally, I have to ask, what's in it for ebay since they seem to be doing this at their expense? Does it cut down on disputes and returns? Does it draw more fine jewelry buyers? I think I'll do some digging and try to find more feedback on the program. Good luck with your earrings!
I'm not a hoarder! There's a price tag on everything!
