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2012 Spring Seller Update
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Electronics & Technology
Listing with the eBay catalogue expanding to more consumer electronics categories
Buyers come to eBay every day in search of the best deals on the hottest electronics. To make sure they find them quickly and easily, and keep coming back for more, listing with the eBay catalogue whenever there's a product match will be required in an expanding group of Consumer Electronics categories—including DVD & Blu-ray Players, Home Receivers, Speakers & Subwoofers, Home Theatre Systems, and Multimedia Projectors.
Adding your products to the catalogue: When listing a GPS device, you are always required to list your item with the catalogue. If a matching product doesn't currently exist in our catalogue, you'll need to add your item to the catalogue in order to complete your listing. If you can't find a product in the catalogue that matches your item when listing through the Sell Your Item process, simply click on the “Add product to our catalogue” link that appears just under the Search box and you can continue listing your item by adding it to the catalogue.
Listing bundles: If you're listing a product bundle in these subcategories, simply use the keywords or UPC code for the main product. Select that product from the catalogue, select the bundle flag, then use the seller tags provided to list the additional components included in your bundle. This will ensure you are included in the area where bundles will be shown on the product details page. It's also a good idea to list those items in the listing description.
Existing listings NOT listed with the catalogue or listed with the wrong catalogue: For existing listings not listed with a matching product in the catalogue— or listed with the wrong catalogue—including Good 'Til Cancelled listings, you'll be required to take action if the right product exists in the eBay catalogue. Wherever possible, eBay will map listings automatically to a matching product in the catalogue. When one of your listings is mapped, you'll get an email notification with clear instructions about what to do. Automatically-mapped listings will not qualify for the value box until they are actively relisted or revised with the catalogue. Use the Advanced Search functionality in free eBay Selling Manager to identify listings not listed with the catalog. You can also use the new Catalogue Adoption Tool (CATs)—it will identify listings in categories where listing with the catalogue is required, and help you update your listings in bulk.
What is the eBay catalogue?
Why use the catalogue to list my item?
What is a UPC, ISBN or GTIN?
What's changing for me as a seller in these categories?
How do I list my item with a product in the eBay catalogue?
Do I need to update my Good 'Til Cancelled and long duration listings not originally listed with the catalogue?
How do I know which of my existing listings need to be revised or relisted with the catalogue?
Why am I required to list with the catalogue in these categories?
Can I list my item in more than one category?
What's the difference between listing with the eBay catalogue and eBay automatically mapping my listing with a product in the catalogue?
Will it be easier to list with the catalogue than it is now?
What if my item is not in the eBay catalogue?
Can I add more specifics about an item when listing with the catalogue?
What if my item is in the catalogue but the product details are incorrect for my item?
What happens if I don't list with the catalogue when there's a product match?
What if I don't agree with eBay's mapping of my listing?
What happens if new products and product details are added to the catalogue after I've listed my item?
How can I get my item added to eBay's catalogue?
What will happen to my listings if they're not in compliance by the deadline?
Are editing tools available to revise listings to list with the eBay catalogue?
How should I list bundled products with the eBay catalogue?
How do I list a group—or lot—of items with the catalogue?
Can I use the catalogue for multi-quantity listings?
How should I list items that are missing components?
How should I list items that are used or refurbished?
How do I list items that are included in the catalogue but have characteristics that price them above the list price, such as an artist-autographed DVD or a special edition iPod?
Where can I find more information about listing with the catalogue?
How do I list GPS devices on eBay Motors?
If I list my GPS device on eBay.com will it get exposure on eBay Motors?
Where can I get more information about the new shopping experience?
Highlights
- As of May 2, sellers will be required to list their items with the eBay catalogue in more Consumer Electronics categories, whenever there's an exact product match. When you list your item with the eBay catalogue, it provides the consistent information needed to deliver a better shopping experience.
- Listingsthat don't use the eBay catalogue in these categories will receive limited exposure on the Search Results page on eBay.ca and will not appear in Search Results on eBay.com. These listings may also be subject to a range of actions, including listing removal.
- Be sure your item's UPC or ISBN is included in the appropriate field, and supply as many of the recommended Item Specifics fields as possible--it's a great way to make sure your listing is optimized for search engines, both on and off eBay. The more complete and compelling your listing, the easier it will be for interested shoppers to find your item.
Take Action
- Starting May 2, list or relist your items in these categories with the eBay catalogue, whenever there's a product in the catalogue that's an exact match for your item.
- If you have listings in these categories that were not listed with the catalogue, starting April 2, revise or relist them with the catalogue. That way, if you're a Top-rated seller, they'll qualify to appear in the value box. Login to http://cats.ebay.ca to identify and update listings not listed with the catalogue.
- Take immediate action if you receive an email from eBay notifying you that your listings have been mapped to a product in the eBay catalog—follow the instructions in the email. Once you've been notified, if you do not revise your listings and list with the eBay catalog, you may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits on buying and selling privileges, and account suspension.
- If listing GPS devices, use www.ebay.com/addcatalogproducts to add your GPS products to catalogue, if there is no matching catalogue product. Listing with the eBay catalog will be required in this category to complete those listings.
- Make sure your items are competitively priced to get maximum exposure. Stay abreast of market prices for your items and update prices as needed.
List your items in these categories with the eBay catalogue:
| START LISTING WITH THE CATALOGUE IN THESE CATEGORIES ON APRIL 2. IT WILL BE REQUIRED WHENEVER THERE IS AN EXACT PRODUCT MATCH AS OF MAY 2. |
DVD & Blu-Ray Players (Category # 175711) Home Speakers & Subwoofers (Category # 14990) Home Theatre Projectors (Category # 22610) Home Theatre Receivers (Category # 14981) Home Theatre Systems (Category # 72406) |
| LISTING WITH THE CATALOG IS NOW REQUIRED WHENEVER THERE'S AN EXACT PRODUCT MATCH | Apple Desktops (Category # 111418) Apple Laptops & Notebooks (Category # 111422) Camcorders (Category # 11724) Cell Phones & Smartphones (Category #9355) DVDs, HD DVDs & Blu-ray (Category # 617) Digital Cameras (Category # 31388) Film Cameras (Category # 15230) Flash Units (Category # 48515) Hard Drives (Category #s 158830, 80042 and 56089) iPads & Tablets and eBook Readers (Category # 171485) Lenses (Category # 3323) Monitors (Category # 80053) Printers (Category #s 178 and 25348) Routers (Category #s 44995, 11183, 61825, 101269 and 101270) Televisions (Category # 3320) Textbooks (Category # 2228) Tripods (Category # 30093) Video Game Systems (Category # 139971) Video Games (Category # 139973) |
| LISTING WITH THE CATALOGUE IS ALWAYS REQUIRED |
GPS Systems (Category # 156955) If there's no matching product available in the eBay catalogue, sellers are required to add their item to the catalogue to continue listing. |
Listing with the catalogue is fast and easy
New listings and re-listings: When you list an item through the Sell Your Item process, if it matches a product in our catalogue, you're given the option to search for the product using common search terms, like a Universal Product Code (UPC), or a keyword such as a brand or product name. If your item matches a product, click "select" and continue the listing process. When selecting a product in the catalogue, it's important to pay close attention to item attributes like case colour with MP3 players, preloaded map versions in GPS devices, console compatibility for video games, and cell phones built for specific carriers, etc., to make sure you've selected exactly the right match. You'll also be able to use the product details and include a stock photo from the eBay catalogue, which will be displayed on your item page. Adding product details and photos of used items to accurately depict wear is optional, but recommended. If you want, you can continue to add your own description as you do today. Get more information on how to list with the catalogue.Adding your products to the catalogue: When listing a GPS device, you are always required to list your item with the catalogue. If a matching product doesn't currently exist in our catalogue, you'll need to add your item to the catalogue in order to complete your listing. If you can't find a product in the catalogue that matches your item when listing through the Sell Your Item process, simply click on the “Add product to our catalogue” link that appears just under the Search box and you can continue listing your item by adding it to the catalogue.
Listing bundles: If you're listing a product bundle in these subcategories, simply use the keywords or UPC code for the main product. Select that product from the catalogue, select the bundle flag, then use the seller tags provided to list the additional components included in your bundle. This will ensure you are included in the area where bundles will be shown on the product details page. It's also a good idea to list those items in the listing description.
Existing listings NOT listed with the catalogue or listed with the wrong catalogue: For existing listings not listed with a matching product in the catalogue— or listed with the wrong catalogue—including Good 'Til Cancelled listings, you'll be required to take action if the right product exists in the eBay catalogue. Wherever possible, eBay will map listings automatically to a matching product in the catalogue. When one of your listings is mapped, you'll get an email notification with clear instructions about what to do. Automatically-mapped listings will not qualify for the value box until they are actively relisted or revised with the catalogue. Use the Advanced Search functionality in free eBay Selling Manager to identify listings not listed with the catalog. You can also use the new Catalogue Adoption Tool (CATs)—it will identify listings in categories where listing with the catalogue is required, and help you update your listings in bulk.
Best Practices
- To list a bundle—a standard item plus additional accessories—select the "additional items" in Item Specifics and specify the ones included with the main device. Bundles will be shown under a separate tab on the Product Details page.
- When listing items with the eBay catalogue that are not in new condition, be sure to include pictures that accurately reflect their condition.
- With an emphasis on value in these categories, it will be especially important to follow these tips to ensure your products are competitive:
- With Fixed Price listings, it's rarely a good strategy to "set it and forget it." Keep a close eye on how price is impacting your status, and make adjustments as needed to stay on top.
- Watch your closest competitors on and off eBay, and look at what they‘re charging for similar items. Buyers know how to find the best deal.
- List Auction-style items with a low start price.
- Offer free or discounted shipping.
- Whenever possible, even if you can't list your item with the catalogue, include unique product identifiers like UPC, GTIN, and ISBN. Buyers using these identifiers within eBay search, off-eBay search engines, and using mobile applications will be able to more easily find your listing.
- Learn more best practices for listing with the catalogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
The eBay catalogue is an extensive online library of product information and images for many products on the market today, and it's available for you to use when you list your items on eBay. Listing with the eBay catalogue is a fast and easy way to create professional, detailed listings for your items—making it easier for your customers to find—and buy—exactly what they're looking for. When you list your item using the eBay catalogue, product specifications like brand, model number, dimensions, performance, colour, capacity, compatibilities, and professional photos are automatically included in your listing.
Listing your items using the eBay catalogue makes sense because it streamlines the listing process, making it quicker and easier for you to get your items on eBay and available for sale. When you list your items with the eBay catalogue, information buyers need to make an informed buying decision—like product specifications, brand, model number, dimensions, performance, colour, capacity, compatibilities, and professional photos are automatically included in your listing. Plus, when you use the Sell Your Item process to list and use the eBay catalogue, you'll be provided with key selling data—like average selling price and number of completed listings—so you can price your item competitively.
UPC stands for Universal Product Code. A UPC is a unique 12-digit number commonly found printed next to a barcode printed on a product or packaging used to identify and track products.
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. An ISBN is a unique 10 or 13-digit number used to identify and track the publication of books. They are commonly found printed above a book's barcode.
The 14-digit GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number) can be used in place of the UPC and can be found embedded in a barcode.
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. An ISBN is a unique 10 or 13-digit number used to identify and track the publication of books. They are commonly found printed above a book's barcode.
The 14-digit GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number) can be used in place of the UPC and can be found embedded in a barcode.
To better highlight great eBay values to buyers and streamline the purchase decision, you'll be required to list with the eBay product catalogue in these categories, whenever there's a product in the catalogue that matches your item. View when listing with the catalogue is required by category.
Your existing listings, including long duration and Good 'Til Cancelled listings not listed with the catalogue will be mapped automatically to a matching product in the catalogue whenever available, and you'll be notified by email. These listings will not be eligible to appear in the value box until you actively relist or revise them with the catalogue. If you receive one of these email notifications, follow the instructions in the email and actively list your items with the eBay catalogue. Once you've been notified, if you don't revise your listing to list with the eBay catalogue, you may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits on buying and selling privileges, and account suspension.
In categories where listing with the catalogue is required, the International Site Visibility listing upgrade option will no longer be available for items not listed with the catalogue.
Your existing listings, including long duration and Good 'Til Cancelled listings not listed with the catalogue will be mapped automatically to a matching product in the catalogue whenever available, and you'll be notified by email. These listings will not be eligible to appear in the value box until you actively relist or revise them with the catalogue. If you receive one of these email notifications, follow the instructions in the email and actively list your items with the eBay catalogue. Once you've been notified, if you don't revise your listing to list with the eBay catalogue, you may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits on buying and selling privileges, and account suspension.
In categories where listing with the catalogue is required, the International Site Visibility listing upgrade option will no longer be available for items not listed with the catalogue.
Get complete instructions for listing with the eBay catalogue.
eBay will review the existing Good 'Til Cancelled listings and determine which of them have product details from the catalogue available. You'll be notified if your listings should be associated with the product catalogue, and you are encouraged to immediately relist or revise these listings to actively list with the catalogue. Items listed with a catalogue qualify for the value box if you are an eBay Top-rated seller. Refer to the schedule above to determine when you will be expected to actively list with the eBay catalogue whenever there is a product match. Once you've been notified, if you don't revise your listing to list with the eBay catalogue, you may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits on buying and selling privileges, and account suspension.
We've built a tool to help you easily identify and revise all of your listings in these categories that weren't listed with the catalogue. To use this tool, login to http://cats.ebay.ca.
In order to deliver this new, faster shopping experience for buyers, listings must include consistent product information, drawn from the eBay catalogue.
No. For items listed in categories where listing with the catalogue is mandatory, you may only list your item in a single category. When you list your item in one of these categories, you will be blocked from listing it in any additional categories.
In both cases, listings will be consolidated into a single "product card" on the Search Results page. If eBay automatically maps your product to the catalogue, you will be notified by email and your listing will not qualify for the value box—if you're an eBay Top-rated seller—until you actively relist with the catalogue. Once notified, sellers who continue to have listings not using the catalogue when there is a product match may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits of buying and selling privileges, and possible account suspension.
Yes. Catalogue coverage in these subcategories is being expanded to ensure that the majority of items are included. Listing tools and processes have been simplified to make it easier to list with the catalogue. For example, coverage of UPC code is currently being expanded.
If a product does not exist in the catalogue, or the item's unique identifier (ISBN, UPC, IIE, etc.) doesn't match one in eBay's current catalogue, you'll still be able list it in the category. These listings will appear on the search results page for that item, along with product cards but not on the product page. eBay will review these listings for possible mapping to products in the eBay catalogue. If a product match is found in the catalogue, eBay will map the listing to that item and you will be notified via email of the change. For GPS devices where listing with the catalogue is always required, if there's no matching product available in the catalogue, sellers will be required to add their product to the catalogue in order to continue listing. This can be done by clicking on the “Add product to our catalogue” link that appears under the item search box in the Sell Your Item process.
When listing with the catalogue, you can include additional item details not noted in the catalogue description in your description, but first make sure you've chosen the right product in the catalogue before including more item details. This is particularly important when listing items with more granular characteristics that impact a buyer's decision. For example, preloaded maps in GPS devices, case color of an iPod or MP3 player, console compatibility for video games, cell phones built for specific carriers, etc. Once you've selected the right product in the catalogue for your listing, make sure anything you add to the description doesn't conflict with product details from the catalogue.
If the product details are incorrect, use the product title, disable the inclusion of product details, and clarify product details in the description. We encourage you to send an email to DL-eBay-CatalogSubmission@eBay.com and include the following information:
- Clearly describe the issue
- URL where the error can be found
- Your email and phone number in case we require additional information
- Screenshot or file attachment of the issue
If you're listing a GPS device and there's no product match available, you'll need to add your product to the catalogue in order to continue listing, as listing with the catalogue is always required for GPS devices. This can be done by clicking on the “Add product to our catalogue” link that appears below the item search box in Sell Your Item.
For all other categories, items must be listed with eBay's catalogue whenever the item has a match. Listings that don't follow this policy don't qualify for the value box. These listings will be flagged and reviewed for possible catalogue matches by eBay. If a match is found then you will be notified and are encouraged to relist or revise listings to actively list with the catalogue. Sellers who repeatedly list items or fail to relist with the catalogue when there is a product match may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits of buying and selling privileges, and possible account suspension.
For all other categories, items must be listed with eBay's catalogue whenever the item has a match. Listings that don't follow this policy don't qualify for the value box. These listings will be flagged and reviewed for possible catalogue matches by eBay. If a match is found then you will be notified and are encouraged to relist or revise listings to actively list with the catalogue. Sellers who repeatedly list items or fail to relist with the catalogue when there is a product match may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits of buying and selling privileges, and possible account suspension.
If you don't agree with eBay's mapping, you can review and revise your listing with a more appropriate product from the catalogue, if available. Once you've revised your listing with a new product from the catalogue, it will not be remapped by eBay. We will, however, review these revised listings to ensure they are listed with the right product in the catalogue. If they are incorrectly revised and listed with the wrong product in the catalogue, the listing will be disassociated from the product catalogue and you will be notified via email.
Listings will be mapped to new catalogue additions as they become available and you are encouraged to actively relist or revise with the catalogue. As new products are added to the catalogue, eBay will automatically map existing listings to catalogue additions. Listings from eBay Top-rated sellers that were not created or revised with the eBay catalogue are ineligible for the value box.
If you would like to have your item added to eBay's catalogue—and it's not a GPS device—simply scroll down and click the "Submit a catalogue addition request" link at the bottom of the Sell Your Item form. Enter details about the product you'd like added to the catalogue, then click on "Submit information." Get more information.
Any listings with a matching catalogue product not listed with the eBay catalogue will be reviewed by eBay and mapped to matching products within the catalogue. Sellers will be notified of this action via email, and are encouraged to revise their listings with the catalogue for immediate eligibility for the value box (eBay Top-rated sellers only). Once you've been notified, if you don't revise your listing to list with the eBay catalogue, you may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits on buying and selling privileges, and account suspension.
Yes, the current bulk listing editor in My eBay, Selling Manager and Selling Manager Pro all allow you to specify a catalogue product for your listings, in bulk. The bulk edit and relist functionality will also support any additional changes you may want to make. Another option to quickly identify listings in mandated categories and assign products to your listings is the new CATs tool.
If you're listing a product containing bundled accessories or services, list the bundle using product details for the main product. Then use the "bundled item" option in the listing process to include details of the additional accessories you are including, since many of buyers recognize the value in bundled offerings. Buyers will be able to filter for listings with and without bundles. Adding accurate information during the listing process will help buyers more easily compare your bundle to others. It also helps eBay present the listing properly as a bundle and showcase the value of the offering.
If you are listing a group of items (such as a lot of camera film), we recommend that you do not list with the eBay catalogue, and instead place those items in the Wholesale Lots category.
If you have more than one of an identical item, find the product in the catalogue to associate your listing with and create a multi-quantity Fixed Price listing.
If your item is missing components, follow listing best practices—use the most appropriate item condition and clearly call out what's missing in your item description. For example, if you are selling a new television that's missing the remote control, list with the corresponding product details, and clearly call out that the remote control unit is missing from the item, in both your title and description. These listings will appear in search results along with complete items that contain all components. Items that are missing components are not considered to be in New condition.
If your item is used or refurbished, select the most accurate item condition and use the listing description to provide a detailed description of any wear or flaws. Include item details and photos that accurately depict the item condition.
You should create a regular listing without using the catalogue if you're listing a new item and your unique identifier matches a product in the catalogue but your product has characteristics that are different from what is described in the catalogue, or if your item's unique identifier code (ISBN, UPC, or IIE, etc.) does not map to a product in the catalogue. If you're listing a non-new item and the unique identifier code matches a product in the catalogue but your item has an additional characteristic that may price it above the list price, create a listing with the catalogue match then include additional characteristics under item specifics in your title and description.
Get more information on how to list with the catalogue.
If you list GPS devices on eBay Motors, be sure to include the device brand and model number in the listing title to be eligible for automatic exposure on eBay.com. GPS devices listed on eBay Motors without the device brand and model number in the title will not be included in the search results on eBay.com.
No. If you list your GPS device on eBay.com it will not get exposure on eBay Motors.
Learn more about eBay's new shopping experience.
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