Item Specifics - NO It Is NOT A Bundle - So why???

[b86fiero]

New item specifics updates required by July 12.

I updated over 300 listings to meet the requirements.  I am still getting notices to add item specifics.  All notices pertain to Bundle Description.

Every active listing I have that is for a set of 2 or 3 or 4 generates the Add Bundle Description notice.

None of these are for a "bundle" of anything.  There are for specific prepackaged SETS.

A set of 2 kitchen towels connected together by the manufacturer, 4 dinner plates banded together by the manufacturer, 6 beverage glasses, 3 adult coloring books prepackaged set,  2 puzzle books set, etc.  Just because a listing is for a quantity of 2 or more it does not automatically constitute a bundle. 

Not long ago eBay described a "bundle" as 2 or more separate but complementary / related items sold together such as shampoo and conditioner, a large individually packaged meat fork and butcher's knife,  pants and a belt, etc.  Listed together by the seller, not prepackaged by the manufacturer.

I have a few listings which do constitute a bundle as I compiled them:  example - a lot of 3 or more unrelated activity books that I list as a lot and choose yes for Bundle in the listing form then type out the description of the bundle.

Major issue:  Buyer Confusion.  When filling out the listing form for a set of 2 kitchen towels if I select yes under Bundle then type in 2 kitchen towels in the bundle description a Buyer may assume they would receive 4 kitchen towels.  It's already happened.  Not all buyers understand what the word bundle means.

If I select NO under Bundle when listing the option to fill out a bundle description is not available.  I am already telling eBay the item is not a bundle.  Then I get the Add Item Specifics warning that the Bundle Description is required by July 12 or the listing will disappear.

Ready to scream!  I am so sick of having to hand type "does not apply" in bundle description boxes to met a requirement that does not apply to the listed item.

What happens after July 12?  Am I suppose to lie to buyers that something is a bundle when it is not?  Am I expected to look like a nitwit to buyers who when reading my item specifics are told yes, it is a bundle, then checking the bundle description to read "does not apply"?    

Good grief eBay!!

[b86fiero]

Just wondering:

Is a package of 24 bolts a bundle?  A package of 10 hair ties?  A 6 pack of socks? A bag of 24 lollypops?

Anyone else having an issue with the bundle description requirement? 

[babclassics]

You don't have to fill in recommended item specifics,  only required ones.  The bundle field in your towel category is not required and if it were me I would blank in out to avoid the confusion you mention.  Factory joined 2-pack towels are NOT a custom bundle IMHO.

Your listings will be fine on the 12th unless you still have any with required specifics.  Recommended is just a suggestion and I often leave them blank or enter N/A in those.

[babclassics]

Just to follow up i forgot to mention you can check the don't ask me again check-box after doing a 1 time completion of the required specifics and the recommended ones you want.  That should get rid of the warning.

[myhomeschooldelights]

@b86fiero 

I'm not sure about kitchen towels or utensils categories, but in the media category in which I sell and have just finished updating my listings for required specifics, if I list a manufacturer "boxed" set of books, that box has its own specific ISBN.   And I have to use it to choose the item when I list.   It's not a custom bundle that I need to describe further.  The ISBN identifies it as a pre-packaged set already.  It is one item with a unique identifier.   Is that true in your categories also?   I know that your pre-packaged set of 3 adult coloring books you mentioned,  would definitely have its own ISBN.   In that case, if it were me, I'd ignore the "bundle" recommended specifics.  They are not required.  Wouldn't a manufacturer packaged set of towels have the same thing?  A MPN or UPC or whatever the proper term is for that type of product?  Can you list by choosing that MPN?   Since your original post didn't make mention of this particular point, I thought I'd bring it up.

[b86fiero]

Unfortunately the kitchen towels do not have UPC's or MPN's on their tags.  Just brand name, made in .... , fabric and size.

Unless I create a custom response (does not apply) in the Bundle Description box I get the Item Specifics Required notice.  Notice states required, not suggested.

One would think if one chose "no" for Is It A Bundle? on the listing form that would be the end of it.   

So frustrating.

[myhomeschooldelights]

@b86fiero 

Apparently "no" to the question "is it a bundle" is not an acceptable answer.  Unbelievable.  I'm so sorry you're dealing with this.  What a hassle.

Did you report these problems with your specific categories that are causing the mess to the team on eBay who actually is responsible for creating the changes?  If not, I would recommend that.  I am looking for that link now.  As soon as I find it I will report back on this thread in case you don't have it.

[myhomeschooldelights]

@b86fiero 

I found that link in case you don't have it.  It was in one of the weekly chat sessions.... "If you find any issues with specifics that don't make sense for the category you're listing in you can alert the team at sdsupport@ebay.com who can help."

I did actually try it out and someone did respond as a matter of fact.    May have done no good, but at least it is a contact link.

[charmmissy]

e-Bay needs some competition. They are killing themselves with changes like this.

Between the new complexities in listings, the on going nightmare of sellers account and increases in selling fees, it isn't going to take much to convince sellers to try something new .... if it ever shows up!

[kh-stanley1]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread HERE if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.