Community Chat, Oct 4th @ 1pm PT - General Topics

[alan@ebay]

Hello, 

Please join the Community team here at 1 pm PT today for our weekly chat. You may have seen that we were scheduled to discuss Structured Data today, but unfortunately, our eBay expert is unwell. 

Talk with you soon! 

[llllady]

Hi.

Are there any new size shipping boxes coming, and if so, do you have an idea when that might be?  We've been asking for quite some time now.

Unfortunately, I just spent a bunch of money on another site for box sizes that aren't available here.  That doesn't bother me so much as it should bother you. 

BTW...    Yep, still going on months and months later.  😞

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques]

doug, Thanks for checking. I was hoping for an early Christmas gift from eBay, but no such luck. LOL

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

I am extremely unhappy with the new My eBay "All Selling" page that fails to provide a single view of all segments -- Active, Sold, Unsold, etc.  I am especially unhappy that Unsold does not allow use of the bulk editor to relist items or make revisions.

And where is the Promotional Offers section?  I rarely receive e-mails for these -- and generally after the promotion is almost over, if at all -- and always relied on the Promotional Offers section for current information and counts.  Can't you add it to the Selling section where it's a convenient reference?

After 20 years and 2 months on eBay, I am about to abandon it and concentrate on selling and buying via other markets.  And please don't shove Seller Hub on me -- I looked at it (via a friend's account) and it's awful!  A lotta garbage stuff and not at all streamlined for easy use.  

~~C~~

~~C~~ 

[Anonymous]

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@vrykalak wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@vrykalak wrote:

When I list something that is in eBay's catalog, why doesn't the info from the catalog fill in the item specifics?

If I Sell Similar, the Item Specifics are there.
But if I start a new listing, I have to retype them all.

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Hi @vrykalak! I just tried this and it looks like the catalog is populating Item Specifics on the item. You do have the option to add additional specifics but there are some pre-filled. If you aren't seeing that on an item, it's possible the information hasn't been added to the catalog just yet.

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#382242670978: all the details are there from the catalog, but I had to type in specifics: the author, publication date, etc.

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@vrykalak

I just tried to create a listing from the catalog for this same book and I'm showing that information is included.

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques]

Thanks again Heidi. Yes, I could do that, but ebay has told me that seller created IS are not searchable, and I believe (not sure) that the size IS also acts as a search filter on the left hand side of Art searches---so creating my own would probably screw that up. Sorry, my mistake, I just thought this was something ebay itself might want to resolve, rather than have us sellers try to come up with a workaround again.

[Anonymous]

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@vrykalak wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@vrykalak wrote:

Used to be able to sort UNSOLD by price, and probably some other things.

Now can only sort by time ended:  recent first or recent last.

Sometimes, I want to relist only high-priced things, or things that had watchers, and want to have those sorts available.

Any chance we can get those other sort filters back?

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Hi @vrykalak, those options are now only available through the Unsold section in Seller Hub. I recommend opting into our Seller Hub so you can filter by price and take advantage of a number of other benefits of this tool! Go here for more details on this resource 

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What is the point of deliberately REMOVING capabilities outside of Seller Hub?
That inconveniences those of us who avoid Seller Hub for valid reasons.
And it uses time and energy by eBay staff to REMOVE capabilities, that should be spent on improving the site.
Grrrrrrr.

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As Seller Hub is rapidly becoming the central tool for our sellers, we intend to move features and tools into it so we can focus our energies into developing Seller Hub into everything our sellers deserve! Mainting multiple tools for the same features is not the best use of our resources, and you will likely see more features being moved to Seller Hub as time goes on.

Additionally, I'd love to hear why Seller Hub doesn't work for you. Can you tell me the reasons you have for avoiding it? I'd be happy to pass along any issues you've run into to our Seller Hub team so we can get these addressed!

[mr_lincoln]

@Anonymous

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@mr_lincoln wrote:

@Anonymous, alan@ebay

Seller Hub Overview Page Customization:

On September 30th I created a thread asking if there is a place or thread eBay is using to update us on Seller Hub Changes and improvements … it was on the Seller Hub section of The Community …. ZERO replies but I am not offended. Here is again on today’s chat:

“Does anyone have a link or know where the Seller Hub update thread is where eBay lets us know all the changes they are planning to make and when?

I want them to make the Overview / Home Page completely customizable to allow each tile to be sized AND lists combined like the pic below.  That way we can have 4 tiles on a row instead of the space wasting 3 fixed sized ones.  The Hub has potential, that's for sure.  Some of the shortcuts are nice but generally things are too spread out and need to be condensed (and there is NO reason they can't be condensed).  If Sellers had this flexibility than they could customize it to meet their needs AND feel like they have a little ownership.

The other thing I want them to do (and I use the Comments link regularly) is get rid of that space wasting Opt in to Guaranteed Delivery banner ... I have to click the X almost every time I log on ... that banner should stay OFF by clicking the X once ... if I ever want to opt in I know I can find where to do it.  And NO, I am not opting in just to make the banner go away if that is the ploy?!?"

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Hi @mr_lincoln, while we do not currently have a location where all future changes are outlined, I think that your recommendations would be great to share with our Seller Hub team using the "Comments?" link within the Seller Hub. Our team reviews these regularly to make updates and that are suggested to us. I can also let you know that I have personally passed along feedback about adjusting the size of the widgets, but it won't hurt for this to be submitted again to our team so they can get an idea of how many sellers would like to see this!

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Hi Trinton, yes, you mentioned that two Chats ago ... I DO use the Comments link but most of the time I get the Survey style FB and NOT the email based format you mentioned.  I have submitted this to them and I believe you mentioned you would pass it on too (previously) ... which I thank you for.  The Hub has great potential, as mentioned, but it needs this type of refinement to make it really good.  Again, thanks for your follow to the post.

Mr. L

[mr_lincoln]

@Anonymous

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@mr_lincoln wrote:

alan@ebay

Structured Data

Good afternoon eBay Team!

I see the topic changed from Structured Data to General Topics … Two questions here:

1. I am considering converting an Everyday Rate plan ID here to a Basic Store. Many items on that ID were created with the simple listing tool. The items of most concern are vintage and antique books. If the ID is converted with the items listed that are missing Item Specifics (Structured Data) for book categories will they be 1) taken down, 2) moved to the Un-sold file or 3) deleted altogether?
2. ePids: any update on this Structured Data?

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Hi @mr_lincoln!

1. If your items truly don't have UPCs, you can still use Does Not Apply and nothing will happen to your listings. Transferring to a store shouldn't be an issue at all 

2. No update just yet but we'll let you know when we do!

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Thank you Heidi ... actually most vintage and antique books do not have UPC codes ... I was thinking more in terms of ISBN numbers and other printed materail identifiers (granted I am not an expert) ... I believe there may also be a Grading Item Specific on the Advanced Tool that is not on the Simple Tool ...hmmm, not sure about that.

[vrykalak]

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brian_burke@ebay wrote:

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@vrykalak wrote:

What is the point of requiring BIN price to be 99¢ or more?

What supposed evil was that requirement supposed to fix?

Does it benefit anyone? Certainly not me or a potential buyer,

who may wnat the item, but can't wait 7 or 10 days to buy it.

If I want to sell an iten for 25¢, I should be allowed to.

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@vrykalak

Unlike an auction where the item price can increase over the duration of the listing, the listed Buy it Now price + shipping is the amount the buyer will pay. We set the minimum for a couple reasons:

1. It is tough to make a profit on a $1 item with reasonable shipping. Even hard for an item that you are selling for 25 cents.

2.  Sellers were listing items for one cent and then charging $40 for shipping. If the buyer had to return the item, the seller was only refunding one cent.

3. Sellers were listing items at low costs to "pad" their feedback.

None of these behaviors were good for building trust in the marketplace, which means it isn't good for our sellers. 

Questions for you: What item would you like to sell for 25 cents? How much would you charge for shipping? How much profit do you make on these items you want to sell for 25 cents?

Thanks for selling on eBay.

Brian

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None of these "reasons" make sense to me.
1. I absolutely can make a profit on little items, because I bought them for much less, and buyers are encouraged to buy a bunch of them, to save on shipping. Why should eBay care?
2. I charge a $1 handling fee on everything, and then give the least expensive 3 or 4 shipping options at (retail) price. Shipping is always "calculated" so eBay--not I--decides the amount.
3. I don't mind getting feedback for a lot of little sales. And I deserve feedback for every sale. Again, why should eBay care?

To answer your questions:
if I paid 5¢ or 10¢ for an item, and I offer it for 50¢, I get a bit more than the 10% eBay charges me for the right to sell it. When I set $1 handling fee on every S&H charge, that almost always more than covers the 10% eBay charges on the shipping cost. *  And every time I sell something to a delighted customer, that person is a bit more likely to buy from me in the future.

* And eBay's excuse for charging 10% on the shipping charge--which they didn't do in the past--was the same as #2 above: punishing us all for the sins of a few, rather than trying to fix the actual PROBLEM.

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

Why does the Pottery & Glass category not have a Condition unit?  Why can't we select Used, Pre-owned and New?  Most of the content is used items -- products made over 50 years ago -- but some distinction should be made so that buyers can sort by condition and actually zero in on "New" products that sometimes are available.

Thanks!

~~C~~

[Anonymous]

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@my-cottage-books-and-antiques wrote:
Thanks again Heidi. Yes, I could do that, but ebay has told me that seller created IS are not searchable, and I believe (not sure) that the size IS also acts as a search filter on the left hand side of Art searches---so creating my own would probably screw that up. Sorry, my mistake, I just thought this was something ebay itself might want to resolve, rather than have us sellers try to come up with a workaround again.

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@my-cottage-books-and-antiques

I definitely appreciate you bringing this up and I'll send it on to see what we can do to improve the process. I'm not sure if it will be implemented but luckily there are alternatives you can use in the meantime.

[mr_lincoln]

@Anonymous

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trinton@ebay wrote:

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vrykalak wrote:

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trinton@ebay wrote:

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vrykalak wrote:

Used to be able to sort UNSOLD by price, and probably some other things.

Now can only sort by time ended:  recent first or recent last.

Sometimes, I want to relist only high-priced things, or things that had watchers, and want to have those sorts available.

Any chance we can get those other sort filters back?

---

Hi @vrykalak, those options are now only available through the Unsold section in Seller Hub. I recommend opting into our Seller Hub so you can filter by price and take advantage of a number of other benefits of this tool! Go here for more details on this resource 

---

What is the point of deliberately REMOVING capabilities outside of Seller Hub?
That inconveniences those of us who avoid Seller Hub for valid reasons.
And it uses time and energy by eBay staff to REMOVE capabilities, that should be spent on improving the site.
Grrrrrrr.

---

As Seller Hub is rapidly becoming the central tool for our sellers, we intend to move features and tools into it so we can focus our energies into developing Seller Hub into everything our sellers deserve! Mainting multiple tools for the same features is not the best use of our resources, and you will likely see more features being moved to Seller Hub as time goes on.

Additionally, I'd love to hear why Seller Hub doesn't work for you. Can you tell me the reasons you have for avoiding it? I'd be happy to pass along any issues you've run into to our Seller Hub team so we can get these addressed!

---

I know you and @vrykalak are conversing but I just wanted to jump in with a comment/question.  I go from the SH Overview page to My Selling and have the Classic format there which is great.  Can you confirm SH will still allow that in the future?  Additionally, I like the Classic Store layout compared to the newer one which is all spread out so again, will the Classic Store format still be available?

I now prefer the Seller Hub Relisitng tool but it is spread out and there is more left to right eye movement to make sure about an item's Relist status ... the Classic format was narrower PLUS had the different colored button so you "eye" could pick it up easier.  This again was a suggestion I passed on for the SH Relist format page ... make the little square a different color if the item is Relisted.

Mr. L

[Anonymous]

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@mr_lincoln wrote:

@Anonymous

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@mr_lincoln wrote:

alan@ebay

Structured Data

Good afternoon eBay Team!

I see the topic changed from Structured Data to General Topics … Two questions here:

1. I am considering converting an Everyday Rate plan ID here to a Basic Store. Many items on that ID were created with the simple listing tool. The items of most concern are vintage and antique books. If the ID is converted with the items listed that are missing Item Specifics (Structured Data) for book categories will they be 1) taken down, 2) moved to the Un-sold file or 3) deleted altogether?
2. ePids: any update on this Structured Data?

---

Hi @mr_lincoln!

1. If your items truly don't have UPCs, you can still use Does Not Apply and nothing will happen to your listings. Transferring to a store shouldn't be an issue at all 

2. No update just yet but we'll let you know when we do!

---

Thank you Heidi ... actually most vintage and antique books do not have UPC codes ... I was thinking more in terms of ISBN numbers and other printed materail identifiers (granted I am not an expert) ... I believe there may also be a Grading Item Specific on the Advanced Tool that is not on the Simple Tool ...hmmm, not sure about that.

---

@mr_lincoln

You shouldn't run into any issues but if you do, feel free to reach out to customer service who could help walk you through any trouble. Also, keep an eye on this page: http://pages.ebay.com/sell/item_specifics/product_identifiers.html where we show which categories require this information.

[aluvz2shop]

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@vrykalak wrote:

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brian_burke@ebay wrote:

---

@vrykalak wrote:

What is the point of requiring BIN price to be 99¢ or more?

What supposed evil was that requirement supposed to fix?

Does it benefit anyone? Certainly not me or a potential buyer,

who may wnat the item, but can't wait 7 or 10 days to buy it.

If I want to sell an iten for 25¢, I should be allowed to.

---

@vrykalak

Unlike an auction where the item price can increase over the duration of the listing, the listed Buy it Now price + shipping is the amount the buyer will pay. We set the minimum for a couple reasons:

1. It is tough to make a profit on a $1 item with reasonable shipping. Even hard for an item that you are selling for 25 cents.

2.  Sellers were listing items for one cent and then charging $40 for shipping. If the buyer had to return the item, the seller was only refunding one cent.

3. Sellers were listing items at low costs to "pad" their feedback.

None of these behaviors were good for building trust in the marketplace, which means it isn't good for our sellers. 

Questions for you: What item would you like to sell for 25 cents? How much would you charge for shipping? How much profit do you make on these items you want to sell for 25 cents?

Thanks for selling on eBay.

Brian

---

None of these "reasons" make sense to me.
1. I absolutely can make a profit on little items, because I bought them for much less, and buyers are encouraged to buy a bunch of them, to save on shipping. Why should eBay care?
2. I charge a $1 handling fee on everything, and then give the least expensive 3 or 4 shipping options at (retail) price. Shipping is always "calculated" so eBay--not I--decides the amount.
3. I don't mind getting feedback for a lot of little sales. And I deserve feedback for every sale. Again, why should eBay care?

To answer your questions:
if I paid 5¢ or 10¢ for an item, and I offer it for 50¢, I get a bit more than the 10% eBay charges me for the right to sell it. When I set $1 handling fee on every S&H charge, that almost always more than covers the 10% eBay charges on the shipping cost. *  And every time I sell something to a delighted customer, that person is a bit more likely to buy from me in the future.

* And eBay's excuse for charging 10% on the shipping charge--which they didn't do in the past--was the same as #2 above: punishing us all for the sins of a few, rather than trying to fix the actual PROBLEM.

---

Depending on the category there are still many listing for 1 cent to 99 cents and 9.99 shipping fee.

In most instances the items are 1 to 2 ounces.  Then the same also slam with dupe listings by adding a1 a2 a3 at the end of their titles.  So in essence we are all paying for it.  And that is only one example from a US seller, not counting sellers from India or China doing the same.

[gracieallen01]

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brian_burke@ebay wrote:

---

@vrykalak wrote:

What is the point of requiring BIN price to be 99¢ or more?

What supposed evil was that requirement supposed to fix?

Does it benefit anyone? Certainly not me or a potential buyer,

who may wnat the item, but can't wait 7 or 10 days to buy it.

If I want to sell an iten for 25¢, I should be allowed to.

---

@vrykalak

Unlike an auction where the item price can increase over the duration of the listing, the listed Buy it Now price + shipping is the amount the buyer will pay. We set the minimum for a couple reasons:

1. It is tough to make a profit on a $1 item with reasonable shipping. Even hard for an item that you are selling for 25 cents.

2.  Sellers were listing items for one cent and then charging $40 for shipping. If the buyer had to return the item, the seller was only refunding one cent.

3. Sellers were listing items at low costs to "pad" their feedback.

None of these behaviors were good for building trust in the marketplace, which means it isn't good for our sellers. 

Questions for you: What item would you like to sell for 25 cents? How much would you charge for shipping? How much profit do you make on these items you want to sell for 25 cents?

Thanks for selling on eBay.

Brian

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$ .98 is going to make a difference - .99 vs .01?  

How, if I may wonder out loud - so to speak?