Can Variations be used for various parts from one engine?

[ama1437]

I'd like to create an ad with ALL the different parts from a diesel engine.  Pistons, rods, crankshaft valve covers... and on and on.  Each with it's own price.  I thought I was doing just that, then my computer crashed and I cannot for the life of me find where I was doing that.

[shipscript]

@ama1437 

Variations should not be used for parts that are not alike in any way. The intent of variations would be to provide parts that are generally alike, except in some attribute like size or color.

[ama1437]

Well, they are alike in that they are all parts of the same engine. But I see your point.

Wonder if there is a way to list them all in one auction?

[shipscript · Accepted solution]

@ama1437 

The only way you can list multiple parts in one listing is if you bundle them and sell the whole bundle for one price.

You can reference items in other listings using text links or a promo gallery with pictures. To give buyers the opportunity to purchase different parts from the same engine, and to keep the same item numbers for the duration (so you don't need to update your promo gallery), GTC, rather than auction, would be the best format.

Here is basic thumbnail promo gallery code for linking to your other listings. You'll need to create the listings to get the numbers, then revise to add the gallery code. Substitute your own item numbers for the pairs shown here:

I have more parts from the same engine in these listings:<br>
<a href="https://ebay.com/itm/383127989048"><img src="https://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/383127989048.jpg"></a>
<a href="https://ebay.com/itm/223143254682"><img src="https://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/223143254682.jpg"></a>
<a href="https://ebay.com/itm/223192482060"><img src="https://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/223192482060.jpg"></a>
<a href="https://ebay.com/itm/223612891458"><img src="https://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/223612891458.jpg"></a>

[ama1437]

Thanks for the info. I was hoping to not have to create a bunch of different ads. It amazes me how many ads some people put up in no time. Always takes me considerable time. Oh well.

Thanks again.

[shipscript]

Is there a way you can streamline the listing process?

All items would be in the same category, so "sell-similar" should help. I assume the condition of all items will generally be the same; although, since the condition text is displayed at the top of the listing, some thought might be put into that text.

You'll have to change the title, some of the description, price, and shipping cost (or weight/dimensions).

If I were creating a batch of listings like this, I might be inclined to use eBay's free bulk listing creator from the seller hub and list with a scheduled start.

https://pages.ebay.com/selling_manager/faqs.html#createlistings

The process first starts with a full listing form, then moves to the bulk editor where you can make the unique changes in spreadsheet format.

Then, after all the scheduled listings are created and posted, but are not yet live and are still hidden from the public, scan through all of them to verify the correct photos and price are attached to each. When happy, use eBay's bulk editor to remove the scheduled start date and the listings will go live.

You can also use this scheduling mechanism to acquire item numbers ahead of time so that you can revise all the descriptions to add the promo gallery before going live.

Others may be interested in creating a gallery, so here is a more complex version of the promo gallery that will allow adding text to each item. The parts to change are highlighted in red. Each item is a block of code so that more items can be added by duplicating the item block:

<!-- begin gallery -->
<div style="margin:auto; text-align:center; font-family:arial; font-size:12px; ">
I have more parts from the same engine in these listings:<br> 

<!--item -->
<div style="display:inline-block; max-width:100px; margin:2px; padding:4px; border:1px solid silver;">
<a href="https://ebay.com/itm/383127989048"><img src="https://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/383127989048.jpg"></a><br>
Test button in brown colors
</div>

<!--item -->
<div style="display:inline-block; max-width:100px; margin:2px; padding:4px; border:1px solid silver;">
<a href="https://ebay.com/itm/223143254682"><img src="https://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/223143254682.jpg"></a><br>
This is a yellow test button
</div>

<!--item -->
<div style="display:inline-block; max-width:100px; margin:2px; padding:4px; border:1px solid silver;">
<a href="https://ebay.com/itm/223192482060"><img src="https://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/223192482060.jpg"></a><br>
A green test button with stuff
</div>

<!--item -->
<div style="display:inline-block; max-width:100px; margin:2px; padding:4px; border:1px solid silver;">
<a href="https://ebay.com/itm/223612891458"><img src="https://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/223612891458.jpg"></a><br>
Visit my black test button
</div>

<!--end of items -->

</div><!-- end of gallery -->

[divwido]

There are ways to do it, but on eBay car parts cannot have variations.  I would be more inclined to group a specific area of the car in a lot.    Also there is an option-not here-to just sell your car for parts