ERROR: "To add this attribute, remove the value added for it in Item Specifics"

[lewisweaver]

Ebay will not let me add a variation attribute whose name is the same as an item specific. No matter which way I do it, will give me this error: "To add this attribute, remove the value added for it in Item Specifics."

I had the same problem as this person, but I was able to take it a step further before eBay blocked me by selecting a different category that doesn't have the item specific I'm trying to add as an attribute, allowing me to create the variation attribute but not allowing me to list.

I start by creating the listing via the advanced selling tool, and then type whatever in the title. I then select a category that doesn't have my attribute, "Type," such as "Home & Garden > Other Home & Garden." I then "Continue without a match." I can now create my variation attribute and name it "Type." This way I have tricked eBay into not realizing that it wants to block me from creating the variation attribute with this name. However, when I change my category to one that I actually want to use and normally has the "Type" as an item specific, in this case "Home & Garden > Home Improvement > Building & Hardware > Doors & Door Hardware > Door Knobs & Levers," when I try to list it gives me this error and prevents me from listing.

When I go delete the attribute and try to re-add it, or if I create the listing with the desired category, I get this error.

The reason I want to make the attribute have this name is so that people can find it when they filter for it in search. If I figure out a way to do this, will it even work this way or will it treat the attribute I created as something different even if it has the exact same name as the item specific? For example, if I create the variation attribute "Type" and name the options "Privacy door lever" and "Passage door lever," will it be searchable with the filters like this?

Thanks.

[mam98031]

"The reason I want to make the attribute have this name is so that people can find it when they filter for it in search."

The search engine searches the item titles and ISBs [item specific boxes] naturally.  The descriptions are NOT searched unless the person doing the searches checks the box to have descriptions searched.

I think you may be making this more difficult on yourself than is necessary, but I'm really not sure yet.

What type of items are you trying to list?  What is the duplicate word that is not being allowed?  Give us more details about the specific items you are trying to create the listing for.

[lewisweaver]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm trying to list door handles with the variations of "Privacy Door Lever" and "Passage Door Lever" and have my item appear in search when users use this (https://imgur.com/a/cofor6l) tool to filter their search. So I'm trying to create the variation attribute "Type" in an attempt to get this function to work. It appears to not be possible, however when I try and do it on something like a hat, I am able to create the variation attribute "Size" no problem even though it is an item specific.

[mam98031]

If I'm understanding you correctly you want a line item in your variation listing to appear as "type"?  If so, I can't see an upside to that.  The attributes are the description of the item being offered.  "Type" is not that.

Look at this listing of mine.  Tell me what you want to say Type?  I'm sorry about all the questions, I'm just trying to make sure I understand what you are trying to do.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/391417304946?_skw=micro&itmmeta=01JBSWDPS76V2ZWEE6C48HDCF0&hash=item5b224a1...

[lewisweaver]

I would like it to say "Type" where it says "Color" here (https://imgur.com/a/yWFhTro) so that when buyers use this tool (https://imgur.com/a/ZA3BLgI) it will work. I essentially want to use "Type" in the same way that you used "Color" but I'm getting errors.

[mam98031]

Oh so you are talking about your title for the different attributes the items have.  You just need to use a different word.  That shouldn't be hard.  

You could do Shape, Size, or something else that sets each item apart from the others.  it doesn't have to be Type, there is a huge number of different words you could use to accomplish your goal.

What different "types" of things do you have?  Give me an idea, maybe I could help you with a good word to use instead of type.

[lewisweaver]

I understand that I could use a different word, but I would like the buyer to be able to filter for it in search. For example, if you used "Shade" or "Tone" instead of "Color," buyers would not be able to find your item if they used this tool (https://imgur.com/a/ZA3BLgI). That's why I want it to be "Type" specifically.

[mam98031]

OK.  You need to do what you feel best.  But it isn't going to let you repeat words.  

[lewisweaver]

Did you not repeat the word "Color?" I don't see the difference between eBay letting you make "Color" a variation and not letting you make "Type" a variation considering they're both item specifics.

[mam98031]

Color isn't repeated on mine.  Maybe we still aren't talking about the same thing.  

I don't use the App.  I'm on a Desktop.  Maybe the presentation makes a difference and I'm not familiar with the differences.

Can you or have you tried to create your listing on a Desktop or laptop?  Does it make a difference?