How to suggest a new idea

[evry1nositswindy]

I sell quite a lot of books.  I would like to propose an idea to eBay about a variation listing.  It would be beneficial for book sellers to make a listing for one author and offer multiple titles.  Title would be the variation and the buyer would choose.  How do I present the idea to eBay?

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

You could try suggesting it at the weekly chat.  That's not a bad idea.

http://community.ebay.com/t5/Weekly-Chat-with-eBay-Staff/bd-p/weekly-chat

[mam98031]

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@evry1nositswindy wrote:

I sell quite a lot of books.  I would like to propose an idea to eBay about a variation listing.  It would be beneficial for book sellers to make a listing for one author and offer multiple titles.  Title would be the variation and the buyer would choose.  How do I present the idea to eBay?

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That is an interesting idea.  While you can actually do this now with a variation listing, I'm not sure it would be within the rules for a variation listing.  Would you create the listing with free shipping?  I ask because each book would certainly weigh differently.

I too sell books.  Craft books and patterns.  For the type of books I sell, I don't think this would work well for me, but I can certainly see the benefits in novels.

[readabouthorses]

This is an interesting idea and I've actually thought this would be nice in the magazine back issues where you could list the magazine and then the variations would be the different issues you have of that particular magazine.

Since the variations are now only available in certain categories I wonder if they do have plans to expand the variations in the future.

[deep-garnet-red]

I also wish they would increase the list of eligible categories. They have it for DVDs. Why not books and CDs?

[penguins_dont_fly]

Somebody has a post here (and on the buying board) about going to eBay Open ... Why not send it along with them??

[papermoneyforme]

Won't fly as different titles are not variations but completely different items and require different listings.

[papermoneyforme]

Otherwise, people could/would do the same with comics, stamps, coins, currency, cards, etc and Ebay's listing fees would drop drastically as would their stores.

List one item with 100,000 variations.

[sockmonkeydave]

@evry1nositswindy

I can't find my copy of "Little House in the big woods"  Ingeles girl (sp)

I like the idea, search for author, and find a variation list...

Seems like a no brainer.... but...

they all may have different ISBN ...

[mam98031]

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@papermoneyforme wrote:

Otherwise, people could/would do the same with comics, stamps, coins, currency, cards, etc and Ebay's listing fees would drop drastically as would their stores.

List one item with 100,000 variations.

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While I do agree with you, a listing can only have a maximum of 40 variation as the program is currently written.

[mam98031]

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@sockmonkeydave wrote:

@evry1nositswindy

I can't find my copy of "Little House in the big woods"  Ingeles girl (sp)

I like the idea, search for author, and find a variation list...

Seems like a no brainer.... but...

they all may have different ISBN ...

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As do many current variation listings.  The individual items on a variation listing can have different ISBNs or UPCs.  In fact in some categories it is required.

[duchess-at-speakeasy]

What you are describing is a "choice" listing -- which eBay bans.

"Variation" listings are for identical items, just different size, color or some other attribute that involves fit or design. The condition has to be identical, too. So it's a good idea for shoes, clothing and custom products such as coffee mugs with cat, dog and elephant designs in assorted colors.

I admit that some variation listings violate policy by including different items. We've all seen the $0.99 to $19.95 listings where the cheap item is a phone case and not a phone!

Personally, I would love to create a single variation listing for 6, 8 and 10-inch plates in a dinnerware pattern or 8-inch plates in several patterns, all same maker. I proposed this idea last year and eBay shot it down as a "choice" listing.

~~C~~