Variations Not Available Listing Page

[ckoramc]

I thought I was going crazy, the support pages say the category must not support variations. 

People say make sure you start a blank listing, not "sell one like this".

I checked the list of supported categories https://pages.ebay.com/sellerinformation/sellingresources/multiplevariationslist.html

My category is in the list....

Then I found a post, everyone had made all the same nonsense suggestions.  Until finally someone comes in with a slam dunk!

WHY?  Is this off by default?  Why do the support pages not mention where to find this setting?

[toomuchstuffagain35]

Probably because they change things so often on this site, whoever does the support pages can't keep up?

The fact that some categories don't support variations, and you have to start a listing from scratch aren't what I would call 'nonsense suggestions'.

[ckoramc]

I guess that combination of words sounds like I'm critisicing the community response.  I am, to an extent.  

---

If you don’t see the variation button, this is normally because of two reasons:

• Listing with variations is not available in this particular category.
• Variations only work with fixed-price listings. They do not work with auction-style listings.

6. So, scroll down the page and select Fixed price for the Format in the Selling details section.

7. After clicking the Create variation button you see the variation page.


By simply quoting bad information from the support page the information is "nonsense" because it does not lead to a solution.

Almost all categories DO allow variations, so the suggestion that "most likely it's not supported" is bollucks.  It will lead many people to give up, make multiple listings, or otherwise just have a worse experience.  

My question is to why variations is hidden by default?

Many many sellers use variations and have for many many years.  This is not a new feature.   Hiding it in extra settings and failing to update the support pages may be new.  But that's not the question.  


The question is why is it not visible by default?

I also "asked" why it's not in the support pages.  But that was meant to be a rhetorical suggestion to eBay to update the support pages.  

[monica-sells]

On the contrary....many forum 'regulars as well as myself have been more than forthcoming explaining variations and all the little 'quirks'.....

as far as why those "three little dots" have to be involved to enable it, I am not disagreeing, but it has been explained many times that you need to 'enable' variations...

they probably make it difficult tso that you need at least a small amount of 'smarts' to initiate your first variations listing...it can be overwhelming

[mam98031]

I don't see that setting's box that you put in your post when I go to create a variation listing from one of my templates I have.

Where exactly do you see that the setting that you posted about.  I'm unsure where to find it.

[ckoramc]

If I were to guess, it would be that your template was created before they moved/hid the variations button so there is no particular need to activate it.

However when creating a "new, single listing" it displays for me at the top of the page.  Click the dots, then settings.  

Variations is the only "setting", further making no sense as to why they put it somewhere else, usually designers put options separately because there are several.

If you have variations available, then you shouldn't need the settings menu to activate it, and there's no other options to mess with.

I'd upload another image with some arrows, but you already are at the right spot, it's just not there.  But also I can't*, it wants a web source now for whatever reason.  Lovely!  You would think a platform more than a decade old would be more refined.

[mam98031]

They were, but with a little more research I found where you are seeing what you originally posted.  Mine was toggled in the ON position.  So I guess the screenshot I posted is how it appears on the listing form after you toggle Variations to the on position.

Create a template so you can keep the setting turned on if you don't want to do it each time.  They are especially helpful if you have some common verbiage in each of your listings.  Like your TOS or something.

I have no problem agreeing with you on why this setting even exists.  It certainly does seem nonsensical.  

[joaby3166]

I am creating a clothing list.  My variation is toggled to on.  Under the variations section it says Variations are unavailable for this listing.  And it is a buy it now item.

Any suggestions?

[kh-shakhib]

Hi everyone,

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

Thank you for understanding.