What are the Ramifications of Selecting NOT to use Catalog Info on a listing?

[mam98031]

This was getting discussed on a thread that got really long and had many subjects within it.  This particular portion of that thread is very interesting and we all need further clarification on both as buyers and sellers.

When a seller sets up a listing and uses a UPC or ISBN but does NOT select the box to auto fill the listing with info from the Ebay catalog, it was brought up on this other thread that even though the seller does not select that auto fill box, the information WILL display for those using the Mobile app to view listings.

I hope I got that right.  If I didn't, I'm confident some of the others that participated on the other thread will pop in and share more information with us.

@Anonymous 

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/Buyer-opened-SNAD-because-they-wanted-an-item-not-in-my-listing/td-p/29435365

Further the Ebay UA that we all have agreed to so that we can sell here holds the seller's responsible for the accuracy of the Ebay catalog.  Here is an excerpt from the Content section of the UA.

We offer product data (including images, descriptions and specifications) that are provided by third parties (including eBay users). You may use that content solely in your eBay listings. eBay may modify or revoke that permission at any time in our sole discretion. The product data includes copyrighted, trademarked and other proprietary materials. You agree not to remove any copyright, proprietary, or identification markings in the product data and not to create any derivative works based on that data (other than by including the data in your listings).

We try to offer reliable product data, but cannot promise that the content provided through the Services will always be available, accurate, complete, and up-to-date. You agree that eBay is not responsible for examining or warranting the listings or content provided by third parties through the Services, and that you will not attempt to hold us or our data providers liable for inaccuracies. As a seller, you agree to ensure that content directly associated with your listings is accurate.

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/member-behaviour-policies/user-agreement?id=4259#9.%20Content

[mam98031]

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@this*old*attic wrote:

You left out one part.

1. The OP of that thread plugged in a WRONG UPC CODE.

2. The catalog info only populated the mobile app because there WAS A UPC.

No UPC, no catalog population in the mobile app.

The real question is: What are the ramifications of not putting a UPC, or checking “other” or “not applicable” in the categories where it is required?

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I'm honestly not trying to rehash the other thread or the problem that particular OP had.  With that said, just for the record, the seller said they used the UPC that was on the video game they had.  

What I think needs to be addressed is the problem that was created because Ebay is allowing the catalog details to appear on the listing if it is viewed in the Mobile App, even when the seller sets the listing up to NOT allow the details to auto fill the listing.  This is the problem.  I'm trying to address the problem, not what resulted from the problem.

If the problem didn't exist, what resulted on that other thread likely would not have happened.  I'm trying to be proactive and address the problem.  And to make sure as many sellers are aware of it as possible.

Trinton gave a very good explanation a few posts back.  It is long but well worth the read.

[mam98031]

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@gramophone-georg wrote:

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@millcreekrescue909 wrote:

Well, he probably could have used “Does Not Apply” anyway. There are listings all over eBay that require UPCs and the sellers are using “Does Not Apply”...and they are not being taken down. EBays enforcement of this policy is spotty at

best.

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How could he have known this with eBay saying a UPC is required?

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Some categories require the UPC and some categories allow for a UPC or Does Not apply.  It depends on the category.

[gramophone-georg]

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@mam98031 wrote:

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@gramophone-georg wrote:

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@millcreekrescue909 wrote:

Well, he probably could have used “Does Not Apply” anyway. There are listings all over eBay that require UPCs and the sellers are using “Does Not Apply”...and they are not being taken down. EBays enforcement of this policy is spotty at

best.

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How could he have known this with eBay saying a UPC is required?

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Some categories require the UPC and some categories allow for a UPC or Does Not apply.  It depends on the category.

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AND the condition, according to Trinton. If it's "new", it must have a UPC. I Only if it's 'used' it can have 'does not apply' subbed, if I am understanding this right.

This would be in a category where a UPC is required, like Video Games.

[dhbookds]

@beardedbovine 

Thanks...........I did report that page.

[millcreekrescue909]

My comment was actually specific to fragrances which, as you know, require a UPC.

[coolections]

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@gramophone-georg wrote:

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@millcreekrescue909 wrote:

Well, he probably could have used “Does Not Apply” anyway. There are listings all over eBay that require UPCs and the sellers are using “Does Not Apply”...and they are not being taken down. EBays enforcement of this policy is spotty at

best.

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How could he have known this with eBay saying a UPC is required?

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Because when he bought the game as a stand alone instead of a bundle for a great price for resale he could have used does not apply as Ebay did not say it was required. 

[Anonymous]

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@beardedbovine wrote:

@Anonymous 

Trinton, I'm following up on a question I asked on the video game thread.

When I have an object that is new, but missing a piece, I have been listing it as Used, but I have also been including the UPC/MPN. Now I learned from your response that this is incorrect... that I should not be using the UPC/MPN (but that my Used condition is correct)... however that's not what it says on the product identifier requirements page.

The information you provided to not add PIs (product identifiers) contradicts what's on this page. It says:

Be sure to add your item's brand, manufacturer part number (MPN), and global trade item number (GTIN)—along with item specifics such as size and color—any time you list on eBay.

I thought I was following the rules and policies, but now it turns out that following what's written in the policy pages is the wrong thing to do?

I also have to ask about bundles and lots. Are we not supposed to use the UPC/MPN if we sell a lot of 3 of the same item since the PIs apply only to a single item?

What about bundles? Are we not supposed to use the UPC/MPN because that's only specific to one item in the lot? Previously Griff told us we should use the PIs for the "main" item in the bundle, and if that wasn't available then use the UPC for any item in the bundle. Is that not correct?

Edit: The "bundle" item specific is not available in all categories.

Thanks in advance for your time. This is confusing and frustrating!

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HI @beardedbovine, happy to clarify! You should absolutely include the UPC/MPN anytime you list as a best practice, even if the item is being listed as Used. The example from the other thread was problematic because the product identifier was not solely for the game, but for a manufacturer bundle. The manufacture put two items together under one UPC, so the UPC was not for either item individually. In a scenario where only half of the manufacturer bundle is being sold, the UPC should not be used. If you as the seller are bundling items/selling as a lot, then the information you received from Griff is correct and the "main" item's UPC should be used.

The quoted portion you have provided is not saying that the brand, manufacturer part number (MPN), and global trade item number (GTIN) are required every time you list, just that you should add them if you have them. They are only required in certain categories when listed in certain conditions (outlined in the link you provided).

Ultimately, the confusion on this topic arose specifically because of a very unique item - a game that was only sold with an accessory. The UPC the seller obtained from the game was not just for that game, but also for the accessory they did not have. A seller only needs to ensure that the information they provide in their listing is accurate. If the UPC/MPN you are providing is for the item you are selling, then you are fine. If the UPC/MPN you are providing represents a different product, such as a manufacturer bundle that you do not have all the components of, it should not be provided. In the other thread you reference, the UPC the seller provided represented something they were not selling. 

I've included a photo below as an example: 

In the photo above, you can in the left side of the bundle a larger box, on the right you see the game and in the lower left/foreground there is an adapter that is sending and receiving information. There is only one UPC for Rock Band 4 on the Xbox One (0728658048112) which represents all of the pictured components. The larger box is what would have been visible on shelves a retail store and would have contained the game shown on the right and the adapter on the left foreground. The UPC represents both of these items in the manufacturer bundle. It would not be accurate to use the UPC for only the adapter or the game, because the UPC is for both items that came in the larger box.

If a seller is bundling items together themselves, they can use the "main" item's product identifier because this will not give the incorrect impression to their buyers. The would receive "extra" items beyond what the product identifier represents, so nothing would be missing. For the picture and example above of a manufacturer bundle, using the product identifier when you are only selling a portion of the bundle gives the wrong impression to buyers because they will be "missing" items from the order. 

While seller bundles and manufacturer bundles are not as common, I wanted to go into detail on how best to handle these types of listings. Let me know if this clears up the confusion.

[tunicaslot]

Just tagging - I know we do have people that have sold on Amazon. Does using their catalog cause as much confusion for sellers? There doesn't seem to be many problems with it discussed on their forums. I know this is a work in progress - but maybe a page be shown with the populated information and the seller has to affirm they read the info and their item complies with the product page is necessary before being able to submit the listing is needed.

Ebay has for years talked about how easy it is to sell here and yet there is so much more to it for new buyers that they don't know.

[this*old*attic]

Yes, but we’re back to my point.

Wherever he got the UPC code, sealed package or comparing products online, he chose the wrong one. He didn’t do his research, so he didn’t realize the UPC code was for a group of items. Thus, it was incorrectly listed and buyer was shorted.

The problem IS NOT the fact that the catalog populated the mobile app. THE PROBLEM is an incorrect UPC code. The customer was JUST AS LIKELY to be confused on a PC if they checked the PC in some other fashion.

THE LISTING WAS WRONG, not the customer.

Putting aside the fact that this is just complicated (also true in other categories and business in general), the problem is:

How to properly list, in categories that require a UPC code, when there are variations of any kind that don’t match the format/boxes presented for the seller to fill out when listing.

The problem is that PEOPLE WHO DO KNOW what they have are frustrated and confused because the listing format is one size fits all, but items are often not.

[hillbillymedia]

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@this*old*attic wrote:

You left out one part.

1. The OP of that thread plugged in a WRONG UPC CODE.

2. The catalog info only populated the mobile app because there WAS A UPC.

No UPC, no catalog population in the mobile app.

The real question is: What are the ramifications of not putting a UPC, or checking “other” or “not applicable” in the categories where it is required?

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How did you come to the conclusion the OP from the other thread entered the wrong UPC code?

The determination I came to was that the UPC code that was entered was for a set (per Trinton) that included 1) The game 2) The adapter 3) the controller. (all 3 items in the set were issued the same UPC code by the manufacturer). The set was later broken up by either A) The original purchaser or B) a retailer, so the items could be sold separately.

Ebays catalog doesn`t compensate for these things unless a request is made for a separate ePID number from ebay. The request for an ePID more than likely wasn`t made because the OP assumed (rightfully so IMO) that if they unchecked the pre-filled info. box and that the pre-filled info. would not be installed in the listing. Ebay however, in their infinite wisdom, re-installed the pre-filled info. because the upc code was entered into the listing.

[gramophone-georg]

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@this*old*attic wrote:

Yes, but we’re back to my point.

Wherever he got the UPC code, sealed package or comparing products online, he chose the wrong one. He didn’t do his research, so he didn’t realize the UPC code was for a group of items. Thus, it was incorrectly listed and buyer was shorted.

The problem IS NOT the fact that the catalog populated the mobile app. THE PROBLEM is an incorrect UPC code. The customer was JUST AS LIKELY to be confused on a PC if they checked the PC in some other fashion.

THE LISTING WAS WRONG, not the customer.

Putting aside the fact that this is just complicated (also true in other categories and business in general), the problem is:

How to properly list, in categories that require a UPC code, when there are variations of any kind that don’t match the format/boxes presented for the seller to fill out when listing.

The problem is that PEOPLE WHO DO KNOW what they have are frustrated and confused because the listing format is one size fits all, but items are often not.

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He chose the UPC code that was ON THE SEALED PACKAGE! Only on eBay could that possibly be the wrong one...

[gramophone-georg]

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@millcreekrescue909 wrote:

My comment was actually specific to fragrances which, as you know, require a UPC.

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Ummm... no, actually I don't  know.

And if I make a super good faith attempt to find out by going to the policy overview list page I mentioned as comprising links to FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE PAGES, each full of "Learn More" links to OTHER ADDITIONAL pages... fragrances are not mentioned. Nor are perfumes.

[gramophone-georg]

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@tunicaslot wrote:

Just tagging - I know we do have people that have sold on Amazon. Does using their catalog cause as much confusion for sellers? There doesn't seem to be many problems with it discussed on their forums. I know this is a work in progress - but maybe a page be shown with the populated information and the seller has to affirm they read the info and their item complies with the product page is necessary before being able to submit the listing is needed.

Ebay has for years talked about how easy it is to sell here and yet there is so much more to it for new buyers that they don't know.

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A very close friend and his biz partner are HUGE collectible CD sellers (sealed OOP box sets and single discs) on Amazon. Sometimes they sell a single CD straggler from a classical set in case someone needs it to replace a damaged or missing disc. 

Both of them have never experienced any sort of quagmire even approaching this. They both say the catalog there works just perfectly for them.

They move a TON of merchandise. 

They made a foray onto eBay about 5 years or so ago and shut it down in three months due to constant scams, glitches, and other nonsense. They'd never had anybody- ever- buy a CD and claim it was "fake" until eBay. According to them, listing and selling here took over twice the time for about 1/4 the sales and even less profit by comparison.

[this*old*attic]

He entered the UPC code for a bundle, but provided only one component. Then labeled it “New” because it was wrapped.

Trinton asserted the item was, indeed, misdescribed and customer was due a refund.

He also said it should have been listed “Used” and missing parts described. This of course assumes the OP realized what he had. I wonder if “New with Defects” might be a better description? It’s still factory sealed but missing the other half.

[this*old*attic]

Are people just not seeing?

Yes, the UPC code WAS ON THE SEALED PACKAGE but it corresponded TO TWO COMPONENTS, a game and the necessary controller.

The controller was probably sealed and had the same or no UPC.

It was an honest mistake, but the result was that A COMPLETE PACKAGE was listed when, in fact, a crucial component was MISSING.