eBay

mam98031 · ‎01-30-2019

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 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999

"I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you." Quote from Edward I Koch

Anonymous · ‎01-30-2019

@mam98031 wrote:

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

Hi @mam98031, thanks for starting a new thread on this topic. Some confusion has arisen lately regarding this topic and I'm happy to work towards clearing it up.

When listing an item, if a seller either 1) provides a UPC that is associated with an item in our catalog or 2) selects an item in our catalog as an indication that they are selling on of those items, the item will be connected to our product catalog from that point on. Though a seller can uncheck the box at the top of the listing that states Prefill this listing with eBay catalog info, the seller is not able to opt out of the catalog information being presented to potential buyers. This checkbox option simply determines if details from our catalog (photo, title, some item details, etc.) will be used by default in the listing. The seller has already connected the item to our catalog by providing the UPC or by directly selecting that item from our catalog. The catalog details may be visible to buyers directly from the listing or by the buyer navigating to the product page related to that product identifier.

Though it has been brought to our attention that this is displaying differently on Mobile than on a Desktop, the product identifier would be visible on the desktop and the seller is responsible for the product information associated with this product identifier. The view between different devices may not always be the same, but these details would only appear in the mobile version if the seller has associated their item with the catalog.

Electing to not prefill the listing with eBay catalog info does not disassociate the listing from this info, it simply allows the seller to provide their own details in the listing. If something within our product catalog is incorrect, this can be reported and adjusted by our dedicated teams. We actively review product information to ensure accuracy and are available to investigate anything we've missed as soon as it is brought to our attention. I personally reported some duplicate products yesterday afternoon and after just checking I was able to confirm the duplicates have been consolidated.

While we do work to ensure that our catalog is as accurate as possible, there may be incorrect details associated with a product from time to time. If an issue occurs on a seller's account related to an eBay product catalog error, we will work to take responsibility. This may mean removing defects or feedback, compensating a seller for return shipping costs or even covering a refund to the buyer ourselves with no fault to the seller. While a seller is responsible for the information in their listing and would be at fault if they gave the wrong product information/selected the wrong item from our catalog, if the details in our catalog are incorrect then we will work to resolve this as soon as possible. The specifics of any given situation would need to be reviewed as the unique details would determine what protections are appropriate.

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abfabvintage · ‎01-30-2019

Hey, Mam. You are good, way more than just good. Thank you!

I ain't got the brains to make this up (Fantastic Beasts)

millcreekrescue909 · ‎01-30-2019

Very, very interesting. Why would a seller choose to use info from the eBay catalog if eBay cannot guarantee its accuracy?

____________________________________

Always a newbie!

bigdeals.etc · ‎01-30-2019

My guess? Nothing really, unless something drastically changed on the ebay site that I don't know about.

Ebay wouldn't penalize you or anything. And I think if there is an advantage to this, it'll be negligible. Obviously this might differ depending on the product category.

tunicaslot · ‎01-30-2019

My opinion is that if Ebay wants a catalog - then they should make sure that the information in the catalog is legit. In many categories, sellers are being forced to use it - so it's up to Ebay - not a seller to make sure not only is the content correct but that the UPC hasn't been recycled to another product. Asking sellers to help them by notifying them of inconsistencies is not a problem - but Ebay has to own the catalog if they want sellers to use it and along with that is owning the mistakes.

I was on the thread about the UPC populating to the mobile app and if this is the case - many of us will have problems as small sellers resell items all the time that they just picked up at a good price and really have no idea what may have been part of a package or group.

I have noticed that items in clothing that I have attached a UPC to have been dead in the water for the past year. On another forum / group it was brought to my attention that some feel by using a UPC - you are not only setting yourself up for problems if the information isn't correct but that your item is then grouped with other same UPCs and Ebay decides which to show in search. I'm deleting all UPCs at this time as I come across them and see if their feelings and concerns are valid.

mam98031 · ‎01-30-2019

@bigdeals.etc wrote:
My guess? Nothing really, unless something drastically changed on the ebay site that I don't know about.

Ebay wouldn't penalize you or anything. And I think if there is an advantage to this, it'll be negligible. Obviously this might differ depending on the product category.

I think there is more to consider. If Ebay is going to FORCE the display of catalog information when a buyer views your listing through the mobile app even when the seller has opt'd out of that option when they set up the listing, what if the buyer files a claim against you because of the potentially incorrect information displayed in the mobile app?

Lets say the seller noticed something wrong with the catalog information, notified Ebay of the issue and opt'd not to use the prefill information in their listing because of the KNOWN problem. Yet Ebay, no matter what the seller has selected will have the prefill information show if the listing is viewed in the mobile app.

Now the buyer gets the item and it doesn't match the description they read when they purchased through the mobile app and you have a claim on your hands. That claim will cost you to process as you will have to accept it. And the claim will register in the Service Metrics that sellers are eval'd with.

Granted you may be able to contact Ebay and get some type of reimbursement for shipping or something as the catalog was wrong, but that won't take away your out of pocket for original shipping, cost of processing the claim or remove the claim from the Service Metrics for you.

Lots to consider.

mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999

"I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you." Quote from Edward I Koch

bigdeals.etc · ‎01-30-2019

Yea if that's true, then ebay is basically unofficially forcing everyone to comply to the description and terms of the catalog information. Which means that's a ramification whether you choose to use the Catalog info or not. Because even if you choose to not... you actually are. So yes, you have a point there.

Unless ebay changes this functionality, it sounds like we going to be held accountable. Something to think about when listing your items.

coolections · ‎01-30-2019

@mam98031 wrote:
As a seller, you agree to ensure that content directly associated with your listings is accurate.

Sellers must check their listing when they go active and make sure if there is a discrepancy in the listing of what it says from the catalog, and what you are actually selling. The seller needs to put the discrepancy in the title if possible, and definitely let the buyers know in the description. It is a must to let potential buyers know so buyers won't to get tricked into getting something different then what you are selling. Such as in the case of leaving out an adapter that normally would come with the item and it is needed for use of the item you are selling. Ebay will cover you as long as you let the buyer know exactly what they are getting.

gramophone-georg · ‎01-30-2019

eBay has been known to "update" their catalog listings on the fly. If I check everything and it's accurate today, but tonight eBay changes something... then what?

For a large seller with thousands of listings this could be a mega- nightmare.

Chaos is NOT an "industry standard".

gramophone-georg · ‎01-30-2019

@coolections wrote:
@mam98031 wrote:
As a seller, you agree to ensure that content directly associated with your listings is accurate.
Sellers must check their listing when they go active and make sure if there is a discrepancy in the listing of what it says from the catalog, and what you are actually selling. The seller needs to put the discrepancy in the title if possible, and definitely let the buyers know in the description. It is a must to let potential buyers know so buyers won't to get tricked into getting something different then what you are selling. Such as in the case of leaving out an adapter that normally would come with the item and it is needed for use of the item you are selling. Ebay will cover you as long as you let the buyer know exactly what they are getting.

You left out the fact that the seller ALSO must NOT use the UPC code, even in categories that it's required in, because even if your title, listing, and photos are accurate, eBay will show the buyer THEIR catalog info on Mobile in place of your info leaving you open to SNAD. The only way to avoid that is by selecting a condition other than 'new'... even if it IS new... so you can choose 'not applicable' for the UPC.

Even then, you risk having your item standing in "best match" severely penalized.

The entire system is a chaotic, colossal mess.

Chaos is NOT an "industry standard".

mam98031 · ‎01-30-2019

@coolections wrote:
@mam98031 wrote:
As a seller, you agree to ensure that content directly associated with your listings is accurate.
Sellers must check their listing when they go active and make sure if there is a discrepancy in the listing of what it says from the catalog, and what you are actually selling. The seller needs to put the discrepancy in the title if possible, and definitely let the buyers know in the description. It is a must to let potential buyers know so buyers won't to get tricked into getting something different then what you are selling. Such as in the case of leaving out an adapter that normally would come with the item and it is needed for use of the item you are selling. Ebay will cover you as long as you let the buyer know exactly what they are getting.

Yep, I do NOT disagree with that. Not one little bit. However I think you are looking at this in too simplistic of a view IMHO.

For example. I rarely use the prefill information from the catalog. That is my choice that I am suppose to be able to make. To use it or not to use it. In my listings I provide a complete description of whatever it is I'm selling.

I do NOT choose to not use the prefill because I've reviewed it and found something wrong. I choose not to use it because I prefer to rely on my own description of the item. So I don't go and look to see if the catalog is right or wrong. I simply don't use it. As a seller that is suppose to be my choice to make.

But if Ebay is actually forcing the prefill catalog info to display on the mobile app, then that is just wrong for Ebay to do that. Ebay gives us the ability to choose. If they don't want to allow us that choice, then it should not be an option. It is wrong to give us the option and then say oh whoops, we are going to do it anyway.

I didn't start this thread as a way to rehash the adapter issue on that other thread, but to address the issues as stated in my OP. The other thread will take care of itself.

mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999

"I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you." Quote from Edward I Koch

fern*wood · ‎01-30-2019

Pretty tricky when that happens. I also don't care for the part where the catalog info will show on mobile devices and not the PC.

My list of items I will not try to sell on ebay keeps growing.

sharingtheland · ‎01-30-2019

@coolections wrote:
@mam98031 wrote:
As a seller, you agree to ensure that content directly associated with your listings is accurate.
Sellers must check their listing when they go active and make sure if there is a discrepancy in the listing of what it says from the catalog, and what you are actually selling. The seller needs to put the discrepancy in the title if possible, and definitely let the buyers know in the description. It is a must to let potential buyers know so buyers won't to get tricked into getting something different then what you are selling. Such as in the case of leaving out an adapter that normally would come with the item and it is needed for use of the item you are selling. Ebay will cover you as long as you let the buyer know exactly what they are getting.

Trinton said in the other thread that even if you change your title/description to accurately reflect your widget, the catalog information beats that. In other words, use the UPC, use the ebay info. He also said the only way around not having the catalog info to populate was to call your item "Used."

As to the general question, I know people that are ignoring the UPC stuff for all of the mentioned reasons and so far their widgets sell. I don't think ebay is enforcing this because ebay knows the catalog is a hot mess.

Some categories - motors? iphones? - are more stringently monitored than, say, HBA. I think. Who knows.

I'm getting ready to list a few wacko widgets that have UPCs and there is no way I'm entering them. I can't find one by the same manufacturer on ebay and almost all the other listings seem to be using stock photos. My widget, while the exact same other than manufacturer, comes in a box and the stock photos don't show that.

Make sense? Geez I hope not otherwise we're all doomed...

::slinking off to slow typist's corner, never to return::

Sherry

=^.^= =^.^=
( ) ( )
" " =^.^= " "

bigdeals.etc · ‎01-30-2019

@fern*wood wrote:
Pretty tricky when that happens. I also don't care for the part where the catalog info will show on mobile devices and not the PC.

My list of items I will not try to sell on ebay keeps growing.

Yea, sounds like ebay really needs to get their ducks in a row here.

ittybitnot · ‎01-30-2019

Just posting to the end of the thread at this point.

Here is ebay's info on the catalog: https://www.ebay.com/help/listings/creating-managing-listings/listing-ebay-catalog?id=4653&st=3&pos=...

It is interesting to note that "adding the info" is not restricted to users of the mobile app. I do recall many complaints about "stock photos" and "stock information" being added to seller's listings without selecting it, getting rid of it via a revise, only to have it appear again. From the above page:

"

If your item is new, we'll automatically populate your listing with product details like brand, model number, dimensions, color, capacity, compatibilities, and photos. If you're selling used items, you need to upload your own photos so buyers can clearly see any wear and tear. Before moving on to the next step, read over your listing to make sure the product details are correct.

Apparently the key connection is "new". Just put in the brand, according to the above mentioned page, and ebay will pre-populate the catalog info. The putting it in there for you LATER is not addressed.

See also the catagories where the catalog is manditory.