2012 Spring Seller Update
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Electronics & Technology
Listing with the eBay catalog expanding to more consumer electronics categories
Buyers come to eBay every day in search of the best deals on the hottest electronics. To make sure they find them quickly and easily, and keep coming back for more, listing with the eBay catalog whenever there’s a product match will be required in an expanding group of Consumer Electronics categories—including DVD & Blu-ray Players, Home Theater Receivers, Home Speakers & Subwoofers, Home Theater Systems, and Home Theater Projectors.
Adding your products to the catalog: When listing a GPS device, you are always required to list your item with the catalog. If a matching product doesn’t currently exist in our catalog, you’ll need to add your item to the catalog in order to complete your listing. If you can’t find a product in the catalog that matches your item when listing through the Sell Your Item process, simply click on the “Add product to our catalog” link that appears just under the Search box and you can continue listing your item by adding it to the catalog.
Listing bundles: If you're listing a product bundle in these subcategories, simply use the keywords or UPC code for the main product. Select that product from the catalog, select the bundle flag, then use the seller tags provided to list the additional components included in your bundle. This will ensure you are included in the area where bundles will be shown on the product details page. It's also a good idea to list those items in the listing description.
Existing listings NOT listed with the catalog or listed with the wrong catalog: For existing listings not listed with a matching product in the catalog— or listed with the wrong catalog—including Good 'Til Cancelled listings, you'll be required to take action if the right product exists in the eBay catalog. Wherever possible, eBay will map listings automatically to a matching product in the catalog. When one of your listings is mapped, you'll get an email notification with clear instructions about what to do. Automatically-mapped listings will not qualify for the value box until they are actively relisted or revised with the catalog. Use the Advanced Search functionality in free eBay Selling Manager to identify listings not listed with the catalog. You can also use the new Catalog Adoption Tool (CATs)—it will identify listings in categories where listing with the catalog is required, and help you update your listings in bulk.
What is the eBay catalog?
Why use the catalog to list my item?
What is a UPC, ISBN or GTIN?
What's changing for me as a seller in these categories?
How do I list my item with a product in the eBay catalog?
Do I need to update my Good 'Til Cancelled and long duration listings not originally listed with the catalog?
How do I know which of my existing listings need to be revised or relisted with the catalog?
Why am I required to list with the catalog in these categories?
Can I list my item in more than one category?
What's the difference between listing with the eBay catalog and eBay automatically mapping my listing with a product in the catalog?
Will it be easier to list with the catalog than it is now?
What if my item is not in the eBay catalog?
Can I add more specifics about an item when listing with the catalog?
What if my item is in the catalog but the product details are incorrect for my item?
What happens if I don't list with the catalog when there's a product match?
What if I don't agree with eBay's mapping of my listing?
What happens if new products and product details are added to the catalog after I've listed my item?
How can I get my item added to eBay's catalog?
What will happen to my listings if they're not in compliance by the deadline?
Are editing tools available to revise listings to list with the eBay catalog?
How should I list bundled products with the eBay catalog?
How do I list a group—or lot—of items with the catalog?
Can I use the catalog for multi-quantity listings?
How should I list items that are missing components?
How should I list items that are used or refurbished?
How do I list items that are included in the catalog but have characteristics that price them above the list price, such as an artist-autographed DVD or a special edition iPod?
Where can I find more information about listing with the catalog?
How do I list GPS devices on eBay Motors?
If I list my GPS device on eBay.com will it get exposure on eBay Motors?
Where can I get more information about the new shopping experience?
Highlights
- As of May 2, sellers will be required to list their items with the eBay catalog in more Consumer Electronics categories, whenever there’s an exact product match. When you list your item with the eBay catalog, it provides the consistent information needed to deliver a better shopping experience.
- Listings with an exact match that don't use the eBay catalog in these categories will receive limited exposure on the Search Results page and may be subject to a range of actions, including listing removal.
- Be sure your item’s UPC or ISBN is included in the appropriate field, and supply as many of the recommended Item Specifics fields as possible--it’s a great way to make sure your listing is optimized for search engines, both on and off eBay. The more complete and compelling your listing, the easier it will be for interested shoppers to find your item.
Take Action
- Starting May 2, list or relist your items in these categories with the eBay catalog, whenever there's a product in the catalog that’s an exact match for your item.
- If you have listings in these categories that were not listed with the catalog, starting April 2, revise or relist them with the catalog. That way, if you're a Top-rated seller, they'll qualify to appear in the value box. Login to http://cats.ebay.com to identify and update listings not listed with the catalog.
- Take immediate action if you receive an email from eBay notifying you that your listings have been mapped to a product in the eBay catalog—follow the instructions in the email. Once you've been notified, if you do not revise your listings and list with the eBay catalog, you may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits on buying and selling privileges, and account suspension.
- If listing GPS devices, use www.ebay.com/addcatalogproducts to add your GPS products to catalog, if there is no matching catalog product. Listing with the eBay catalog will be required in this category to complete those listings.
- Make sure your items are competitively priced to get maximum exposure. Stay abreast of market prices for your items and update prices as needed.
List your items in these categories with the eBay catalog:
| START LISTING WITH THE CATALOG IN THESE CATEGORIES ON APRIL 2. IT WILL BE REQUIRED WHENEVER THERE IS AN EXACT PRODUCT MATCH AS OF MAY 2. |
DVD & Blu-Ray Players (Category # 175711) Home Speakers & Subwoofers (Category # 14990) Home Theater Projectors (Category #s 22610 and 25321) Home Theater Receivers (Category # 14981) Home Theater Systems (Category # 72406) |
| LISTING WITH THE CATALOG IS NOW REQUIRED WHENEVER THERE’S AN EXACT PRODUCT MATCH | Apple Desktops (Category # 111418) Apple Laptops & Notebooks (Category # 111422) Camcorders (Category # 11724) Cell Phones & Smartphones (Category #9355) DVDs, HD DVDs & Blu-ray (Category # 617) Digital Cameras (Category # 31388) Film Cameras (Category # 15230) Flash Units (Category # 48515) Hard Drives (Category #s 158830, 80042 and 56089) iPads & Tablets and eBook Readers (Category # 171485) Lenses (Category # 3323) Monitors (Category # 80053) Printers (Category #s 178 and 25348) Routers (Category #s 44995, 11183, 61825, 101269 and 101270) Televisions (Category # 3320) Textbooks (Category # 2228) Tripods (Category # 30093) Video Game Systems (Category # 139971) Video Games (Category # 139973) |
| LISTING WITH THE CATALOG IS ALWAYS REQUIRED |
GPS Systems (Category # 156955) If there’s no matching product available in the eBay catalog, sellers are required to add their item to the catalog to continue listing. |
Listing with the catalog is fast and easy
New listings and re-listings: When you list an item through the Sell Your Item process, if it matches a product in our catalog, you're given the option to search for the product using common search terms, like a Universal Product Code (UPC), or a keyword such as a brand or product name. If your item matches a product, click "select" and continue the listing process. When selecting a product in the catalog, it's important to pay close attention to item attributes like case color with MP3 players, preloaded map versions in GPS devices, console compatibility for video games, and cell phones built for specific carriers, etc., to make sure you've selected exactly the right match. You'll also be able to use the product details and include a stock photo from the eBay catalog, which will be displayed on your item page. Adding product details and photos of used items to accurately depict wear is optional, but recommended. If you want, you can continue to add your own description as you do today. Get more information on how to list with the catalog.Adding your products to the catalog: When listing a GPS device, you are always required to list your item with the catalog. If a matching product doesn’t currently exist in our catalog, you’ll need to add your item to the catalog in order to complete your listing. If you can’t find a product in the catalog that matches your item when listing through the Sell Your Item process, simply click on the “Add product to our catalog” link that appears just under the Search box and you can continue listing your item by adding it to the catalog.
Listing bundles: If you're listing a product bundle in these subcategories, simply use the keywords or UPC code for the main product. Select that product from the catalog, select the bundle flag, then use the seller tags provided to list the additional components included in your bundle. This will ensure you are included in the area where bundles will be shown on the product details page. It's also a good idea to list those items in the listing description.
Existing listings NOT listed with the catalog or listed with the wrong catalog: For existing listings not listed with a matching product in the catalog— or listed with the wrong catalog—including Good 'Til Cancelled listings, you'll be required to take action if the right product exists in the eBay catalog. Wherever possible, eBay will map listings automatically to a matching product in the catalog. When one of your listings is mapped, you'll get an email notification with clear instructions about what to do. Automatically-mapped listings will not qualify for the value box until they are actively relisted or revised with the catalog. Use the Advanced Search functionality in free eBay Selling Manager to identify listings not listed with the catalog. You can also use the new Catalog Adoption Tool (CATs)—it will identify listings in categories where listing with the catalog is required, and help you update your listings in bulk.
Best Practices
- To list a bundle—a standard item plus additional accessories—select the "additional items" in Item Specifics and specify the ones included with the main device. Bundles will be shown under a separate tab on the Product Details page.
- When listing items with the eBay catalog that are not in new condition, be sure to include pictures that accurately reflect their condition.
- With an emphasis on value in these categories, it will be especially important to follow these tips to ensure your products are competitive:
- With Fixed Price listings, it's rarely a good strategy to "set it and forget it." Keep a close eye on how price is impacting your status, and make adjustments as needed to stay on top.
- Watch your closest competitors on and off eBay, and look at what they‘re charging for similar items. Buyers know how to find the best deal.
- List Auction-style items with a low start price.
- Offer free or discounted shipping.
- Whenever possible, even if you can't list your item with the catalog, include unique product identifiers like UPC, GTIN, and ISBN. Buyers using these identifiers within eBay search, off-eBay search engines, and using mobile applications will be able to more easily find your listing.
- Learn more best practices for listing with the catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
The eBay catalog is an extensive online library of product information and images for many products on the market today, and it’s available for you to use when you list your items on eBay. Listing with the eBay catalog is a fast and easy way to create professional, detailed listings for your items—making it easier for your customers to find—and buy—exactly what they’re looking for. When you list your item using the eBay catalog, product specifications like brand, model number, dimensions, performance, color, capacity, compatibilities, and professional photos are automatically included in your listing.
Listing your items using the eBay catalog makes sense because it streamlines the listing process, making it quicker and easier for you to get your items on eBay and available for sale. When you list your items with the eBay catalog, information buyers need to make an informed buying decision—like product specifications, brand, model number, dimensions, performance, color, capacity, compatibilities, and professional photos are automatically included in your listing. Plus, when you use the Sell Your Item process to list and use the eBay catalog, you’ll be provided with key selling data—like average selling price and number of completed listings—so you can price your item competitively.
UPC stands for Universal Product Code. A UPC is a unique 12-digit number commonly found printed next to a barcode printed on a product or packaging used to identify and track products.
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. An ISBN is a unique 10 or 13-digit number commonly found printed above a barcode on books to identify and track the publication of books.
The 14-digit GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number) can be used in place of the UPC and can be found embedded in a barcode.
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. An ISBN is a unique 10 or 13-digit number commonly found printed above a barcode on books to identify and track the publication of books.
The 14-digit GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number) can be used in place of the UPC and can be found embedded in a barcode.
To better highlight great eBay values to buyers and streamline the purchase decision, you'll be required to list with the eBay product catalog in these categories, whenever there's a product in the catalog that matches your item. View when listing with the catalog is required by category.
Your existing listings, including long duration and Good 'Til Cancelled listings not listed with the catalog will be mapped automatically to a matching product in the catalog whenever available, and you'll be notified by email. These listings will not be eligible to appear in the value box until you actively relist or revise them with the catalog. If you receive one of these email notifications, follow the instructions in the email and actively list your items with the eBay catalog. Once you've been notified, if you don't revise your listing to list with the eBay catalog, you may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits on buying and selling privileges, and account suspension.
In categories where listing with the catalog is required, the International Site Visibility listing upgrade option will no longer be available for items not listed with the catalog.
Your existing listings, including long duration and Good 'Til Cancelled listings not listed with the catalog will be mapped automatically to a matching product in the catalog whenever available, and you'll be notified by email. These listings will not be eligible to appear in the value box until you actively relist or revise them with the catalog. If you receive one of these email notifications, follow the instructions in the email and actively list your items with the eBay catalog. Once you've been notified, if you don't revise your listing to list with the eBay catalog, you may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits on buying and selling privileges, and account suspension.
In categories where listing with the catalog is required, the International Site Visibility listing upgrade option will no longer be available for items not listed with the catalog.
Get complete instructions for listing with the eBay catalog.
eBay will review the existing Good 'Til Cancelled listings and determine which of them have product details from the catalog available. You'll be notified if your listings should be associated with the product catalog, and you are encouraged to immediately relist or revise these listings to actively list with the catalog. Items listed with a catalog qualify for the value box if you are an eBay Top-rated seller. Refer to the schedule above to determine when you will be expected to actively list with the eBay catalog whenever there is a product match. Once you've been notified, if you don't revise your listing to list with the eBay catalog, you may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits on buying and selling privileges, and account suspension.
We’ve built a tool to help you easily identify and revise all of your listings in these categories that weren’t listed with the catalog. To use this tool, login to http://cats.ebay.com.
In order to deliver this new, faster shopping experience for buyers, listings must include consistent product information, drawn from the eBay catalog.
No. For items listed in categories where listing with the catalog is mandatory, you may only list your item in a single category. When you list your item in one of these categories, you will be blocked from listing it in any additional categories.
In both cases, listings will be consolidated into a single "product card" on the Search Results page. If eBay automatically maps your product to the catalog, you will be notified by email and your listing will not qualify for the value box—if you’re an eBay Top-rated seller—until you actively relist with the catalog. Once notified, sellers who continue to have listings not using the catalog when there is a product match may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits of buying and selling privileges, and possible account suspension.
Yes. Catalog coverage in these subcategories is being expanded to ensure that the majority of items are included. Listing tools and processes have been simplified to make it easier to list with the catalog. For example, coverage of UPC code is currently being expanded.
If a product does not exist in the catalog, or the item's unique identifier (ISBN, UPC, IIE, etc.) doesn't match one in eBay's current catalog, you'll still be able list it in the category. These listings will appear on the search results page for that item, along with product cards. These listings will not appear on the product page. eBay will review these listings for possible mapping to products in the eBay catalog. If a product match is found in the catalog, eBay will map the listing to that item and you will be notified via email of the change. For GPS devices where listing with the catalog is always required, if there’s no matching product available in the catalog, sellers will be required to add their product to the catalog in order to continue listing. This can be done by clicking on the “Add product to our catalog” link that appears under the item search box in the Sell Your Item process.
When listing with the catalog, you can include additional item details not noted in the catalog description in your description, but first make sure you've chosen the right product in the catalog before including more item details. This is particularly important when listing items with more granular characteristics that impact a buyer's decision. For example, preloaded maps in GPS devices, case color of an iPod or MP3 player, console compatibility for video games, cell phones built for specific carriers, etc. Once you've selected the right product in the catalog for your listing, make sure anything you add to the description doesn't conflict with product details from the catalog.
If the product details are incorrect, use the product title, disable the inclusion of product details, and clarify product details in the description. We encourage you to send an email to DL-eBay-CatalogSubmission@eBay.com and include the following information:
- Clearly describe the issue
- URL where the error can be found
- Your email and phone number in case we require additional information
- Screenshot or file attachment of the issue
If you’re listing a GPS device and there’s no product match available, you’ll need to add your product to the catalog in order to continue listing, as listing with the catalog is always required for GPS devices. This can be done by clicking on the “Add product to our catalog” link that appears below the item search box in Sell Your Item.
For all other categories, items must be listed with eBay's catalog whenever the item has a match. Listings that don't follow this policy don't qualify for the value box. These listings will be flagged and reviewed for possible catalog matches by eBay. If a match is found then you will be notified and are encouraged to relist or revise listings to actively list with the catalog. Sellers who repeatedly list items or fail to relist with the catalog when there is a product match may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits of buying and selling privileges, and possible account suspension.
For all other categories, items must be listed with eBay's catalog whenever the item has a match. Listings that don't follow this policy don't qualify for the value box. These listings will be flagged and reviewed for possible catalog matches by eBay. If a match is found then you will be notified and are encouraged to relist or revise listings to actively list with the catalog. Sellers who repeatedly list items or fail to relist with the catalog when there is a product match may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits of buying and selling privileges, and possible account suspension.
If you don't agree with eBay's mapping, you can review and revise your listing with a more appropriate product from the catalog, if available. Once you've revised your listing with a new product from the catalog, it will not be remapped by eBay. We will, however, review these revised listings to ensure they are listed with the right product in the catalog. If they are incorrectly revised and listed with the wrong product in the catalog, the listing will be disassociated from the product catalog and you will be notified via email.
Listings will be mapped to new catalog additions as they become available and you are encouraged to actively relist or revise with the catalog. As new products are added to the catalog, eBay will automatically map existing listings to catalog additions. Listings from eBay Top-rated sellers that were not created or revised with the eBay catalog are ineligible for the value box.
If you would like to have your item added to eBay's catalog—and it’s not a GPS device—simply scroll down and click the "Submit a catalog addition request" link at the bottom of the Sell Your Item form. Enter details about the product you'd like added to the catalog, then click on "Submit information." Get more information.
Any listings with a matching catalog product not listed with the eBay catalog will be reviewed by eBay and mapped to matching products within the catalog. Sellers will be notified of this action via email, and are encouraged to revise their listings with the catalog for immediate eligibility for the value box (eBay Top-rated sellers only). Once you've been notified, if you don't revise your listing to list with the eBay catalog, you may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal, limits on buying and selling privileges, and account suspension.
Yes, the current bulk listing editor in My eBay, Selling Manager and Selling Manager Pro all allow you to specify a catalog product for your listings, in bulk. The bulk edit and relist functionality will also support any additional changes you may want to make. Another option to quickly identify listings in mandated categories and assign products to your listings is the new CATs tool.
If you're listing a product containing bundled accessories or services, list the bundle using product details for the main product. Then use the "bundled item" option in the listing process to include details of the additional accessories you are including, since many of buyers recognize the value in bundled offerings. Buyers will be able to filter for listings with and without bundles. Adding accurate information during the listing process will help buyers more easily compare your bundle to others. It also helps eBay present the listing properly as a bundle and showcase the value of the offering.
If you are listing a group of items (such as a lot of camera film), we recommend that you do not list with the eBay catalog, and instead place those items in the Wholesale Lots category.
If you have more than one of an identical item, find the product in the catalog to associate your listing with and create a multi-quantity Fixed Price listing.
If your item is missing components, follow listing best practices—use the most appropriate item condition and clearly call out what's missing in your item description. For example, if you are selling a new television that’s missing the remote control, list with the corresponding product details, and clearly call out that the remote control unit is missing from the item, in both your title and description. These listings will appear in search results along with complete items that contain all components. Items that are missing components are not considered to be in New condition.
If your item is used or refurbished, select the most accurate item condition and use the listing description to provide a detailed description of any wear or flaws. Include item details and photos that accurately depict the item condition.
You should create a regular listing without using the catalog if you’re listing a new item and your unique identifier matches a product in the catalog but your product has characteristics that are different from what is described in the catalog, or if your item's unique identifier code (ISBN, UPC, or IIE, etc.) does not map to a product in the catalog. If you’re listing a non-new item and the unique identifier code matches a product in the catalog but your item has an additional characteristic that may price it above the list price, create a listing with the catalog match then include additional characteristics under item specifics in your title and description.
Get more information on how to list with the catalog.
If you list GPS devices on eBay Motors, be sure to include the device brand and model number in the listing title to be eligible for automatic exposure on eBay.com. GPS devices listed on eBay Motors without the device brand and model number in the title will not be included in the search results on eBay.com.
No. If you list your GPS device on eBay.com it will not get exposure on eBay Motors.
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