New way to shop coming to more electronics categories

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Electronics & Technology
	New way to shop coming to more electronics categories

Updates applicable to eBay US, UK & Germany. Timeline below is applicable to eBay US site. For eBay UK & Germany timeline, please refer to Key Differences Table

Buyers come to eBay every day in search of the best deals on the hottest electronics and textbooks. To make sure they find them and keep coming back, the new way to shop for popular products—introduced before the holidays for DVDs and Blu-ray, GPS devices and MP3 players—is coming soon to more electronics categories.

Highlights
Take Action
Best Practices
Frequently Asked Questions

HIGHLIGHTS

Coming this year to more electronics and textbook categories, the new way to shop helps buyers find the exact products they're looking for and see the top values from eBay Top-rated sellers right away. See it now in DVDs, GPS systems, and MP3 players.
Listings that don't use the eBay catalog in these categories receive limited exposure on the Search Results page and may be subject to a range of actions including listing removal.
Starting September 15, sellers will be required to always list GPS systems (category #156955) with the eBay catalog. If a matching product doesn't currently exist in the catalog, sellers will be required to add their products to the catalog before a listing can be completed.
The best deals from eBay Top-rated sellers are featured prominently in the value box at the top of the product page.
Great deals on eBay are highlighted by clearly showing how much the buyer can save off the list price.
If you include unique product identifiers such as UPC, EAN, and ISBN numbers in your listings, buyers can search on these fields and titles. Including these identifiers also makes it easier for buyers using outside search engines and mobile applications to find your listing.
Listing with the catalog is required whenever there's a product match in the following categories:
- iPods & MP3 Players (Category #73839)
- GPS systems (category #156955)
- DVDs, HD DVDs & Blu-ray (Category #617)
- Cell Phones & Smartphones (Category # 9355)
- Digital Cameras (Category # 31388)
- Video Game Systems (Category # 139971)
- Video Games (Category # 139973)
- Camcorders (Category # 11724)
- Lenses (Category # 3323)
- Film Cameras (Category # 15230)
- Flash Units (Category # 48515)
- Tripods (Category # 30093)
- Textbooks (Category # 2228)
Starting August 22, you'll be required to list and revise listings in these categories with the catalog when there's a product match:
- Apple Laptops & Notebooks (Category #111422)
- iPads & Tablets and eBook Readers (Category # 171485)
- Apple Desktops (Category #111418)
- Televisions (Category # 3320)
- Routers (Category #s 44995, 11183, 61825, 101269 and 101270)
- Printers (Category #s 178 and 25348)
- Monitors (Category # 80053)
- Hard Drives (Category #s 158830, 80042 and 56089)
Starting September 15, only items associated with the catalog in the category below can be listed. If there's no product match to their item in the catalog, sellers will be able to create one when they list:
- GPS systems (category #156955)
Sellers will be notified in early 2012 when these categories require listing with the catalog:
- Cartridges & Toners (Category #s 156544, 51289, 51291, 51292, 16204, 11202 and 51288)
- Motherboards (Category # 1244)
- CPUs (Category # 164)
- Video Cards (Category # 3762)
- Scanners (Category # 11205, except 17061)
- Satellite TV Receivers (Category #s 61387 and 67887)
- Multimedia Projectors (Category #s 48654, 48653, 32862 and 25321)
- Home Audio Receivers ( Category # 14981)
- Home Theatre Systems (Category # 72406)
- Home Amplifiers & Preamps (Category #s 39782, 3280 and 12050)
- DVD Players (Category # 15077)
- Home Theatre Speakers (Category # 3276)
The new way to shop is now live in the following categories:
- iPods & MP3 Players (Category #73839)
- GPS systems (category #156955)
- DVDs, HD DVDs & Blu-ray (Category #617)
- Cell Phones & Smartphones (Category # 9355)
- Digital Cameras (Category # 31388)
- Video Game Systems (Category # 139971)
- Video Games (Category # 139973)
- Camcorders (Category # 11724)

See the new shopping experience.

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: Starting September 15, when listing a GPS device, you will be required to always 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. When listing your item in Sell Your Item if you can't find a product in the catalog that matches your item, 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, and 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 or 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.

TAKE ACTION

List or relist your items in these categories with the eBay catalog whenever there's a product in the catalog that matches your item.

If you have listings in these categories that were not listed with the catalog, take time NOW to 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 https://cats.ebay.comto identify and update listings not listed with the catalog.

Take immediate action if you receive an email from eBay notifying you that your listing(s) has been mapped to a product in the eBay catalog—follow the instructions in the email. 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.
Starting August15, use www.ebay.com/addcatalogproducts . to add your GPS products to catalog, if there is no existing product match. Starting September 15, listing your item with the eBay catalog will be required in this category to complete those listings.

Learn more about listing with product details.

BEST PRACTiCES

To get the best possible exposure for your listings in these categories:

For optimal exposure in Best Match and to be eligible for the value box if you're an eBay Top-rated seller, actively adopt the eBay catalog whenever there's a product match and update existing listings to reflect changes to product categories.
Add your products to the GPS system catalog if they're not currently available.
Follow the best practices outlined in Best Match Tips. Pay special attention to pricing competitively and provide great customer service to keep your performance rating high.
Achieve and keep Top-rated seller status to be eligible for the value box.
Use subtitle to help differentiate your listing. Be sure to highlight things in your subtitle that entices buyers like free shipping or a favorable return policy.
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 are 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 find your listing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the eBay catalog?

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 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.

Why use the catalog to list my item?

Listing your items using the eBay catalog makes sense because it streamlines your listing process, making it quicker and easier to get your items on eBay and available for sale. When you list your items with the eBay catalog, information buyer 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 Sell Your Item 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 competitively price your item.

What is a UPC, ISBN or GTIN?

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.

Why is eBay expanding this shopping experience to more categories?

The new experience makes it faster and easier for buyers to find exactly what they're looking for from eBay's broad inventory.

How will I know when this new experience will be available to additional categories?

We will provide advance notice to affected sellers via email and announcement board posts. You can also bookmark this page and come back for updates.

Which categories are affected by these changes?

LISTING WITH THE CATALOG IS NOW REQUIRED	DVDs, HD DVDs & Blu-ray (Category # 617) Cell Phones & Smartphones (Category #9355) Digital Cameras (Category # 31388) Video Game Systems (Category # 139971) Video Games (Category # 139973) Camcorders (Category # 11724) Lenses (Category # 3323) Film Cameras (Category # 15230) Flash Units (Category # 48515) Tripods (Category # 30093) Textbooks (Category # 2228)
BEGIN LISTING WITH THE CATALOG AFTER AUGUST 1, 2011—IT WILL BE REQUIRED AS OF AUGUST 22, 2011	Apple Laptops & Notebooks (Category # 111422) iPads & Tablets and eBook Readers (Category #s 1711485) Apple Desktops (Category # 111418) Televisions (Category # 3320) Routers (Category #s 44995, 11183, 61825, 101269 and 101270) Printers (Category #s 178 and 25348) Monitors (Category # 80053) Hard Drives (Category #s 158830, 80042 and 56089)
LISTING WITH THE CATALOG IS ALWAYS REQUIRED AS OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2011*	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 WILL BE REQUIRED IN EARLY 2012**	Cartridges & Toners (Category #s 156544, 51289, 51291, 51292, 16204, 11202 and 51288) Motherboards (Category # 1244) CPUs (Category # 164) Video Cards (Category # 3762) Scanners (Category #11205, except 17061) Satellite TV Receivers (Category #s 61387 and 67887) Multimedia Projectors (Category #s 48654, 48653, 32862 and 25321) Home Audio Receivers ( Category # 14981) Home Theater Systems (Category # 72406) Home Amplifiers & Preams (Category #s 39782, 3280 and 12050) DVD Players (Category # 15077) Home Theater Speakers (Category # 3276) **Sellers will be given ample notice of deadlines when they become available.

What's changing for me as a seller in these categories?

To better highlight great eBay values to buyers and streamline the purchase decision, you'll be required to list in these categories with the eBay product catalog 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 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.

How do I list my item with a product in the eBay catalog?

Get complete instructions for listing with the eBay catalog.

Do I need to update my Good 'Til Cancelled and long duration listings not originally listed with the 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 aboveto 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.

How do I know which of my existing listings need to be revised or relisted with the catalog?

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. Login to https://cats.ebay.com to use this tool.

Why am I required to list with the catalog in these categories?

In order to deliver this new, faster shopping experience for buyers, listings must include consistent product information drawn from the eBay catalog.

Can I list my item in more than one category?

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.

What's changing when a buyer searches in these subcategories?

When a buyer conducts a search within these categories, they'll see a new product card instead of individual listings in the search results. These new product cards summarize the number of listings for the product, feature the best value available, and highlight the savings off the list price.

When a buyer clicks on a product card, they are directed to the product details page where they can access all available inventory for that product. The product details page will also feature a prominent "value box" highlighting the best values from eBay Top-rated sellers along with basic information about the product and customer and editor reviews.

Why is eBay making this change?

Research shows that there is a higher likelihood of a purchase if buyers find the product they need first, and then are presented with their buying options. By showing buyers more product information like percent off the list price, customer and editor reviews, product features and comparisons, and seller information, buyers can make faster, more informed buying decisions.

How will the savings be highlighted?

Savings will be highlighted in these subcategories by prominently showing list prices for products as a reference point for eBay sellers' prices. As a seller, you'll want to price your items competitively.

(1) Buying option tabs with the best deals by item condition

(2) Value box featuring great value from eBay Top-rated sellers

(3) Buying options highlight savings by format

How does eBay determine the list price of a product?

We obtain the list price by comparing a variety of sources including manufacturer's web sites, online retail sites, and Internet search engines to show the highest price (excluding shipping and handling fees) for that product in new condition. We update the list price bimonthly and all items are subject to availability.

How can I qualify to have my listing included in the value box at the top of the product page?

To be eligible for the value box, you must be an eBay Top-rated seller and your listings must meet all the following requirements:

Actively listed with the catalog (verses automatically mapped by eBay)
Fixed Price format
Priced competitively

What's the difference between listing with the eBay catalog and eBay automatically mapping my listing with a product in the catalog?

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 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.

Will it be easier to list with the catalog than it is now?

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. Starting September 15 in GPS systems, if there is no matching product in the catalog, sellers will be required to add their items to the catalog in order to continue listing their item.

What if my item is not in the eBay catalog?

If a product does not exist 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 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 Sell Your Item.

Can I add more specifics about an item when listing with the catalog?

When listing with the catalog, you can include additional item details not noted in the catalog description in your description. 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.

What if my item is in the catalog but the product details are incorrect for my item?

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

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?

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

What happens if I don't list with the catalog when there's a product match?

If you're listing a GPS device where listing with the catalog is always required, if there's no product match available, 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 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.

What if I don't agree with eBay's mapping of my listing?

If you don't agree with the eBay's mapping, you can review and revise your listing with a more appropriate product in 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.

What happens if new products and product details are added to the catalog after I've listed my item?

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, and are ineligible for the value box.

How can I get my item added to eBay's catalog?

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.

What will happen to my listings if they're not in compliance by the deadline?

Any listings with a matching catalog product not listed with the eBay catalog will be reviewed by eBay and mapped to products in the catalog. Sellers will be notified of this action 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.

Are editing tools available to revise listings to list with the eBay catalog?

Yes, the current bulk listing editor in My eBay, Selling Manager and Selling Manager Pro allows you to specify a catalog product for your listings in bulk. The new 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.

How should I list bundled products with the eBay catalog?

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 our 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.

Are bundle listings eligible for the value box on the product page?

If you are an eBay Top-rated seller, bundle listings are eligible for the value box, but will be compared to non-bundled listings since the valuation of bundled products vary significantly.

How do I list a group (lot) of items with the catalog?

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.

Can I use the catalog for multi-quantity listings?

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.

How should I list items that are missing components?

If your item is missing components, follow listing best practices—use the most appropriate item condition and call out clearly what's missing in your item description. For example, if you are selling a new television that is 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 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.

How should I list items that are used or refurbished?

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.

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?

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, you should create a regular listing without using 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.

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?

What about items in these categories that are sold out in stores and command a higher market price than the list price?

When an item is priced above the list price, the savings off the list price will not appear.

Where can I find more information about listing with the catalog?

Get more information on how to list with the catalog.

How do I list GPS devices on eBay Motors?

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.

If I list my GPS device on eBay.com will it get exposure on eBay Motors?

No. If you list your GPS device on eBay.com it will not get exposure on eBay Motors.

Will this search experience be extended? Will listing with the catalog be required in other categories?

There are no immediate plans to extend the search experience beyond the categories noted above this year. View a list of categories.