Ebay have just removed one of my listings Grrrrrrr

[MrsZoidberg]

I've just had a delivery of boxes - 90 of them - which I sell in sets of 5. There are random colours and quantities of each colour which I make up into sets of 5 in suitable colourways. i.e pinks, blues, greens, etc- we ended up with 16 different sets.

We set up 2 variations with 8 in each listing, and the bastards cancelled one of the listings saying they were identical The variations all had different pictures, different titles and different quantities, so clearly different. We have just finished the last lot, which again we sold in 2 listing and they didn't cancel either of those.

I've relisted it with a slight wording change to the title, and a different main picture. They'd better not cancel that one!

I'm going to ring them tomorrow to have a whinge but thought I'd have a whinge on here first.

I am assuming your original listings had identical titles - if so that is the reason why one would have been cancelled especially so if they were listed close together.
I don't think the pictures and variation choices would come into it - the title would have been the reason.

Just a thought though - could you not put them all on one listing - just add each different colourway rather than splitting them up so much ?
You'd only pay 1 listing fee and may even get more sales if buyers see more options.

Turbo lister starts getting a bit iffy with more than 8 variations I'd rather have them as all one.

Yes, both titles were the same, I've changed that now

I don't use Turbo Lister so can't comment on it, but most of my listings are variations and I just use the ordinary "sell an item" on Ebay or Auctiva both of which I find very quick and easy.
I currently have quite a few going with around 20 variations on them. It does make life easier in the long run as I just have to change quantities and add or remove colours as stock comes in and goes out.

Does Auctiva keep details of the listings so you can call up an old one to relist?

I don't like using the Sell an Item as it charges for some of the customisation which Turbo Lister doesn't - I like all my listings to look the same.

I'll check out Auctiva though as TL can be very temperamental.

Yes Auctiva does allow you to save listings and then use them again or as templates.
I find it's picture hosting very good and so quick to load, however there is a fee for using it. Since I began with Auctiva I have noticed an increase in sales (even at this time of year which is quiet) and I reckon it has easily paid for itself.
You can do a 30 day free trial though so you could always have a look and see if it will work for you.

Thanks 80sbabe, I'm sorry but now I'm going to give you the 3rd degree

I've had a look (US site - is there a UK one?) and this may be a daft question, but why is it worth the monthly fee when I get most of this (bar the scrolling bar and auto emails) free of charge?

Why do you think it's increased your sales?

Do you have a shop, or just do auctions ? i.e. we already run a shop so I'm not sure how the Emporium bit works, is it a replacement for the shop or an addition.

And most importantly, do Ebay fees change in anyway if I use Auctiva?

Thanks

No problem
I use the US one - no idea if there is a UK one but I get billed in £ not $ and the exchange rate is good at the moment so it works out at about £1.50 a week.

I have never used Turbo lister so no idea on the scrolling bar there, but I do think that is a big reason for sales increase.
The improved and enhanced picture quality is another reason I think for extra sales and it just give the listings a more professional look. The pictures do come out very detailed which I really like.

Yes I also run a business and have a shop on Ebay - the Emporium doesn't replace your shop but gives an overview in addition to the scrolling bar.
I do believe that the more buyers can see then the more likely they are to make additional purchases, so anything that cross promotes your items is good in my book.

The Ebay fees don't change when using Auctiva - that bit can be a tad confusing because if you do a "check fees" it shows more than you may expect, however when I checked this out I found I was only charged my usual fees so I haven't worried.

If you like Turbo Lister though and it works for you then there's probably no real reason to change, as by the sounds of it they do much the same job.

80sbabe you're a star.

TurboLister doesn't do the scrolly bar thing and it is very temperamental so I'm tempted to try Auctiva.

I ended up emailing Ebay re above. I got back a very patronising reply. In it, she did admit that the listings were different, then gave me links to their policiies to see where I had gone wrong She also suggested I listed the colours in the title.

I replied, (probably should have waited until I calmed down), that she admitted that the listings were different. hence I had not breached policy. I also gave her an example of what the title would look like with all the colours listed and pointed out that it was about 3 times the maximum length allowed!

I also put in a paragraph saying that I always adhere to policies even though some of them are unfair against sellers, such as not being able to challenge DSRs. I cited that I had just received a low score for P&P charges - I always charge 30 to 50p on top of RM price to cover packaging etc. I refund if I overcharge, or if the numpty buys several items and doesn't wait for an invoice (even though this costs me extra in Paypal fees and time), I email and tell the buyer I have refunded and put in a leaflet that says contact me if you feel I have overcharged you as it may be an oversight and I will happily refund. I also said that I didn't want a reply suggesting that I offer free P&P as the only one who benefits from that is EBay in extra charges (FVF on postage element as its never free is it, just added to the item cost)

In hindisght, yep, probably should have waited until I'd calmed down.

One of DHs clients works at Ebay (senior position), shame it would unethical for me to whinge at him next time he calls.

I always find it easier to phone customer services rather than email them - you tend to get more out of a "proper" conversation. The representatives over in Ireland are far and away the best, if I don't get through to them I just make an excuse and keep calling back until I do.

With your listings titles, just a thought here but, instead of putting individual colours you could put "over 10 colours available" or "large choice of colours" or list them in shade groups such as "Reds and Pinks" or "Blues and Greens". Keep it vague and to colours that you are likely to get repeats on so you keep the listing going and just alter stock or add variations as required. That saves a lot of work and effort in the long run.

You can challenge DSR ratings if you believe they are malicious and oppose the feedback left.
I have had a few that have left glowing positives and then rated me as 1 or 2 straight through. When I have queried them the DSR's have been removed without issue.

Free postage can be a good selling tool, yes sellers do add it onto the price but it really can increase sales. You need to weigh up whether a higher volume of sales and faster sell through is worth a few extra pence on the fees. Often it doesn't equate to much more and some buyers appreciate not having to add the two figures together. It sounds mad I know but plenty of sellers out there use it for those reasons - it's all psychological.

I do share your pain about numpty buyers - we all get them, I've had loads over the years and they never get any better. I console myself with the knowledge that the vast number of buyers are good, reasonably intelligent and honest - just as the vast majority of sellers are too.

Oh and if I knew anyone who worked at Ebay I'm sure I'd be itching to share my views on how it could be improved too

Oooh 80sbabe - I've done my first Auctiva Listing!

It's a faff to get set up, but once I knew where I was going, it was easy!

DS has now taken over cos, as he says, I make him do all of the listings anyway

Yes - I remember it being a bit faffy too at first, but now I'm used to it it's a breeze - I still find stuff I didn't know it had though that I quite like

Do let me know how you get on won't you ? Even if you decide not to keep it long term I'd be interested to hear if it works for you.