Multiple variation listings?

Hi Linda! Did you ever get an answer to this question or figure out how to do multiple item listings with variations? I too am wondering if I can do it on Auctiva or if I have to do those types of listings directly on eBay. Thanks for your time! =Denise

As an FYI, Auctiva does not yet support multiple variation listings. We hope to do so later in the year.

I agree. This is a feature that will save us on ebay fees. A couple of weeks ago, I was told by live that they are talking about this. It was suggested that I go in to ebay and fix the listing there to show multiples. . sounds like a real time saver to me.

Also have noticed that the ITEM SPECIFICS as not updated.. this has been for quite awhile. Is most of the energy going for commerce now?? These are things that save us time and money.

Please work on this.. we need to save all the $$$$ we possibly can.

The holidays are coming. That is for sure not the time to roll out a new program, as previous history has shown there is steep learning curve on new roll-outs AND it takes time to get kinks out. We need this promto so kinks can be worked out before holiday season hits us.

This is needed now so that when ebay rolls out next categories of it, sellers are familiar with it and it is ready to be used.

PLEASE auctiva.. more information!!

Do I create several hundred listings within Ebay one at a time, in order to use the multiple variation option, or can I do it here sometime soon?

How much work has been completed so far in implementing this feature here on Auctiva? How close is it to being available?

This is a HUGE money saver for sellers and as ebay releases more categories more sellers will be able to use it. The kinks need to be worked out before ebay releases ALL categories for this.

For sellers who may not be able to use now.. you may be able to later.

Also, ITEM SPECIFICS need to be updated in a bad way.

Both of these features are time consuming to go in and re-do in ebay separately. In this business TIME IS MONEY and we need these things fixed asap.

Auctiva.. please give us some in put here. A lot of sellers could re-coup their Auctiva fees in one or two multiple listings.

Please respond with time-frame.

We appreciate the concerns being expressed in this thread. We understand the savings and opportunity that Item Variations offers; it IS on our product roadmap.

However, Item Variations happens to be a big project so we aren't in a position yet give an ETA as to when we will make it available.

I am sure it is a huge undertaking.. but can't help but wonder if auctiva is biting off more than they are able to chew with the ebay listings going, new commerce enhancements, (plus working out soooo many kinks there and people surrendering on that - as I did) poster all going, new billing system all going on at once. When things were free people did not expect things to be updated very often, or at least I didn't.. I figured you get what you pay for and was thankful for what we had. . . But now that people are paying they will expect site issues to be addressed and updates to be done on a timely basis. Right now ebay only has couple of areas rolled out, I am sure so they can iron out kinks before a full release. But when they are going full steam with this, I would guess more auctiva customers will be after this quickly. I can only assume the previous mention of later this year is a very remote possibility. With such a large job I would think it would already be being worked on if it was coming out in 2009.

I guess I am concerned because I see major bucks being thrown away on fees, or I see lots of time being spent re-doing listings that could be multiples and should only have to be done once. Obviously, in this business, time is money and this is huge amounts of money in our pockets.

Please see what we can do about getting this on a priority list. It is important to have kinks out before Christmas rush.

Thanks for your input.

Reality check:

1. It looks like Auctivia has addressed the issue.
2. They can't just push a button or something to make it happen overnite. Anyone with a tiny bit of knowledge of the programming biz knows this. Look how long it took Ebay to even have this feature: they had been mentioning this happening for a very long time (a year? longer?) How can you honestly expect that a 3 rd party service can make the same feature in a month? it ain't that easy.
3. Can't people still list the multiple variation listings directly on ebay untill Auctiva supports it?

Auctiva is dancing around the issue. If they are planning this for "later this year", then surely there is an estimated date??? Just like planning a wedding, you set a date and plan and plan some more, send announcements so people anticipate the event. Yes, lots of work, but that is life in most businesses these days. My husband is contractor. They can give estimated date for any job they bid, even before the ground is cleared. Auctiva is not starting from the ground up, they are established company.

Yes, programing is not something that happens overnight, and it does not take a rocket scientist to know that. However, nothing happens of noone is working on it.

Ebay announced plans for this months ago, perhaps auctiva should have been "thinking" about it then. It is not new news that this was coming. It started June mid-June which is over a month ago.

Auctiva's suggestion was to list through them and then going to ebay and revising the listings. This is a time waster, and listing through ebay costs us more money because of pictures that we are paying to have hosted by auctiva.

However, if it is not something you will use that is why you do not care. Others do.

Passive people are never heard. Just like you said you sat back waiting on auctiva to change the fees back to do the right thing. Do you REALLY think that those fees would have been changed without someone raising the roof??? If so you are in fantasy land. If everyone sat back we would be paying LOTS OF $$$$$$$$$.

It is obvious that perhaps you are a recreational seller and do not care, others sell for a business and they are only asking for what we are paying for. We still need DATES for plans so we can either hold on those items that apply or list another method.

I am sorry if our posts steam you , as do most of the people who posts written but passive people get no where in life.

I think that ebay charges for each of the variations as a separate listing. So if I were to list 1 t-shirt with 4 sizes and 2 colors...it would be 8 x the listing fee. Also for each variation it counts as an item in your store. Does anyone know if that is correct? I love the templates from Auctiva and must have the multi-variation option in conjunction with the template to make an effective listing that sells.

Hi- This is cut and paste from ebay site. Unless I am totally mis-reading this, this is a great money saving device as well as huge time-saver. If anyone understands or interprets this differently, pls. let us know.



List multiple variations of a product including color and size in one 35¢ listing!

* Save on listing and photo fees
* List more in less time
* Manage inventory right from your listings
* Price each variation separately
* Great way to cross sell
* Get exposure for more inventory

Here is listing link from the Bay:

http://pages.ebay.com/sell/variation/

I have not tried to revise a listing, however, did go through ebay listing process last night for this, just to check prices. This is truly a piece of cake, there is no real learning curve all explained very well. (did hit one minor, very minor snag) I did mock listing of 11 pairs of shoes T $24.00 - $24.99 each pair. The cost to list 11 pairs was 35 cents for the listing, fixed price plus 15 cent for an extra picture I put in. So for 50 cents I could list 11 pairs of shoes all in one listing with one extra photo. Doing through auctiva, we should not have to pay for extra photos. I typically list shoes with 4 photos - 5 photos So doing through auctiva the savings would be very big when you multiple the listing fee X's 11 and the photos X's 4. Then multiply that by how many item you have. There is a chance for auctiva to make more money also, as more pictures will be added to their site simply because right now listing through ebay that is revenue auctiva may not see, as there is no real need to add those in auctiva when we can't list them through auctiva anyway.

IF anyone dares to try to revise a listing, let us know how that works. . may get courage to tackle that one later.. but sounds like a hassle to me.

Although I have some issues with Auctiva right now, I must defend them on this. This is a huge undertaking for them. Auctiva is just a speck of dust compared to ebay!

Give it some thought, they don't even have spell check anymore. I am pretty sure that spell check is a lot easier to program than multi-variations auctions.

Just something to think about....

Auctiva.. can you give us detailed directions on work around for this as a temporary solution. This will save lots of us trial and error and lots of time wasted trying to figure it all out.

You are right it is VERY unprofessional. I have done this type of listing as CHOICE listing for years and hated/hate doing this way because I too feel it is not polished looking.

We have beautiful templates, nice layout to listings and then blob. . no place to pick size without a separate email.

I talked to ebay this week and they are working on rolling out LOTS more categories according to person that called me.

I see a train wreck if auctiva plans on rolling out for all old and new categories at same time and tries to get those kinks out at same time.

Also. . Christmas is about 112 days away, YES, 112 days away. that is not long to roll this out this year and get kinks before we miss the Christmas business. Obviously, would be great to know we will get before Christmas day.

Auctiva.. we have been able to do "CHOICE" listings for YEARS and YEARS which is what we are still having to do. We need multiple listing.

*******Auctiva.. we asked for your go around for this.. please tell me you can at least figure out a logical go around besides choice listings.*******

Thanks, look forward to hearing more from Auctiva and other members.

Well here is the work around. I finally started listing directly thru ebay with the multi variation listings. It is much better for the customer to use with the "pulldown" tabs to select the size and color of my t shirts. Ebay gives you 12 pics per variation also and it is only 35 cents for 30 days for each listing. I have 3 colors and 6 sizes...18 variations for only 35 cents. No more "store" listing that don't show up in the search results either. Oh yeah the work around...I make the listing in Auctiva and then cut and paste from the preview page only the template part of the listing (animations, graphics, details,shipping,about us, etc) into an ebay listing that has been newly started with the variations enabled. Just use the "Sell Similar Item" command to start another after the first is done and cut and paste the Auctiva stuff into the "Describe Your Item" box. Check it out and let me know if I missed anything.

http://cgi.ebay.com/StG44-STUR...d=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

Bill

Auctiva.. can you give us information on this. This is July note from Tony. .

Can you give us current status??? It is October.. holidays are fast approaching. Would LOVE to use this.

Auctiva Tony M.
Auctiva Product Manager

Apprentice
Posted July 14, 2009 12:45 PM
As an FYI, Auctiva does not yet support multiple variation listings. We hope to do so later in the year.

Auctiva Tony M.
Sr. Product Manager, Auctiva.com

Can you give us current status??? It is October.. holidays are fast approaching. Would LOVE to use this through AUCTIVA system. It is now pretty much later this year.

quote:

Posted July 14, 2009 12:45 PM
As an FYI, Auctiva does not yet support multiple variation listings. We hope to do so later in the year.

Auctiva Tony M.
Sr. Product Manager, Auctiva.com

I don't use the multiple variation listings but I think Auciva should at least post some kind of update. Makes me wonder if the news is bad and that they are afraid they would lose some customers.

booklady

Hi - thanks for word of support there. It is appreciated very much. I personally think they are more likely to lose customers because of lack of response (which to me ='s lack of interest) than not having it at this point. (later perhaps they may lose).

However, my feeling is they need to find and post a go around for doing things they are not providing instead of sellers trying to constantly find their own.

I know of several people who have left lately because of lack of responses and vague responses to many issues.

If I do not answer a question on ebay the buyer would interpret as I am uninterested. I am getting same impression lately from auctiva. When they were debating the new fees they were HOT and HEAVY on the boards constantly! Wonder what happened after they got the fees? We no longer have live support (unless we are on $19.95 plan) and the answers I get from support are very bad lately and have lots of misinformation. (reminds me of ebays old responses a little bit).


Thanks again for your support.

There has been about 25 posts since their last appearence on August 3rd. You know they read this. Why won't they comment? They are quick to chime in on eBay's forums if anyone is complaing about Auctiva.

booklady

After much looking on this multiple variations, I find this link to day from auctiva.. perhaps this is where we need to put be giving our input since it is not being responded to here in a couple of months. They asked for reply??

https://community.auctiva.com/e...=909107061#909107061

Hi- I did write support request today on this and got quick reply. It said engineers are currently working to integrate with their services. This is large project & there is no ETA.

I also asked that this be replied to in forums rather than ignored.

I was also told that concerns can also be addressed through the support site. Sooooo.. .if this is something we want, I guess not only listing on forums, but we have to write support notes too.

I just assumed the forums would get response since Auctiva was hot and heavy on them with the fees discussion and on the commerce site. I did not want to bog down support with issues that did not relate to listing problems.

But.. now I am understanding that possibly we should do both. Maybe the squeaky wheel gets the grease, as commerce has been squeaking and they get lots of grease (though from what I could tell it is needed).

I also asked that the threads possibly be combined in one place so they are not straggling around out there. That way if we get response they will be on same thread.

Hope this helps some.. .figure at this point we have nothing to loose.

If you have not written support, I suggest gettin on with the gettin' on.

Thanks

Hello! Just popped in to check out another issue, and was surprised to see this old thread still going... and with no clear answers yet.

I've been using the multi variation feature directly through eBay since originally posting here. I really do like it... especially the lack of numerous auctions to keep track of. But the FVF is higher (I think 12% vs. 8% in the clothing category?) so there's a trade off, IMHO, at least with my low volume inventory. (i.e., if you're listing 100 items for one insertion fee, that's a huge savings... but when it's only 10, not so much.

As a result though, I'm becoming pretty comfortable navigating the SYI form at eBay. To the point that I don't list much through here anymore. I wonder how many sellers Auctiva is losing due to this?

While I'm here, my "other issue" is with regard to writing my Auctiva listings. Whenever I copy/paste text instead of typing it, the fonts, text size, and placement in the text box gets all screwed up. It will look fine until I hit "preview", and then it's all nutty. VERY frustrating. I'm about ready to give up here. Has anyone else had this problem?

****Off to check the board for related threads.**** Good luck everyone, and take care! Linda

You are right.. navigating the sell your item form is MUCH, MUCH easier than it use to be. I have used it also for multiple's a few times.. and like the form MUCH better than the old form for sure. It just is so much more logical than previous form.

Yes, I am astounded no responses. I know a couple of friends of mine have already left and a couple more who sell lots of multiples are going to do same.

Support implied that we need to write to them. . . guess they had rather 15 people write than read the forums and respond to everyone.

Gut feeling is they should have some estimate, if it is a year out, 2 years to work on, 6 months or whatever. Should be able to base this on how long it has taken other things to be put into place. Would be nice as seller to know so we can plan our sales listings.

Thanks for checking in .. . there are many threads on this.. and I have asked that they combine. . ???


The issue with the jumbling.. I have had same problem and I did not cut &^ paste. They told me to go in and select all, then hit the eraser. It clears the HTML from what I understand and then you can put in fonts, etc., as you wish. I was also told this is due to new software they are using that older listings do this??? Do not know if I was given correct info. I would sure write suppport.. .

BUMP.. BUMP.

Auctiva.. how about a bone, throw us dogs a bone, to keep us quiet. have not heard from you since August on the forums???

We need to be able to plan also and get ready to use this feature when and if it becomes available.

This will be a big job for sellers too at the start, so we do need to PLAN.

Very interesting.....auctiva can remove a link but can not reply to the simple ? of when multi will be supported.

I quit this site not paying 9.95 a month for nothing

quote:

The issue with the jumbling.. I have had same problem and I did not cut &^ paste. They told me to go in and select all, then hit the eraser. It clears the HTML from what I understand and then you can put in fonts, etc., as you wish. I was also told this is due to new software they are using that older listings do this??? Do not know if I was given correct info. I would sure write suppport.. .

Thanks for the help, lookandbuy! I think it must be because I'm recycling old (similar) listings rather than starting from scratch. Good to know!

I tried the eraser trick, which seems to have helped a bit, but didn't correct everything. I'm still finding sentences out of order, for example.

I wasted an hour this morning on a single listing! I finally gave up, erased the whole thing, and typed the description manually. What a PITA. I guess I'll need to write up some new listings from scratch to eliminate the software issue. (Though the main reason I've stayed on here is so I don't lose my older listings and photos...) Thanks again!

Linda B, sometimes when I can't get that to work I open notepad, cut and paste description in it. Then recopy from notepad and put into listing. Sometimes when the magic eraser does not work, that helps. I use both and usually one works pretty well. I have also done just a couple of lines that give me a hard time.

Glad it worked, it took me forever to realize the problem was not one I necessarily created.

Good luck.
Vickie


http://stores.shop.ebay.com/VICKIES-VARIETY?_rdc=1

Sexybiggals.. I do find it interesting that they are scouring posts for auctiva violations, but can't respond.

Yesterday someone had posted numerous forums link that recommended another site and the links were removed within hours. (it is violation of policy to post those links so was Auctivas right to do so). However, I do find scouring boards for violations interesting in light of fact that we have had no response since August. Seems rather than scouring for violations time could be spent answering questions.

I wish person had posted on THIS forum so we would know that this is at least being read. To remove violation link, it would have to have been read at least?

Hopefully at some point we will hear form them in forum. Guess responding may cause more people to jump on forum wanting this.


Auctiva.. how about some response here.

Vickie

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/VICKIES-VARIETY?_rdc=1

The most irritating part of this to me was fact that an announcement should have been sent so that we did not continue to use old ones. So rather than waste our time we re-did them from scratch and used from there. rather than continued multiplying the problem by continuing to do more off of the old.

I understand software changes, I do not understand keeping us in the dark.

I wrote to support on Thursday 22nd of October asking about the Multiple Variation update. Here is cut & paste of what I received.


Brandon B.
Support

Posted Thursday, 10/22/2009 10:01 AM

Hello,

I just got word that our engineers are currently working to integrate the new multi-variation listing feature with our services. This is a large project and there currently is no ETA for it's arrival.


I also asked if all of the threads on this could possibly be combined.

Got this note in part back:

I will forward on your comments to have the forum updated with info about the multi-variation feature and its ETA. I will also forward on a request to have those threads combined. I am not sure if this is possible but will forward it on to moderator.

I wrote on Monday November 2nd asking if this could be forwarded to moderator and how frustrating receiving no responses in the forums is.


I received this note on Tuesday 3rd


Brandon B.
Support

Posted Tuesday, 11/3/2009 12:02 PM

Hello,

I have forwarded your comments on to the forum moderator but I do not expect any update in the forums on this topic for the time being, as there no new developments on that feature at this time.

I also asked why they wanted discussion if they were not going to discuss? And mentioned that the discussion thread was opened after this was already being discussed.

Tonight I got this response:


Brandon B.
Support

Posted Tuesday, 11/3/2009 2:30 PM

Hello,

Correct, I have no further news on this feature from our developers. We asked for discussion on this topic to judge how many users want this feature is to our customer base. However, many other factors play into the decision of adding this feature and at this time there is no further update on this feature.

I asked if this is being worked on or NOT? So we can get on with the getting on. Here is response I received today:

As I have previously stated at this time there is no update on that feature and when it will be available. Currently it is still in the decision process.


So.. am assuming first response was not totally true and find it quite disturbing that noone can tell us.


It is being worked on with no ETA. . OR is it still under discussion. Simple question. It is deceptive to lead us along only to find that it is not being worked on at all.

Auctiva.. if I am interpreting this incorrectly, please feel free to correct the information.

I feel like I am beating a dead horse here.




Anyone else want this?? If so. .we better start speaking up in forums and in emails.

Ebay is introducing more categories for this.. and as more are introduced this will become more useable for many more sellers.

If you are interested in this or may be in the future, how is the time to write support and in the forums. they need to know that we want this.
Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by lookandbuyme:

Anyone else want this?? If so. .we better start speaking up in forums and in emails.

Thanks

Looks like you and a handful of others are the only ones who want this. As you said, you are beating a dead horse. IF they are working on it (?), I'm sure bugging them several times a day about it isn't helping the cause. Seriously, why would they be working on something for a small bunch of people who do nothing but complain and bad mouth them all day on the boards? That sure as heck wouldn't motivate me to work any faster! lol But thats just my two cents.....
What other ebay listing services offer this now? Has anyone looked into that? I'm curious. Maybe that will light a fire under the "powers that be" and they'll get a move on.

First, auctiva are the ones who suggested we write them through support. Isn't that what it is for? If we have a question, they are not responding to, we need to go to support?

We really do not know how many people want it, do we? Auctiva told me there are requests for it? Plus, The forum threads are spread all quite a bit and I have asked they be combined. If auctiva can close a thread, surely they can combine a thread to put it all in one place. However, the discussion thread Auctiva opened was opened AFTER all of the other threads had begun so this was not a case where a new thread began after auctiva opened one on it.


My point at this point is that I was PURE lied to. People need to know if they were told it is being worked on by support that it is not. That it is being discussed. I have a huge problem with deception. You do not say you are working on a project when you later say you are NOT WORKING on IT. I would be fired from my job for that. Just come on the post and say it, then you do not have to lie about what you are doing? I am sure this happened because support only read the very last note written, not what they had already written.


I will continue to pursue this, and hope others who will use it do too. Of course, if we do not post, it will never happen it will become an inactive thread, right? If we do not write support they do not know we want it right?
Guess I am confused as to how we let them know we want it if we let forum die and do not write support? Any suggestions on letting them know if we just quite writing and quit on forums?

I am sure commerce would NEVER happened if they had not been dogged by the people who used them by forums and support requests.


I do not know what you are talking about trashing them on the boards. A handful of people? I see issues ALL over the BOARDS by all groups, especially commerce group. (and I do not blame some of them). If I have a problem, yes, I do write it, I thought that was what boards were for? but trash them, no I just tell it like it is that day.

Incidentally, the support people and the engineering team who implement these changes and two different groups. So writing support really has nothing to do with implementation of new features, other than they can pass on messages, so the more we write the more messages will be passed.

As far as what others are offering - We are not allowed on forums to mention auctiva competitors and what they do and do not offer, it is a violation of auctiva policy and I do not blame them for that policy. I am sure they know who has it and who does not though, as surely competitors keep up with each other, especially in this dog eat dog world.

We all know that most people have not even tried it. Some know NOTHING about it. I don't know what you sell so not sure if you could use it or not, but even if you can't today, you never know what you may sell next week, year? This is for sure not for the casual lister that list things around the house, it is more for people who have inventory of like items. If it were available I am sure it would be used a lot.

I know this is the wave of most online stores, Amazon uses, it, ALL department stores use it, All Shoe Stores Use It. Cosmetic companies use it. I really can't think of a website I have been to that does NOT use it. If you go online I can't think of a company that does not use it now. I am pretty sure Auctiva commerce even uses it now. Obviously, ebay put a huge amount of thought into it before they started using it and decided this was sure an asset to them as well as the seller. It helps boost sales, it is easier to navigate than looking thorough hundereds and thousands of listings for your size. It stops from bogging down sites because you have an item listed one time, it saves the companies storage space because they are doing one listing rather than 200 - 500 or more different listings. One person does not bog it down much.. but thousands and thousands, yep will sure make a difference.

I am sorry if this is not a feature you want, we all are interested in what only "we" want for ourselves. I try to see the overall picture. There are lots of things needed and some I would sure place over this that would be used more by community as a whole.

Thanks for your 2 cents worth. As all opinions count on the forums.

By "working on it", Auctiva might have a Post-It note on their bulletin board to someday get around tuit.


The wheel is turning but the hamster is dead.

quote:

I do not know what you are talking about trashing them on the boards. A handful of people? I see issues ALL over the BOARDS by all groups, especially commerce group

Lookandbuyme, I was specifically referring to the ones complaining about the variations option. Sorry to get your feathers all ruffled up.

I am aware of the policy about referring to other companies on the boards. I was just curious! Can't someone say "yes, I did look at other companies and yes they did have this feature" ? Just making a suggestion since there's a few people who believe this is a live-or-die feature that they must have RIGHT NOW. Please forgive me.

Okay I'll get off of this thread and leave it to you folks. now go to your corners and come out swinging!!!! Ding!!!!!

Booklady.. post it on bulletin board, more like the circular file - HA!!

Dreamin. .
It takes a whole lot more than this to ruffle my feathers. . a whole lot more. However, from reading your posts I can't help but wonder if you are employed as an Auctiva Goodwill Ambassador. Especially since you do not put a store name or link on any of your listings?

It appeared as tough your note about trashing was directed at the people on this thread. If a discussion of what we want and why we can't get response since August is trashing, then so be it. I would think auctiva is much tougher than that. I have seen no trashing of Auctiva on this thread. And if people giving their opinion is considered trashing by you or others, please read lots of the other forums. this is very mild compared to some of the forums I see.

Furthermore, nobody has said this is live or die feature, I can't find that anywhere? It is feature ebay introduced and is used worldwide by most companies now that sell online. No one said RIGHT NOW, I can't seem to locate where that came from? We just would like to know the truth about it. Worked on, not worked on? This year, never, 5 years from now. Simple. The notes on forum from auctiva really state 2 different things. As did the notes I received from support.


What other ebay listing services offer this now?

quote:

This was question asked, so I answered that it is violation of policy. However, YES to answer to answer your question. However, as with all companies, including auctiva, this is large undertaking and we fully understand that.

I am sure your input is appreciated on all of the threads, after all that is what they are for. For us to disucss, for others to respond, for auctiva to respond. I believe they are also to ask questions, such as this. If it were not for the forums how would they even know we wanted this? I do not expect them to be psychic. We really do not know who is asking because of various threads and we are not privy to support requests asking about this.

Do you think the original fees would have been lowered drastically if people had not gotten on the forums and support, would commerce be around if they had not? Would we now have live edit feature if they had not requested this. Spell-check back for those who do use it? There are lots of great features that we would not have if it had not been for the people like Michelle, So-Cal Cindy, (who I have not seen post from in awhile, Granny Vixen, Covered Bridge. . And many, many others.


As far as come out swinging? Do not know where that came from. . maybe that is your philosphy and way of doing things.. just come out swinging?? I prefer a truthful discussion to swinging as swinging usually gets one nowhere.

Thanks for your input.